The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leipzig
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
4 h 16 m
Average duration
4 h 18 m
Trains per day
57
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 $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 57 trains that leave Cologne for Leipzig on Mon, May 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 11 the direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 4 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 16 m .
On Mon, May 11 the slowest trains will take 4 h 19 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+
FlixBus4:14 PM9h01Cologne Hbf1:15 AMLeipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe)$411One-way1 transfer
FlixTrain+
FlixBus4:14 PM9h11Cologne Hbf1:25 AMLeipzig, Hbf$421One-way1 transfer
IC 2157 · ICE 5943:17 PM5h52Cologne Hbf9:09 PMLeipzig Hbf$601One-way1 transfer
ICE 927 · ICE 832 · ICE 5003:53 PM6h11Cologne Hbf10:04 PMLeipzig Hbf$751One-way2 transfers
ICE 174712:01 PM6h00Cologne Hbf6:01 PMLeipzig Hbf$831One-way0 transfers
ICE 629 · ICE 9591 · ICE 17471:45 PM4h16Cologne Messe/Deutz6:01 PMLeipzig Hbf$1261One-way2 transfers
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · ICE 5089:45 AM4h19Cologne Messe/Deutz2:04 PMLeipzig Hbf$1511One-way2 transfers
ICE 625 · ICE 838 · ICE 50611:45 AM4h19Cologne Messe/Deutz4:04 PMLeipzig Hbf$1081One-way2 transfers
ICE 723 · ICE 834 · ICE 5023:45 PM4h19Cologne Messe/Deutz8:04 PMLeipzig Hbf$881One-way2 transfers
ICE 727 · ICE 832 · ICE 5005:45 PM4h19Cologne Messe/Deutz10:04 PMLeipzig Hbf$881One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Leipzig
Omio 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 prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $398.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $774 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 30m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Leipzig:
A bus is $42 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $82 (€66).
A bus is $729 (€580) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $770 (€612).
Other travel options to Leipzig take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 43m.
Flight takes on average 7h 35m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cologne to Leipzig train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for tomorrow, Monday, May 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 545 · IC 2037 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h50 | 2:15 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 692 | On time 8:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529 · ICE 692 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h24 | 1:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2155 · ICE 690 | On time 9:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h52 | 3:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1253 · ICE 930 · ICE 508 | On time 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h46 | 2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 847 · IC 2441 | On time 9:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h51 | 3:17 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · ICE 508 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h19 | 2:04 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h01 | 1:15 AM Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe) | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h11 | 1:25 AM Leipzig, Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Leipzig by train, bus, or flight
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.
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Why should you book Cologne to Leipzig trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leipzig.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Leipzig.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Leipzig.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Leipzig?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Leipzig

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Leipzig
Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€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 $23 (€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 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Leipzig trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Leipzig from $23 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Leipzig
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Willy-Brandt-Platz.
- Restaurant Zchocolat
- Vapiano Leipzig
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
- a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Leipzig
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-13 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 14-23
- Hall 3: shopping and dining area
- Tram: Lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S5X, S6
- Bus: Several lines available
- China White
- Cafe Barbakane
- X-Maza
- Vodkaria
- Seaside Park
- Pentahotel Leipzig
- Victors Residenzhotel
- Marriott
- China White
- Cafe Barbakane
- X-Maza
- Vodkaria
- Seaside Park
- Dorint Hotel Leipzig
- Marriott
- Capri by Fraser
More options for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

