- Must visit
Museum der bildenden Künste
Leipzig’s major fine arts museum with strong German painting, modern works, and a bright contemporary building in the city center.
Cheapest price
€30
Average price
€88
Fastest journey
4 h 19 m
Average duration
4 h 21 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leipzig is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leipzig will cost around €88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
Of the 31 trains that leave Cologne for Leipzig on Mon, Aug 10, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 10 the direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .
On Mon, Aug 10 the slowest trains will take 4 h 24 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.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · ICE 508
ICE 527 · ICE 932 · ICE 600
ICE 625 · ICE 838 · ICE 506
ICE 529 · ICE 2592
ICE 623 · ICE 2590Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 4h 19m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 6h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 19m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for today, Sunday, August 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · S5 | Delayed 10:07 PM 12:07 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 7h20 | 7:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 12:07 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h42 | 6:49 PM Leipzig Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h01 | 1:15 AM Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 10 | |||||
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · ICE 2570 | On time 12:07 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h02 | 7:09 AM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 521 · ICE 2596 | On time 4:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h41 | 9:09 AM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 911 · ICE 523 · ICE 1555 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 10:31 AM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 911 · ICE 523 · ICE 934 · ICE 602 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h39 | 10:04 AM Leipzig Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 23 · ICE 932 · ICE 600 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h11 | 12:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2348 · ICE 2592 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h16 | 1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1713 · ICE 1557 | On time 7:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 12:31 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1713 · ICE 932 · ICE 600 | On time 7:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 12:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 527 · ICE 1557 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h46 | 12:31 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 527 · ICE 932 · ICE 600 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h19 | 12:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 2592 | On time 8:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529 · ICE 2592 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h24 | 1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 2:31 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 121 · ICE 930 · ICE 508 | On time 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h46 | 2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · ICE 508 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h19 | 2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 621 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h46 | 2:31 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27 · ICE 838 · ICE 506 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h11 | 4:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Discover the best of Leipzig — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leipzig trip today.
Leipzig’s major fine arts museum with strong German painting, modern works, and a bright contemporary building in the city center.
Immersive museum on Leipzig’s role in East Germany’s Peaceful Revolution. Essential for understanding 1989 and modern German democracy.
Bach’s former residence and museum, presenting manuscripts, instruments, and Leipzig’s central role in his life and work.
Leipzig’s central square framed by historic buildings, arcades, and markets. A natural starting point for exploring the old town on foot.
Major city square with dramatic architecture, fountains, opera, and concert hall. Best for urban views and Leipzig’s cultural heart.
Former cotton mill transformed into one of Europe’s notable art districts. Explore galleries, studios, and Leipzig’s influential contemporary scene.
Leipzig’s signature mixed vegetable dish with peas, carrots, asparagus and morel mushrooms, often enriched with crayfish butter. A classic Saxon specialty.
A clear broth with small semolina dumplings. This simple soup is a long-standing Saxon home-style favorite served in Leipzig and the region.
A hearty Saxon potato soup, often made with root vegetables and marjoram, sometimes served with sausage. A comforting everyday dish in the region.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in the Rosental with modern tasting menus, refined service and a tranquil setting in a historic building.
Well-known restaurant and inn by the monument, popular for hearty Saxon food and local beer in a warm, traditional setting.
Historic Auerbachs Keller serves classic Saxon and German dishes in a famous vaulted cellar linked to Goethe and Leipzig tradition.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels, dining, and transit are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, making Leipzig good value for city breaks.
Tip about 5-10% in restaurants or round up the bill. Round up for taxis and leave small change at cafes if service was good.
Official public transport app
Leipzig Hbf -> Augustusplatz, Leipzig
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leipzig 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 Leipzig, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Leipzig trains use the Köln Hbf to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Leipzig Markt. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leipzig 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.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Zchocolat, Vapiano Leipzig
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Leipzig.
Leipzig Markt 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: China White, Cafe Barbakane, X-Maza, Vodkaria
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig Markt. ATMs are available at Leipzig Markt.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Markt. Information desks are available at Leipzig Markt.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Markt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Markt.
Nearby hotels include Seaside Park, Pentahotel Leipzig, Victors Residenzhotel, Marriott.
Leipzig Messe is 6 km from Leipzig city centre. Public transport options include:
Leipzig Messe 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: Dönerhaus, Grand Canyon, Graf Zeppelin, Glücksboot Asia-Erlebnisgastronomie
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig Messe. ATMs are available at Leipzig Messe.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Messe. Information desks are available at Leipzig Messe.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Messe. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Messe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Messe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Messe.
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