- Must visit
experimenta
Large science center with hands-on exhibits, labs, and a striking architecture on the Neckar. One of Heilbronn’s best-known visitor attractions for families and curious adults.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
257 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Heilbronn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Heilbronn will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Heilbronn without transferring at least once.
IC 1940 · 19273
ICE 1225 · ICE 225 · 19072
ICE 515 · 19271
ICE 103 · 19269
ICE 915 · 19068
ICE 103 · 19269
ICE 515 · 19271
ICE 915 · 19068
ICE 1225 · ICE 225 · 19072
IC 1940 · 19273Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Heilbronn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 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 $24, and a flight costs an average of $188.
Distance: 159 miles (257 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$88 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $472 Average price | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.5kg 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 Heilbronn:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Heilbronn costing on average $88 (€71).
A bus is $435 (€352) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Heilbronn costing on average $472 (€382).
Other travel options to Heilbronn take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 39m.
Bus takes on average 4h 53m.
Tickets start at around $88 (€71) compared to roughly $58 (€47) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.47 (€-23.84). The journey takes 3h 34m versus 3h 26m 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 Heilbronn trains for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 519 · 19279 | Delayed 12:10 PM 1:54 PMCologne Hbf | 2h57 | 4:51 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1946 · 19245 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 7:49 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 · 15855 | Delayed 1:04 PM 2:54 PMCologne Hbf | 3h28 | 6:22 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 · ICE 599 · 19096 | Delayed 1:04 PM 2:54 PMCologne Hbf | 3h22 | 6:16 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1011 · 19328 | On time 3:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h57 | 6:27 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 927 · ICE 1013 · 19084 | 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h54 | 8:47 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 · 15857 | 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h28 | 7:22 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 611 · 19330 | 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h32 | 7:26 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1948 · S2 · 19249 | On time 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 9:49 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 201 · 19245 | Delayed 2:59 PM 4:54 PMCologne Hbf | 2h55 | 7:49 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1013 · 19084 | On time 5:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h15 | 8:47 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 929 · ICE 1015 · 19336 | 5:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h33 | 10:26 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 613 · 19247 | 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h57 | 8:51 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1640 · 19251 | 6:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 11:00 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 203 · ICE 693 · 19356 | 6:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 10:01 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 203 · 15863 | 6:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h28 | 10:22 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1015 · 19336 | On time 7:24 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h02 | 10:26 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 615 · 19251 | 7:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 11:00 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 205 · 19253 | On time 8:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h05 | 11:59 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 617 · S3 · 19255 | 9:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h31 | 1:25 AM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 60403 · S4 | On time 11:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h11 | 6:04 AM Heilbronn Bahnhofsvorplatz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 619 · 19200 | 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 4:52 AM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, June 4 | |||||
IC 1940 · 19273 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 1:49 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · 19269 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h55 | 11:49 AM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · 19068 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h16 | 12:47 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 225 · 19072 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h54 | 2:47 PM Heilbronn Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · 19271 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h57 | 12:51 PM Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€41) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 159 miles (257 km) |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€41) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Heilbronn — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heilbronn trip today.
Large science center with hands-on exhibits, labs, and a striking architecture on the Neckar. One of Heilbronn’s best-known visitor attractions for families and curious adults.
Major technology museum within easy reach of Heilbronn, famous for aircraft, cars, and large-scale engineering exhibits. A strong regional day-trip option.
Municipal art gallery presenting modern and contemporary exhibitions in a central riverside location. A strong choice for temporary shows and regional art.
Popular riverside promenade with modern urban design, walking routes, and good views of the Neckar. One of the most contemporary faces of Heilbronn.
Central square of Heilbronn, surrounded by historic references and everyday city life. A natural starting point for exploring the old center.
Hill area above the city known for views, vineyards, and walking paths. A favorite local escape and a strong sunset viewpoint.
Swabian pasta pockets traditionally filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, served in broth or pan-fried. A classic regional specialty widely eaten in Heilbronn and Württemberg.
Soft egg noodles typical of Swabia, often served as a side dish or prepared as Käsespätzle with cheese and onions. They are a staple comfort food in the Heilbronn area.
A rich Swabian dish of Spätzle layered with melted cheese and topped with fried onions. Popular across Baden-Württemberg and commonly found in traditional restaurants.
Established fine-dining restaurant in a historic setting, known for refined regional cuisine and an upscale atmosphere in Heilbronn.
Stylish restaurant and wine venue focusing on Württemberg wines and seasonal regional dishes, popular for elegant dining and tastings.
Traditional German restaurant with classic Swabian dishes in a rustic setting, suitable for trying hearty local specialties.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are affordable, while hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafes and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Heilbronn Hbf, Heilbronn -> Heilbronn Marktplatz, Heilbronn
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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