- Must visit
Internationales Wind- und Wassermühlen-Museum
Open-air museum with mills from many countries, crafts, and large grounds. It is Gifhorn's signature cultural attraction and the town's top museum visit.
Cheapest price
$162
Average price
$162
Fastest journey
3 h 59 m
Average duration
3 h 59 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
302 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Gifhorn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Gifhorn will cost around $162 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $162.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cologne for Gifhorn on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 59 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 3 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Gifhorn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $432.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$137 Average price | $516 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 42m Average total duration 3h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 52m Average total duration 9h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Gifhorn:
A bus is $89 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Gifhorn costing on average $137 (€112).
A bus is $468 (€381) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Gifhorn costing on average $516 (€421).
Other travel options to Gifhorn take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 42m.
Bus takes on average 9h 22m.
You'll arrive about 59m sooner (3h 18m by train vs 4h 17m by car). Tickets start at around $137 (€112) compared to roughly $64 (€52) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Gifhorn run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $104 (€85) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:31, the last at 23:31. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 3h 59m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $104 (€85) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 59m |
First train 12:31 AM |
Last train 11:31 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Gifhorn — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gifhorn trip today.
Open-air museum with mills from many countries, crafts, and large grounds. It is Gifhorn's signature cultural attraction and the town's top museum visit.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions inside Gifhorn Castle covering regional history, art, and culture in a memorable historic setting.
Municipal gallery space for rotating contemporary art, photography, and local cultural exhibitions. A useful stop for current creative work in town.
Historic center with shops, civic buildings, and easy walking routes. It is the best area for seeing Gifhorn's everyday character and main sights together.
Central square often used for markets and events. It is a practical orientation point and a good place to experience local town life.
Green riverside zone near the castle, ideal for strolling, relaxing, and photographing Gifhorn's water-rich landscape and historic skyline.
Hearty Lower Saxony kale stew with smoked sausage and potatoes. A classic winter dish widely eaten across the region around Gifhorn.
Sour marinated beef in a rich sweet-sour gravy, usually served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. A long-standing North German Sunday favorite.
Pan-fried potatoes with onions and bacon, often served as a side or simple meal. A beloved everyday staple in Lower Saxony homes and inns.
Well-known local venue serving Greek and Mediterranean dishes in an informal, family-friendly atmosphere popular with residents.
Established hotel restaurant with seasonal German cuisine and a calm, polished atmosphere suitable for a more refined meal.
Traditional German inn in Gifhorn known for regional dishes and hearty classics in a relaxed, rustic setting.
Gifhorn is moderate for Germany: dining and hotels are usually cheaper than major cities, while local transit and everyday costs remain fairly standard.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and small change is fine at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gifhorn Bahnhof -> Gifhorn Marktplatz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Gifhorn 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 Gifhorn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Gifhorn trains use the Köln Hbf to Gifhorn station pair, with some services arriving at Gifhorn Stadt. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Gifhorn 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-Chorweiler is 10 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Chorweiler 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: Weiler Kebap, Başak Grill, Le'zzet, Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Chorweiler. ATMs are available at Köln-Chorweiler.
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Chorweiler. Information desks are available at Köln-Chorweiler.
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Chorweiler. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln-Chorweiler: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln-Chorweiler: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Chorweiler.
Nearby hotels include Haus Wester.
Gifhorn is 2 km from Gifhorn city centre. Public transport options include:
Gifhorn 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: ANNA, La Cantina
Wi-Fi is available at Gifhorn. ATMs are available at Gifhorn.
Ticket office support is available at Gifhorn. Information desks are available at Gifhorn.
Luggage storage is available at Gifhorn. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gifhorn: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gifhorn: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gifhorn.
Gifhorn Stadt 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: Restaurant Flutmulde, Restaurant TC Grün-Weiß-Gifhorn, La Piazza, Mr.Barman's Bier- & Weinkeller
Wi-Fi is available at Gifhorn Stadt. ATMs are available at Gifhorn Stadt.
Ticket office support is available at Gifhorn Stadt. Information desks are available at Gifhorn Stadt.
Luggage storage is available at Gifhorn Stadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gifhorn Stadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gifhorn Stadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gifhorn Stadt.
Nearby hotels include Ratsschänke, Alte Münze.
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