- Recommended
Kurpfälzisches Museum
Heidelberg’s main city museum with archaeology, paintings, decorative arts, and regional history in a historic palace on Hauptstraße.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 48 m
Trains per day
29
Distance
210 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Heidelberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Heidelberg will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 29 trains that leave Cologne for Heidelberg on Tue, Jun 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct trains cover the 210 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 1 h 51 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.
IC 1946 · S3
IC 1644 · S3
ICE 29 · ICE 1095+
24519
ICE 217
IC 2013 · 19275
ICE 915 · S3
ICE 919 · S3
ICE 913 · S3
ICE 515 · S3
ICE 517 · S3Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $534.
Distance: 130 miles (210 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$60 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $534 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Heidelberg:
A bus is $35 (€29) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Heidelberg costing on average $60 (€48).
A bus is $509 (€412) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Heidelberg costing on average $534 (€432).
Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 17m.
Flight takes on average 3h 20m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 34m by train vs 2h 44m by car). Tickets start at around $60 (€48) compared to roughly $47 (€38) 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Heidelberg trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 827 · ICE 1699 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h52 | 6:13 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 911 · S3 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h58 | 7:23 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 511 · 19259 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h00 | 7:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1648 · S3 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h24 | 10:17 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 101 · 19265 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h54 | 8:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 913 · S3 | On time 7:30 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h46 | 9:16 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 25 · ICE 1093+ 24511 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h18 | 11:11 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 513 · S3 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 9:45 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1940 · S1 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h30 | 12:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · 19269 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h54 | 10:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · S3 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h45 | 11:16 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27 · ICE 211+ 24515 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h18 | 1:11 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · S3 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h50 | 11:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 217 | On time 9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h06 | 12:04 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2013 · 19275 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h55 | 1:48 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 · 19273 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h54 | 12:48 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 225 · S3 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h58 | 1:16 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 29 · ICE 1095+ 24519 | On time 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h18 | 3:11 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 517 · S3 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 1:45 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1644 · S3 | 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h25 | 4:18 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1644 · S3 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h25 | 4:18 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 · 19277 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h54 | 2:48 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 919 · S3 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h46 | 3:16 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 229 · ICE 1291+ 24523 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h18 | 5:11 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 519 · S3 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 3:46 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1946 · S3 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h23 | 6:16 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 · 19281 | On time 2:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h54 | 4:48 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Heidelberg run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $17 (€13) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 130 miles (210 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 130 miles (210 km) |
Average train duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Heidelberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heidelberg trip today.
Heidelberg’s main city museum with archaeology, paintings, decorative arts, and regional history in a historic palace on Hauptstraße.
Specialized museum inside Heidelberg Castle presenting the history of pharmacy, medicine jars, laboratories, and historic remedies.
Modern anatomy museum with plastinated human specimens, focused on health, the body, and medical education.
Heidelberg’s old town is the city’s essential walking area, packed with historic streets, churches, shops, and classic views.
Famous hillside path with sweeping views over Heidelberg, the river, and the castle; especially popular for photos.
One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, ideal for strolling through the heart of the old town.
A regional Palatinate specialty near Heidelberg made from pork, potatoes and spices stuffed into a stomach casing, then sliced and pan-fried. It is one of the best-known traditional dishes of the area
Large Swabian stuffed pasta pockets often filled with minced meat, spinach, onions and herbs, commonly served in broth or fried. They are widely eaten in Baden-Württemberg, including Heidelberg
Soft egg noodles typical of southern Germany, often served as a side with gravies or prepared as Käsespätzle with cheese and fried onions. A staple comfort food in the region
Long-established fine dining restaurant in nearby Heidelberg-Handschuhsheim, respected for refined cuisine and formal service in an elegant historic setting
Historic, well-known Old Town restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes in a lively, rustic setting. Popular for schnitzel, sausages and traditional atmosphere
One of Heidelberg’s most famous traditional inns, known for classic German cooking, historic interiors and a long-standing student and visitor following
Moderate by German standards. Student spots are affordable, but central hotels and tourist-area dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up for cafés and taxis; in restaurants, 5-10% is customary for good service. Tip in cash or tell the server the total amount when paying.
Official public transport app
Heidelberg Hbf, Heidelberg -> Bismarckplatz, Heidelberg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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