- Must visit
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Major Old Masters gallery in Wilhelmshöhe Palace with works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Dürer in a grand historic setting.
Cheapest price on Sep 07
€51
Average ticket price on Sep 07
€76
Fastest journey on Sep 07
2 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 07
2 h 51 m
Trains on Sep 07
9
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Kassel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Kassel will cost around €76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €51.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Kassel without transferring at least once.
17418 · 26721
ICE 315 · ICE 72
ICE 629 · ICE 370
ICE 119 · ICE 992
ICE 123 · ICE 578
ICE 119 · ICE 992
ICE 103 · ICE 992
ICE 11 · ECE 8
ICE 315 · ICE 72
ICE 123 · ICE 578Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kassel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €20 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €20, while a flight costs an average of €511.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€49 Average price | €20 Average price Cheapest | €511 Average price | €37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration 4h 13m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 58m 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 Kassel:
A bus is €29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Kassel costing on average €49.
A bus is €491 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Kassel costing on average €511.
Other travel options to Kassel take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 38m.
Flight takes on average 4h 13m.
Tickets start at around €49 compared to roughly €37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-12.31. The journey takes 3h 38m versus 2h 58m 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 Kassel trains for today, Sunday, September 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1517+ 15014 | On time 12:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h27 | 4:56 PM Kassel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 559 · ICE 881 | On time 12:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h37 | 4:21 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 · ICE 796 | Delayed 11:22 AM 12:56 PMCologne Hbf | 2h50 | 3:46 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, September 7 | |||||
ICE 11 · ECE 8 | On time 8:19 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h52 | 11:11 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1513+ 15010 | On time 8:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h27 | 12:56 PM Kassel Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · ICE 992 | On time 8:56 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h50 | 11:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 1 transfer | |
ICE 119 · ICE 992 | On time 9:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h46 | 11:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 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 Kassel run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 3h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Kassel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kassel trip today.
Major Old Masters gallery in Wilhelmshöhe Palace with works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Dürer in a grand historic setting.
Contemporary art venue in a former spa building, best known as a key documenta location with rotating international exhibitions.
Compact museum on the Grimm brothers in the Palais Bellevue, highlighting their lives, scholarship and worldwide fairy-tale legacy.
UNESCO World Heritage hillside park with water features, woodland paths, monuments and some of Kassel's most spectacular panoramic views.
Baroque riverside park ideal for strolling, with canals, lawns, the Orangery and seasonal flower displays near the city center.
Central square framed by major museums and civic buildings, often used for events and known as one of Germany's largest urban plazas.
A green herb sauce from nearby Hesse, served cold with potatoes and eggs. It is a regional classic tied to spring herbs and everyday home cooking.
Air-dried, cured pork sausage from North Hesse. Its smoky, robust flavor makes it a staple of local snack platters and tavern food.
A hearty stew of potatoes and pork, often enriched with vegetables. It is traditional in North Hesse and valued as warming rural comfort food.
Upscale restaurant in Schlosshotel Bad Wilhelmshöhe known for refined seasonal cuisine and an elegant setting near Kassel’s parklands.
Historic venue in the Wilhelmshöhe area with classic German cooking, cakes, and a grand setting suited to a relaxed meal after sightseeing.
Traditional Hessian brewery restaurant serving regional dishes and beer in a rustic, lively atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Frankfurt or Munich, while local transit and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Round up or tip 5-10% in restaurants for good service. In taxis, round up the fare. In cafes, small change or rounding up is customary.
Official public transport app
Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe -> Kassel Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Kassel 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 Kassel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Kassel trains use the Köln Hbf to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe station pair, with some services arriving at Kassel Hbf. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kassel 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 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.
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.
Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe is 3 km from Kassel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe 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: Matterhorn-Stübli, Biond Restaurant, Schwälmer Brotladen, Kleine Konoba
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. ATMs are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Information desks are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Nearby hotels include InterCityHotel, Schweizer Hof, Kurfürst Wilhelm I., Kurparkhotel.
Kassel 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: HermannS, Eckstein, Lohmann, Il Convento
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kassel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kassel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Rathaus, Stadthotel, Arosa Hotel, Foto-Motel.
Kassel-Oberzwehren is 5 km from Kassel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kassel-Oberzwehren 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: Zum Langen Feld, Eichholz, Café Backlust, La Fontana Blu
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel-Oberzwehren. ATMs are available at Kassel-Oberzwehren.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel-Oberzwehren. Information desks are available at Kassel-Oberzwehren.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel-Oberzwehren. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel-Oberzwehren: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel-Oberzwehren: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel-Oberzwehren.
Nearby hotels include Eichholz.
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