4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Madrid
Cheapest price
$503
Average price
$503
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 12 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 12 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1430 km
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 $503 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $503.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Madrid without transferring at least 4 times.
12:39 PM25h12Cologne1:51 PMMadrid$5031One-way4 transfers
- 12:39 PM25h12Cologne1:51 PMMadrid$5031One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $86. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.4 - 3.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $86, and a flight costs an average of $311.
Distance: 888 miles (1430 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$503 Average price | $662 Average price | $159 Average price Cheapest | $497 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 42m Average total duration 25h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 20m Average total duration 24h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 4.3 - 8.6kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
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 Madrid:
A bus is $343 (€277) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Madrid costing on average $503 (€406).
A bus is $502 (€406) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Madrid costing on average $662 (€534).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 50m.
Train takes on average 25h 12m.
Tickets start at around $503 (€406) compared to roughly $497 (€401) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.04 (€-4.88). The journey takes 25h 12m versus 17h 38m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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?
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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Madrid?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Madrid
Germany
Spain
Trains from Cologne to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 25h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $503 (€406) but you can travel from only $86 (€69) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 888 miles (1430 km) distance in 25h 12m.
Distance 888 miles (1430 km) |
Average train duration 25h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $503 (€406) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 25h 12m |
First train 12:35 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 91 days |
Train companies: Eurostar from Cologne to Madrid trainsEurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Madrid from $86 (€69). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Madrid
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- 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.
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
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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