- Must visit
Wilhelm-Hack-Museum
Leading local museum for city history, archaeology, and regional culture. A strong starting point for understanding Ludwigshafen.
Cheapest price
€33
Average price
€56
Fastest journey
2 h 38 m
Average duration
3 h 4 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
193 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Ludwigshafen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Ludwigshafen will cost around €56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €33.
Of the 4 trains that leave Cologne for Ludwigshafen on Wed, Aug 05, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 193 km distance in an average of 3 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 38 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 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.








Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ludwigshafen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €30.
Distance: 119 miles (193 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€57 Average price | €22 Average price Cheapest | €35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Ludwigshafen:
A bus is €35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Ludwigshafen costing on average €57.
Other travel options to Ludwigshafen take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 41m.
You'll arrive about 48m sooner (2h 0m by train vs 2h 48m by car). Tickets start at around €57 compared to roughly €35 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ludwigshafen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:42 AM Cologne | 2h49 | 7:31 AM Ludwigshafen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:42 AM Cologne | 2h49 | 9:31 AM Ludwigshafen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:56 AM Cologne | 4h00 | 10:56 AM Ludwigshafen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:53 AM Cologne | 2h38 | 10:31 AM Ludwigshafen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Ludwigshafen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:11, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 119 miles (193 km) distance in 2h 38m.
Distance 119 miles (193 km) |
Average train duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 38m |
First train 1:11 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Ludwigshafen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ludwigshafen trip today.
Leading local museum for city history, archaeology, and regional culture. A strong starting point for understanding Ludwigshafen.
Contemporary project space linked to the Wilhelm-Hack-Museum, presenting emerging art and experimental exhibitions.
Specialized museum on writer and revolutionary Ernst Bloch, highlighting his life, thought, and links to the city.
Riverside park and promenade with broad Rhine views, walking paths, and a relaxed atmosphere close to the city center.
Extensive woodland and recreation area south of the city, loved for peaceful walks, cycling, and nature escape.
Main central square used for markets and events, surrounded by shopping and city life in the urban core.
A hearty Palatinate potato soup, often with vegetables and sausage. It is a comforting regional staple common across homes and traditional inns.
Saumagen is a famous Palatinate specialty of pork, potatoes, and spices stuffed and cooked. It is one of the region's most iconic traditional dishes.
A rustic plate of liver dumplings with sauerkraut and bread or potatoes. It is a classic everyday meal in the Palatinate region.
Refined fine dining in nearby Deidesheim with Michelin-star reputation, strong regional wine focus, and elegant contemporary Palatinate cuisine.
Historic traditional restaurant in Deidesheim known for classic Palatinate dishes, regional wines, and a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Well-known brewery restaurant in Mannheim serving hearty regional German fare and beer in a lively, casual setting close to Ludwigshafen.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, but not as low-cost as smaller eastern cities.
Tipping is customary but modest. Round up or add 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes if service was good.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Ludwigshafen 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 Ludwigshafen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Ludwigshafen trains use the Köln Hbf to Ludwigshafen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Ludwigshafen 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.
Ludwigshafen Hbf is 1 km from Ludwigshafen city centre. Public transport options include:
Ludwigshafen 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: Burger King, ESV-Gaststätte, Reiwa Ramen, Marly
Wi-Fi is available at Ludwigshafen Hbf. ATMs are available at Ludwigshafen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Ludwigshafen Hbf. Information desks are available at Ludwigshafen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Ludwigshafen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ludwigshafen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ludwigshafen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ludwigshafen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include ESV-Gaststätte.
Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte 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: Tokyo, Agra Mahal, Mister Meal, Asien Palast
Wi-Fi is available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte. ATMs are available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte.
Ticket office support is available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte. Information desks are available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte.
Luggage storage is available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ludwigshafen(Rhein) Mitte.
Nearby hotels include Europa Hotel, B&B Hôtel, Hotel Regina, RheinCity Hotel.
Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim is 2 km from Ludwigshafen city centre. Public transport options include:
Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim 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: Covid19 Teststation, Zum Rebstöckl, Pasta Pronto, Cafeteria Mariengarten
Wi-Fi is available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim. ATMs are available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim.
Ticket office support is available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim. Information desks are available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim.
Luggage storage is available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim.
Nearby hotels include Gartenstadt Hotel.
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