- Must visit
Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts Lausanne (MCBA)
Flagship art museum in the Plateforme 10 district, with major Swiss and international works from past centuries to today.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$87
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$168
Fastest journey on Aug 29
6 h 12 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
6 h 20 m
Trains on Aug 29
21
Distance
492 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Lausanne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Lausanne will cost around $168 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Lausanne without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 965 · IR 2516
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 1618
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 623 · IC 902
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 1624
IC 2348 · ICE 277 · IC 969 · IR 2520
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 623 · IC 902
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 623 · IC 902
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 1624
ICE 103 · IC 971 · IR 2522
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 1624Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Lausanne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $85 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $85, while a flight costs an average of $524.
Distance: 305 miles (492 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$128 Average price | $85 Average price Cheapest | $524 Average price | $194 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 15m Average total duration 11h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 2.9kg 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 Lausanne:
A bus is $43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Lausanne costing on average $128.
A bus is $439 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Lausanne costing on average $524.
Other travel options to Lausanne take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 38m.
Bus takes on average 11h 45m.
The journey is about 39m faster (6h 38m by train vs 7h 17m by car) and roughly $66 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($128 vs $194). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lausanne trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2574 · ICE 373 · IC 981 · IR 2532 | Delayed 10:58 AM 12:53 PMCologne Hbf | 7h27 | 8:20 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 107 · IR 2530 | Delayed 11:27 AM 12:54 PMCologne Hbf | 6h26 | 7:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 919 · ICE 73 · EC 67 · IC 728 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h13 | 7:43 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 1632 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h26 | 7:56 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
10425 · ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7 | 1:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h57 | 9:43 PM Lausanne station | 5 transfers | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 · IC 981 · IR 2532 | Delayed 12:12 PM 1:54 PMCologne Hbf | 6h26 | 8:20 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 · IC 1634 | Delayed 12:12 PM 1:54 PMCologne Hbf | 7h02 | 8:56 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 · IC 1610 | On time 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h02 | 8:56 AM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 · EC 61 · IC 706 | On time 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h49 | 8:43 AM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
ICE 827 · ICE 273 · IC 963 · IR 2514 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h59 | 11:20 AM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 827 · ICE 273 · IC 1616 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h35 | 11:56 AM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 965 · IR 2516 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h32 | 12:20 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 1618 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h08 | 12:56 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
9414+ 6685+ 9752 | 6:42 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h33 | 6:15 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
9414+ 9277 | 6:42 AM Cologne Hbf | 14h57 | 9:39 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
9414+ 9269 | 6:42 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h57 | 3:39 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2348 · ICE 277 · IC 969 · IR 2520 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h27 | 2:20 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 101 · IR 2518 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h26 | 1:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IC 969 · IR 2520 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h26 | 2:20 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IC 1622 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h02 | 2:56 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
9426+ 9277 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h00 | 9:39 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2040 · ICE 279 · IR 2524 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h27 | 4:20 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 971 · IR 2522 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h26 | 3:20 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 1624 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h02 | 3:56 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 1624 | On time 9:30 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h26 | 3:56 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 623 · IC 902 | On time 9:30 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h13 | 3:43 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 623 · IC 902 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h12 | 3:43 PM Lausanne station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 1624 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h25 | 3:56 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
9438+ 9277 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h00 | 9:39 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
9450+ 9277 | 12:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h00 | 9:39 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
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 Lausanne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 but you can travel from only $39 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 305 miles (492 km) distance in 5h 48m.
Distance 305 miles (492 km) |
Average train duration 6h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 48m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Lausanne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lausanne trip today.
Flagship art museum in the Plateforme 10 district, with major Swiss and international works from past centuries to today.
Olympic museum on the lakeside with torches, medals, athlete stories, and interactive displays. A global highlight for sports fans.
Art Brut pioneer museum founded from Jean Dubuffet's collection, showcasing powerful outsider art in an elegant historic mansion.
Iconic waterfront promenade with flower beds, harbor views, and Belle Époque hotels. Ideal for walking by Lake Geneva.
Lausanne's medieval core of steep lanes, stairs, and historic squares. Best area for atmosphere, architecture, and wandering on foot.
Historic market square below the cathedral, known for its fountain, terraces, and access to Lausanne's old-town lanes.
A bubbling cheese fondue from nearby Vaud, usually made with Gruyère and Vacherin. It is a classic social dish of French-speaking Switzerland.
Melted Raclette cheese scraped over potatoes, pickles, and onions. Strongly tied to western Switzerland and popular in Lausanne in colder months.
Leeks and potatoes cooked slowly with cream and butter, often served with sausage. It is one of the signature traditional dishes of the canton of Vaud.
Elegant lakeside fine dining led by a renowned chef. Known for refined seasonal cuisine, polished service, and a prestigious setting.
Traditional lakeside restaurant known for Lake Geneva fish, especially perch fillets, with classic regional cooking and water views.
Historic brasserie near the old town, famous for hearty Swiss classics, sausage dishes, and a lively traditional atmosphere.
Lausanne is costly even by European standards; hotels, dining, and local transit are pricier than in most nearby cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Lausanne-Flon, Lausanne -> Lausanne Gare, Lausanne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Lausanne 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 Lausanne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Lausanne trains use the Köln Hbf to Lausanne station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Lausanne 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.
Lausanne has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Cafe du Grutli, Le Chalet Suisse
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lausanne. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lausanne. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lausanne: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lausanne: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lausanne: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne Palace, Hotel Continental.
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