- Must visit
Mathematikum
Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits for all ages, especially popular with families and curious adults.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$53
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$58
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 h 12 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 h 22 m
Trains on Sep 19
5
Distance
126 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Giessen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Giessen will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Giessen without transferring at least once.
ICE 119 · ICE 25+
24632
ICE 529+
15110
ICE 2513 · ICE 25+
24632
10907+
15107
ICE 11+
24788
ICE 529+
15110
ICE 11+
24788
10907+
15107
ICE 119 · ICE 25+
24632
ICE 2513 · ICE 25+
24632Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Giessen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, while a train costs an average of $83.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $30 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Giessen:
A bus is $62 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Giessen costing on average $83 (€68).
Other travel options to Giessen take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 26m.
Tickets start at around $83 (€68) compared to roughly $30 (€25) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-52.98 (€-43.35). The journey takes 2h 6m versus 1h 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Giessen trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 11+ 24788 | On time 8:19 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h15 | 10:34 AM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
10907+ 15107 | 8:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h25 | 10:47 AM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1513+ 15110 | On time 8:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h30 | 10:59 AM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529+ 15110 | On time 8:47 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h12 | 10:59 AM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 15+ 24796 | On time 12:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h16 | 2:34 PM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
10915+ 15111 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h25 | 2:47 PM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1517+ 15114 | On time 12:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h30 | 2:59 PM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 627+ 15114 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h14 | 2:59 PM Giessen station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cologne to Giessen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 1h 41m.
Distance 78 miles (126 km) |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Giessen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Giessen trip today.
Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits for all ages, especially popular with families and curious adults.
Giessen’s leading art museum with changing exhibitions, regional works, and modern presentation in a central location.
Birthplace memorial museum for physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, highlighting his life, discoveries, and scientific impact.
Botanical garden founded in the university tradition, valued for plant diversity, calm atmosphere, and seasonal beauty.
Historic monastery hill on the city edge, popular for walks, views, and combining nature with heritage architecture.
Central square framed by major civic buildings, useful as an orientation point and hub for events and city walks.
A Hessian potato soup often served with sausage. It is simple regional comfort food long linked to home cooking in central Hesse.
A rustic sour milk cheese from Hesse, usually served with onions, vinegar and oil. It is one of the region's most iconic tavern dishes.
Green sauce made with seven fresh herbs, traditionally eaten with eggs and potatoes. A classic Hessian spring and summer dish.
Refined restaurant known for modern seasonal cuisine and an elegant atmosphere, suited for a higher-end dinner.
Popular beer garden and casual dining spot with German dishes and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere by the Lahn.
Traditional Hessian brewery restaurant serving regional classics and beer in a lively rustic setting near the center.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are fairly priced, and local transit is reasonable. Costs are usually lower than Frankfurt or Munich.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Giessen Bahnhof -> Marktplatz Giessen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Giessen by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Giessen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Giessen trains use the Köln Hbf to Gießen station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Giessen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Gießen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Aydin Grill, Südwinde, Subway, Alt Giessen
Wi-Fi is available at Gießen. ATMs are available at Gießen.
Ticket office support is available at Gießen. Information desks are available at Gießen.
Luggage storage is available at Gießen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gießen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gießen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gießen.
Nearby hotels include Liebig-Hotel, Hotel Flamingo, Hotel Köhler, Hotel Adler.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need