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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leipzig
Cheapest price
$124
Average price
$124
Fastest journey
4 h 24 m
Average duration
4 h 24 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
665 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 $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Leipzig without transferring at least once.
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5:20 AM5h11Köln Messe/deutz Bf10:31 AMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer- 6:45 AM4h24Köln Messe/deutz Bf11:09 AMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 7:45 AM4h46Köln Messe/deutz Bf12:31 PMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 8:45 AM4h24Köln Messe/deutz Bf1:09 PMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 9:58 AM4h33Köln Messe/deutz Bf2:31 PMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 6:45 AM4h24Köln Messe/deutz Bf11:09 AMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 8:45 AM4h24Köln Messe/deutz Bf1:09 PMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 10:45 AM4h24Köln Messe/deutz Bf3:09 PMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 12:45 PM4h24Köln Messe/deutz Bf5:09 PMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
- 2:45 PM4h24Köln Messe/deutz Bf7:09 PMLeipzig$1241One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Leipzig
Omio recommends booking the bus 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 $97. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $97, and a flight costs an average of $130.
Distance: 413 miles (665 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$124 Average price | $97 Average price Cheapest | $130 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 45m Average total duration 22h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Leipzig:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $124 (€100).
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $130 (€105).
Other travel options to Leipzig take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 0m.
Bus takes on average 22h 15m.
You'll arrive about 5h 14m sooner (5h 0m by train vs 10h 14m by car). Tickets start at around $124 (€100) compared to roughly $85 (€69) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cologne to Leipzig train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for today, Saturday, May 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:20 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h11 | 10:31 AM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 6:45 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h24 | 11:09 AM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 7:45 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h46 | 12:31 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 8:45 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h24 | 1:09 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 9:58 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h33 | 2:31 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 10:45 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h24 | 3:09 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 11:45 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h46 | 4:31 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 12:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h24 | 5:09 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 1:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h46 | 6:31 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 2:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h24 | 7:09 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 3:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h46 | 8:31 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 4:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 4h24 | 9:09 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 5:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h46 | 11:31 PM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 6:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h30 | 12:15 AM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 7:45 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h46 | 1:31 AM Leipzig | 1 transfer | |
| 8:34 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 12h35 | 9:09 AM Leipzig | 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.
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May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
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 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $124 (€100) but you can travel from only $97 (€78) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:55, the last at 09:55. The fastest train covers the 413 miles (665 km) distance in 4h 24m.
Distance 413 miles (665 km) |
Average train duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 (€100) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 4h 24m |
First train 7:55 AM |
Last train 9:55 AM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Leipzig trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Leipzig from $97 (€78). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
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Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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