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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leipzig
Showing times and prices for Dec 31
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
4 h 29 m
Average duration
4 h 48 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
665 km
Cheap tickets
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 $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Leipzig without transferring at least once.
05:11AM6h07
Köln Hbf11:18AMLeipzig
$851One-way
0 transfers
09:31AM6h00
Koeln Hbf03:31PMLeipzig
$921One-way
1 transfer
11:31AM5h55
Koeln Hbf05:26PMLeipzig
$921One-way
1 transfer
07:07AM6h11
Köln Hbf01:18PMLeipzig
$951One-way
1 transfer
05:48AM4h36
Köln Hbf10:24AMLeipzig
$1221One-way
1 transfer
07:55AM4h29
Köln Hbf12:24PMLeipzig
$1221One-way
1 transfer
09:55AM4h29
Köln Hbf02:24PMLeipzig
$1221One-way
1 transfer
11:55AM4h29
Köln Hbf04:24PMLeipzig
$1221One-way
1 transfer
05:48AM4h36
Köln Hbf10:24AMLeipzig
$1221One-way
1 transfer
11:31AM5h55
Koeln Hbf05:26PMLeipzig
$921One-way
1 transfer
Cologne - LeipzigCompare National Express, Deutsche Bahn
$92
5h 55m
2 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Seat reservation
$85
4h 29m
10 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Second Class:
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.
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.
Live departures
Cologne to Leipzig train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, December 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 2:35 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:11 AM Köln Hbf | 6h07 | 11:18 AM Leipzig | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:48 AM Köln Hbf | 4h36 | 10:24 AM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 7:07 AM Köln Hbf | 6h11 | 1:18 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 7:55 AM Köln Hbf | 4h29 | 12:24 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 9:31 AM Koeln Hbf | 6h00 | 3:31 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Leipzig by train
Compare train 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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Leipzig trains with Omio?
National Express as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains services from Cologne to Leipzig. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Leipzig.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn 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.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While National Express tickets can be bought on National Express's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Deutsche Bahn to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Leipzig
Italy
Germany
Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 (€69) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 19:55. The fastest train covers the 413 miles (665 km) distance in 4h 29m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 413 miles (665 km) |
Average train duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€69) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 29m |
First train 05:11 |
Last train 19:55 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: National Express, Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Leipzig trainsNational Express, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Leipzig from $87 (€69). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 29m
Cheapest Price
$85 (€68)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
$92 (€73)
National Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
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.
The train from Cologne to Leipzig takes 4h 29m and runs 12 per day.
The train journey from Cologne to Leipzig offers scenic views of the German countryside, passing through the Rhine Valley with its vineyards and castles, before traversing the rolling hills and forests of the Thuringian landscape.
The last train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 7:55 PM.
The distance by train from Cologne to Leipzig is 413 miles (665 km).
To fully experience Leipzig's cultural, historical, and modern attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended. This timeframe allows you to explore key sites such as the Leipzig Zoo, St. Thomas Church, and the Bach Museum, as well as enjoy the vibrant local arts and music scene.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Leipzig.
In Leipzig, you can explore Karl-Heine-Straße for its eclectic shops and street art, attend a world-class performance at the Leipzig Opera House, and visit the serene Leipzig Botanical Garden. Discover contemporary German history at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum and enjoy a boat tour along Leipzig's canals. Don't miss the historic St. Thomas Church linked to Bach, the modern Leipzig Zoo, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, the Leipzig Panometer with its panoramic art, and the Museum of Fine Arts with its extensive European collection.
There is no high speed train available from Cologne to Leipzig.
A day trip from Cologne to Leipzig is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 29m each way, covering 413 miles (665 km). Trains run 12 times per day.
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Leipzig can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $87 (€69), while the average price is around $109 (€87).
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Leipzig is by train, with a cost of around $87 (€69).
The first train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 5:11 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Leipzig.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cologne to Leipzig. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leipzig and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Leipzig
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