- 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 on Sep 24
$36
Average ticket price on Sep 24
$148
Fastest journey on Sep 24
4 h 17 m
Average journey duration on Sep 24
4 h 21 m
Trains on Sep 24
20
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 $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
On Thu, Sep 24, we found 20 trains from Cologne to Leipzig, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 24 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 17 m .
On Thu, Sep 24 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.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 555 · IC 2037
ICE 557 · IC 2039
ICE 559 · IC 2431 · IC 2239
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · ICE 508
ICE 625 · ICE 838 · ICE 506
ICE 529 · ICE 692
ICE 623 · ICE 690
ICE 627 · ICE 598Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leipzig among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a flight costs an average of $584.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$122 Average price | $584 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 32m Average total duration 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for today, Wednesday, September 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2044 · ICE 596 | Delayed 11:06 AM 12:53 PMCologne Hbf | 6h16 | 7:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 123 · ICE 751 · ICE 504 | Delayed 11:52 AM 1:20 PMCologne Hbf | 4h44 | 6:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 951 · ICE 605 | Delayed 11:44 AM 1:38 PMCologne Hbf | 6h08 | 7:46 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 629 · ICE 751 · ICE 504 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h19 | 6:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h01 | 1:15 AM Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe) | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 692 | On time 8:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 555 · IC 2037 | On time 8:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h31 | 2:15 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529 · ICE 692 | On time 8:47 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h22 | 1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 121 · ICE 930 · ICE 508 | On time 9:19 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h45 | 2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:19 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 2:31 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17410 · ICE 1745 | On time 9:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h40 | 3:01 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 9h24 | 6:49 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 857 · ICE 601 | On time 9:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 3:46 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · ICE 508 | On time 9:47 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h17 | 2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 838 · ICE 506 | On time 9:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 4:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 | On time 10:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h31 | 2:31 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 690 | On time 10:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 3:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 557 · IC 2039 | On time 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h31 | 4:15 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 623 · ICE 690 | On time 10:47 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h22 | 3:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 859 · ICE 603 | On time 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 5:46 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 625 · ICE 838 · ICE 506 | On time 11:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h19 | 4:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h35 | 6:49 PM Leipzig Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1517 · ICE 598 | On time 12:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 5:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 559 · IC 2431 · IC 2239 | On time 12:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h31 | 6:15 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h24 | 5:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 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 Leipzig run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
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 3h 47m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 5h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
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 Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. 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 Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz 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 Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. ATMs are available at Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. Information desks are available at Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz.
Nearby hotels include Seaside Park, Dorint Hotel Leipzig, Marriott, Capri by Fraser.
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