Cologne to Merano train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Merano

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€66

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€150

Fastest journey on Sep 19

9 h 54 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

10 h 32 m

Trains on Sep 19

3

Distance

565 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Merano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Merano will cost around €150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €66.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 trains from Cologne to Merano, including 3 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 565 km distance in an average of 10 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 54 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 11 h 22 m 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:53 AM11h22
    Cologne
    6:15 PMMerano
    661One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:54 AM10h21
    Cologne
    6:15 PMMerano
    1901One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:45 AM9h54
    Cologne
    6:39 PMMerano
    1931One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Merano

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Merano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €95 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 9h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €95, while a train costs an average of €160.

Distance: 351 miles (565 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€160

Average price

€95

Average price

Cheapest

€133

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

9h 52m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

14h 50m

Average total duration

14h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 8m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Merano is a bus with an average price of €95.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Merano:

A bus is €65 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Merano costing on average €160.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Merano is by train with an average journey time of 9h 22m.

Other travel options to Merano take longer:

Bus takes on average 14h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Merano including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Merano among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €160 compared to roughly €133 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-27.05. The journey takes 9h 22m versus 9h 8m 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.

Live departures

Cologne to Merano train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Merano trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · RJ 89 · R 22443
On time
9:54 AM Cologne Hbf
10h15
8:09 PM Merano-Maia Bassa/Meran-Untermais
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · RJ 89 · R 22443
On time
9:54 AM Cologne Hbf
10h21
8:15 PM Merano/Meran
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · CJX 6124 · S 3
Delayed
7:56 AM 9:55 AMCologne Hbf
11h44
9:39 PM Merano-Maia Bassa/Meran-Untermais
5 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · CJX 6124 · S 3
Delayed
7:56 AM 9:55 AMCologne Hbf
11h49
9:44 PM Merano/Meran
5 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 89 · R 22443
On time
10:56 AM Cologne Hbf
9h19
8:15 PM Merano/Meran
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 89 · R 22443
On time
10:56 AM Cologne Hbf
9h13
8:09 PM Merano-Maia Bassa/Meran-Untermais
3 transfers
Saturday, September 19
Deutsche Bahn6:53 AM Cologne
11h22
6:15 PM Merano0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Merano by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Cologne to Merano trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Cologne to Merano.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Merano.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Merano.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Merano.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Merano

GermanyGermany
ItalyItaly
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Merano run on average 13 times per day, taking around 9h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €47 but you can travel from only €42 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 19:50. The fastest train covers the 351 miles (565 km) distance in 8h 38m.

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
Bus from €42
Distance
351 miles (565 km)
Average train duration
9h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
€47
Trains per day
13
Fastest train
8h 38m
First train
6:00 AM
Last train
7:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Best time to book
1 day
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
Bus from €42

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Merano trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Merano from €42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
8h 38m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€47
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Merano

Things to do in Merano

Discover the best of Merano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Merano trip today.

  • Must visit

Palais Mamming Museum

Merano's main city museum presents local history, art, and everyday culture in a refined palace in the historic center.

  • Must visit

Touriseum

Touriseum explores Alpine tourism history through engaging displays inside Trauttmansdorff Castle above Merano.

  • Recommended

Castello Principesco

Well-preserved 15th-century residence with period interiors and weapons, offering a vivid look at noble life in historic Merano.

Euro (€)

Moderate for northern Italy: stays and dining run above smaller towns, but buses are affordable and many cafes and trattorias are reasonably priced.

Average meal costs

Budget
€10-15 for pizza, panini, or fast lunch.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€1.50-3 for espresso or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is often included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Round up taxi fares. Small change is enough in cafes.

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Merano

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Merano 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 Merano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Merano can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €47, while the average price is around €160.
The train from Cologne to Merano takes 8h 38m and runs 13 per day.
The distance by train from Cologne to Merano is 351 miles (565 km).
The first train from Cologne to Merano leaves at 6:00 AM.
The last train from Cologne to Merano leaves at 7:50 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Merano.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Merano.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Merano is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Merano/Meran.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Merano is by bus, with a cost of around €42.
Yes, the train journey from Cologne to Merano is scenic, offering views of the Rhine Valley, rolling hills, and mountainous landscapes as it passes through the picturesque regions of Germany and into the Italian Alps.
A day trip from Cologne to Merano is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 38m. The distance is 351 miles (565 km) and there are 7 train trips available per day.
To fully enjoy Merano's thermal baths, gardens, and hiking trails, a stay of 2 to 3 days is typically recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Merano.
Since both Cologne and Merano 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 Merano include Bolzano, Trento, Brixen, Sterzing-Vipiteno, Rovereto.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Merano 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.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Merano, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. Scams involving overpriced taxi fares can occur, so it’s advisable to use official taxi services or pre-book transportation. Additionally, travelers should remain cautious when exchanging currency and avoid unofficial exchange offices to prevent fraud. Overall, Merano is considered safe, but staying vigilant in busy locations helps ensure a smooth visit.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Merano

Most Cologne to Merano trains use the Köln Hbf to Merano Meran station pair, with some services arriving at Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Merano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Merano

Which Cologne station do trains to Merano leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Merano leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · €3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · €2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · €4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · €5

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Merano

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