- Must visit
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory
Flagship museum in Oskar Schindler’s former factory, presenting Kraków under Nazi occupation through immersive historical displays.
Cheapest price
€80
Average price
€147
Fastest journey
11 h 58 m
Average duration
12 h 48 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
923 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Kraków is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Kraków will cost around €147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €80.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Kraków without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 857 · 21889 · IC 2179 · EC 133
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 621 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 859 · 3352 · EC 55
ICE 859 · 3352 · EC 55
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 621 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 857 · 21889 · IC 2179 · EC 133Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kraków among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €35, and a flight costs an average of €138.
Distance: 573 miles (923 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€131 Average price | €63 Average price Cheapest | €487 Average price | €169 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 52m Average total duration 12h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 17m Average total duration 14h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 28m Average total duration Fastest 6h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 5.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Kraków:
A bus is €68 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Kraków costing on average €131.
A bus is €423 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Kraków costing on average €487.
Other travel options to Kraków take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 22m.
Bus takes on average 14h 47m.
Tickets start at around €131 compared to roughly €169 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €38. The journey takes 12h 22m versus 11h 14m 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 Kraków trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 619 · RJX 61 · EC 204 | Delayed 10:03 PM 12:06 AMCologne Hbf | 17h48 | 5:54 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · ICE 604 · ICE 1553 | Delayed 10:03 PM 12:06 AMCologne Hbf | 17h18 | 5:24 PM Kraków Główny | 6 transfers | |
ICE 629 · IC 406 · EC 431 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 16h48 | 6:33 AM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
ICE 629 · IC 416 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 17h37 | 7:22 AM Kraków Główny | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, August 14 | |||||
ICE 857 · 21889 · IC 2179 · EC 133 | On time 8:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h34 | 10:29 PM Kraków Główny | 3 transfers | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | On time 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h11 | 10:29 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
ICE 621 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h44 | 10:29 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | On time 9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h31 | 10:29 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
ICE 859 · 3352 · EC 55 | On time 11:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h58 | 11:43 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Kraków run on average 8 times per day, taking around 12h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €52 but you can travel from only €35 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 573 miles (923 km) distance in 12h 5m.
Distance 573 miles (923 km) |
Average train duration 12h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price €52 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 12h 5m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Kraków — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kraków trip today.
Flagship museum in Oskar Schindler’s former factory, presenting Kraków under Nazi occupation through immersive historical displays.
Branch of the Czartoryski Museum famed for Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine and important European decorative arts.
Underground archaeological museum beneath the Main Square, revealing medieval streets, artifacts, and the city’s early trade history.
Historic district south of the Old Town, known for synagogues, courtyards, layered history, and one of Kraków’s best walking atmospheres.
Medieval core of Kraków packed with churches, squares, lanes, and landmarks; the city’s essential area for first-time visitors.
Leafy park ring replacing the old city walls, ideal for a relaxed walk around the Old Town between major sights.
Obwarzanek Krakowski is Kraków’s iconic ring-shaped bread, chewy and topped with salt, poppy or sesame. It has protected status and is sold from blue street stalls.
Maczanka Krakowska is a traditional Kraków sandwich of slow-cooked pork in a soft roll, often called a local ancestor of pulled pork sandwiches.
Pierogi are dumplings common in Kraków, often filled with meat, potato and cheese, or seasonal fruit. They are a staple of Polish home cooking and milk bars.
Popular traditional venue near the center serving hearty Polish specialties in a rustic cellar atmosphere with strong local character.
Well-known milk bar for budget-friendly Polish comfort food such as pierogi, soups, and pancakes in a simple local canteen setting.
Historic restaurant on the Main Square known for classic Polish dishes, elegant interiors, and traditional service in a landmark setting.
More affordable than many Western European city breaks. Dining and transit are low-cost, while central hotels can rise in peak season.
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. In restaurants, round up or leave 10%. Tip taxis by rounding up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is common.
Official public transport app
Kraków Główny -> Rynek Główny, Kraków
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Kraków 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 Kraków, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Kraków trains use the Köln Hbf to Kraków Główny station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kraków 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.
Kraków Główny is 1 km from Kraków city centre. Public transport options include:
Kraków Główny has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restauracja Browar Lubicz, Bistro Bene by Tomasz Leśniak
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kraków Główny. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kraków Główny. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kraków Główny: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kraków Główny: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kraków Główny: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto, PURO Kraków Stare Miasto, Vienna House Andel's Cracow.
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