- Must visit
Kulturhistorisches Museum Magdeburg
Major history museum on Otto the Great, the Holy Roman Empire, and regional archaeology. Essential for understanding Magdeburg's past.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
€76
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€89
Fastest journey on Aug 29
4 h 19 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
4 h 54 m
Trains on Aug 29
5
Distance
349 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Magdeburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Magdeburg will cost around €89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €76.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Magdeburg without transferring at least once.
ICE 557 · IC 2039
ICE 857 · IC 2441
17412 · ICE 547 · IC 2039
ICE 859 · 80367
ICE 623 · ICE 798 · IC 2049
ICE 857 · IC 2441
17412 · ICE 547 · IC 2039
ICE 859 · 80367
ICE 557 · IC 2039
ICE 623 · ICE 798 · IC 2049Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Magdeburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €31 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, while a flight costs an average of €363.
Distance: 216 miles (349 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€91 Average price | €31 Average price Cheapest | €363 Average price | €65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 13m Average total duration 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Magdeburg:
A bus is €60 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Magdeburg costing on average €91.
A bus is €332 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Magdeburg costing on average €363.
Other travel options to Magdeburg take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 43m.
Bus takes on average 7h 9m.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (4h 43m by train vs 4h 49m by car). Tickets start at around €91 compared to roughly €65 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 Intercity (DB IC).
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 Magdeburg trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 951 · IC 2047 | Delayed 11:45 AM 1:35 PMCologne Hbf | 4h19 | 5:54 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 651 · IC 2433 | On time 1:36 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h21 | 6:57 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17420 · ICE 641 · 80375 | 2:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h14 | 7:35 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 953 · IC 2045 | On time 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 7:55 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17424 · ICE 643 · IC 2435 | On time 4:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h36 | 8:57 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 857 · IC 2441 | On time 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h19 | 1:54 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 557 · IC 2039 | On time 9:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 2:57 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17412 · ICE 547 · IC 2039 | On time 10:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h36 | 2:57 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 623 · ICE 798 · IC 2049 | On time 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h19 | 3:54 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 859 · 80367 | On time 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 4:33 PM Magdeburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Magdeburg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 216 miles (349 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 216 miles (349 km) |
Average train duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 12:42 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Magdeburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Magdeburg trip today.
Major history museum on Otto the Great, the Holy Roman Empire, and regional archaeology. Essential for understanding Magdeburg's past.
Leading museum on Romanesque art and medieval sculpture in a former monastery. A cultural highlight for architecture and art lovers.
Interactive science center focused on technology, experiments, and hands-on learning. Popular with families and visitors seeking a modern museum.
Hundertwasser's colorful mixed-use landmark with courtyards, towers, and shops. It is Magdeburg's most photographed modern architectural attraction.
Major leisure park with themed gardens, lake areas, and event spaces. It combines recreation, family attractions, and striking modern landscape design.
Waterway viewpoint at the famous canal bridge area north of the city. It is a standout place to see one of Germany's boldest engineering works.
A rustic potato soup from Saxony-Anhalt, often enriched with vegetables and sausage. It is a comforting regional staple in colder months.
Pan-fried potato cakes served with applesauce or savory sides. They are common across central Germany and popular in local home cooking and markets.
A hearty cabbage stew with potatoes and pork or sausage. This filling dish reflects the rural food traditions of the Magdeburg region.
Upscale restaurant known for refined German and seasonal cuisine in an elegant setting. Suitable for a special dinner in central Magdeburg.
Well-known restaurant for regional and German dishes with a historic feel. Popular for substantial meals and a classic local ambiance.
Traditional brewery venue serving German classics and house beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere. A solid choice for hearty local fare.
Magdeburg is cheaper than Munich or Hamburg. Hotels, dining, and local transit are generally moderate, with good value for budget travelers.
Tipping is customary but modest. Round up or add 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Magdeburg Hbf -> Alter Markt
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Magdeburg 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 Magdeburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Magdeburg trains use the Köln Hbf to Magdeburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Magdeburg-Neustadt. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Magdeburg 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.
Magdeburg Hbf is 1 km from Magdeburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Magdeburg 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: Hummels Brauhaus, Pizza Hut, ALEX, Subway
Wi-Fi is available at Magdeburg Hbf. ATMs are available at Magdeburg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Magdeburg Hbf. Information desks are available at Magdeburg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Magdeburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Magdeburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Magdeburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Magdeburg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Stadtfeld, ArtHOTEL Magdeburg.
Magdeburg-Neustadt is 3 km from Magdeburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Magdeburg-Neustadt 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: Bingöl Grill, Pizza Haus, Drachenhaus, Eiscafe San Marco
Wi-Fi is available at Magdeburg-Neustadt. ATMs are available at Magdeburg-Neustadt.
Ticket office support is available at Magdeburg-Neustadt. Information desks are available at Magdeburg-Neustadt.
Luggage storage is available at Magdeburg-Neustadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Magdeburg-Neustadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Magdeburg-Neustadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Magdeburg-Neustadt.
Magdeburg-Buckau is 1 km from Magdeburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Magdeburg-Buckau 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: Roter Stern, ZAZA Bingöl Grill, Vocelli Esskultur, City Tele Cafe
Wi-Fi is available at Magdeburg-Buckau. ATMs are available at Magdeburg-Buckau.
Ticket office support is available at Magdeburg-Buckau. Information desks are available at Magdeburg-Buckau.
Luggage storage is available at Magdeburg-Buckau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Magdeburg-Buckau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Magdeburg-Buckau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Magdeburg-Buckau.
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