- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Madrid
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$497
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$497
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 5 h 12 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 5 h 12 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
1247 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Madrid will cost around $497 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $497.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Madrid without transferring at least 4 times.
8:39 AM29h12Köln Hbf1:51 PMMadrid$4971One-way4 transfers
- 8:39 AM29h12Köln Hbf1:51 PMMadrid$4971One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $245 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $245, while a flight costs an average of $622.
Distance: 774 miles (1247 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$245 Average price Cheapest | $622 Average price | $490 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
27h 1m Average total duration 26h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 16h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $245.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Madrid:
A bus is $378 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Madrid costing on average $622.
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 39m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 31m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Madrid among Omio's users.
Live departures
Cologne to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:39 AM Köln Hbf | 29h12 | 1:51 PM Madrid | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Madrid 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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Why should you book Cologne to Madrid trains with Omio?
Eurostar operates all trains services from Cologne to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- 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 Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio?
- 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 Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Madrid
Italy
Spain
Take a train from Cologne to Madrid and enjoy the approximately 774 miles (1247 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 08:39, the last at 08:39.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $75
Distance 774 miles (1247 km) |
First train 8:39 AM |
Last train 8:39 AM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $75
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
DSTAgE
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Malacatín
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Madrid buses allow contactless bank card payment onboard, but Metro tickets are usually bought from station machines with card or cash.
- A 10-trip ticket can cost less per ride than single tickets if you plan several Metro or bus journeys.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The first train from Cologne to Madrid leaves at 8:39 AM.
The distance by train from Cologne to Madrid is 774 miles (1247 km).
The last train from Cologne to Madrid leaves at 8:39 AM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Cologne to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Madrid is by flight, with a cost of around $75.
The train journey from Cologne to Madrid offers varied scenery, including Germany's Rhine Valley with its vineyards and castles, the rolling hills of France, and the diverse landscapes of Spain, providing a picturesque experience.
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Madrid.
Since both Cologne and Madrid are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Madrid among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Cologne
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