- Must visit
Deutsches Museum
One of the world's largest science and technology museums, with hands-on exhibits spanning aviation, physics, mining, and more.
Cheapest price
$60
Average price
$141
Fastest journey
4 h 8 m
Average duration
4 h 10 m
Trains per day
48
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Munich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Munich will cost around $141 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
Of the 48 trains that leave Cologne for Munich on Thu, Aug 20, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 20 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 8 m .
On Thu, Aug 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 11 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.
IC 60403 · ICE 699
ICE 23 · ICE 711 · ICE 591
ICE 911
IC 2540 · ICE 615
ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511
ICE 1013
ICE 915
ICE 919
ICE 913
ICE 1015Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $111.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$92 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $205 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration 6h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg 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 Munich:
A bus is $42 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Munich costing on average $92 (€74).
A bus is $155 (€125) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Munich costing on average $205 (€165).
Other travel options to Munich take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 53m.
Bus takes on average 6h 59m.
The journey is about 1h 20m faster (4h 53m by train vs 6h 13m by car) and roughly $12 (€10) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($92 (€74) vs $105 (€85)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Munich trains for today, Wednesday, August 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60403 · ICE 699 | Delayed 10:02 PM 11:53 PMCologne Hbf | 7h34 | 7:27 AM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, August 20 | |||||
ICE 911 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h15 | 9:40 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 511 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h44 | 10:32 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 23 · ICE 711 · ICE 591 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h22 | 11:15 AM Munich Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 525 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 11:12 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2348 · ICE 513 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 12:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 101 · ICE 591 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 11:15 AM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 913 | On time 7:30 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h10 | 11:40 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 527 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 12:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 25 · ICE 915 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h47 | 1:40 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 513 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 12:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 529 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 1:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2040 · ICE 515 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 2:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 1:15 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h09 | 1:40 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 621 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 2:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h47 | 3:40 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 2:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 623 | On time 10:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 3:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2013 · ICE 517 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 4:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 · ICE 2585 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 3:14 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 225 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h22 | 3:40 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 625 | On time 11:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h28 | 4:13 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 29 · ICE 919 | On time 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h47 | 5:40 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 4:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 627 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h28 | 5:13 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2544 · ICE 519 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 6:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 · ICE 2587 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h22 | 5:16 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 919 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h10 | 5:40 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 629 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 6:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 229 · ICE 1011 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h48 | 7:41 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 6:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 721 | On time 2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 7:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2546 · ICE 611 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h39 | 8:32 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 · ICE 2589 | On time 2:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 7:12 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1011 | On time 3:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h11 | 7:41 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 723 | On time 3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h28 | 8:13 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 | 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h38 | 8:32 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 725 | On time 4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h31 | 9:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2548 · ICE 613 | On time 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 10:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 201 · ICE 2591 | On time 4:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 9:15 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1013 | On time 5:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h08 | 9:40 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 613 | 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 10:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2540 · ICE 615 | On time 6:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 12:29 AM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 203 · ICE 2593 | On time 6:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 11:15 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1015 | On time 7:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h11 | 11:41 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 615 | 7:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 12:29 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Cologne to Munich run on average 23 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average train duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 23 |
Direct trains 15 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Munich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Munich trip today.
One of the world's largest science and technology museums, with hands-on exhibits spanning aviation, physics, mining, and more.
Munich's premier Old Masters gallery, renowned for European paintings from Dürer to Rubens in a landmark 19th-century museum building.
Leading modern art museum featuring Picasso, Kandinsky, and major 20th-century movements in a spacious, well-curated setting.
Munich's vast central park offers meadows, river scenes, beer-garden areas, and surfing at the Eisbach, making it ideal for long walks.
Historic market beside the old town with daily stalls and lively atmosphere. Even without dining, it is excellent for local character and browsing.
Landscaped park from the 1972 Olympics with a lake, hilltop viewpoints, and iconic architecture; excellent for walking and photography.
White veal and pork sausages traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard and pretzels; a classic Munich beer hall specialty.
Roast pork with crisp crackling, usually served with dark beer gravy and potato dumplings; a staple of Bavarian Sunday cooking.
Slow-roasted pork knuckle with crunchy skin, often paired with dumplings or sauerkraut; iconic beer hall comfort food in Munich.
Refined modern German fine dining with a Michelin-starred reputation, elegant service, and seasonal tasting menus.
Classic Munich beer hall serving Bavarian staples and Augustiner beer in a large, bustling, traditional setting.
Historic beer hall near Marienplatz known for Weißwurst, roast meats, and lively traditional Bavarian atmosphere.
Munich is pricey by German standards. Hotels, dining, and central-area drinks cost more than in many German cities, though public transit is efficient and reasonably priced.
Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafes. Tell the total amount when paying.
Official public transport app
Munich Hbf -> Marienplatz, Munich
The train connection between Cologne and Munich offers a convenient and efficient way to travel across Germany. With several options available, you can choose from providers such as Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, and TGV. The journey typically takes around 4-5 hours, allowing you to relax while enjoying the scenic views of the German countryside along the route. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, these trains provide comfortable seating and various amenities to enhance your travel experience.
Traveling from Cologne to Munich takes approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes. There are about 25 connections available each day, with direct trains offered for this route. The departure stations include Köln Messe/Deutz, Köln/Bonn Flughafen, and Köln Hbf, while the arrival stations are München Ost, München Hbf, and München-Pasing.
The first daily train from Cologne to Munich departs at 06:17, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Germany. The last journey of the day leaves at 21:55, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their evening in either city before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Cologne and Munich is €48. The average ticket price tends to be around €124, making it a good idea to book in advance or look out for special offers if you're planning your trip.
Welcome to Marienplatz, the heart of Munich! This historic square has been a central gathering place since the 12th century and is home to the iconic Glockenspiel, which delights visitors daily with its enchanting mechanical show. As you stand here surrounded by stunning Gothic architecture, take a moment to appreciate how this vibrant plaza embodies both Munich's rich history and its lively modern culture.
Next on our journey is Nymphenburg Palace, an opulent Baroque masterpiece that served as the summer residence for Bavarian royalty. Built in the 17th century, this sprawling palace complex features beautifully landscaped gardens and exquisite rooms adorned with intricate frescoes that tell tales of grandeur and elegance. Don't miss exploring its unique museums within—each offering fascinating insights into royal life through art collections and historical artifacts.
Finally, we arrive at Englischer Garten—a breathtaking urban park that's larger than New York's Central Park! Established in 1789 as a public space for relaxation and recreation, it boasts picturesque walking paths along serene waterways where locals enjoy picnics or paddleboarding. Be sure to visit one of its traditional beer gardens; it's not just about nature but also experiencing authentic Bavarian hospitality amidst lush greenery!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Munich 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 Munich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Munich trains use the Köln Hbf to München Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at München-Pasing. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Munich 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.
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München 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: Cantina Estación Mediterrano, Rischart Bakery, Ditsch Pretzels, backWERK, Cafe-Shop, Le Crobag, Yorma's, Coffee Fellows, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, & many more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at München Hbf. Information desks are there is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München-Pasing 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, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna
Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.
Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.
Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.
Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.
München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München Ost 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: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani
Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.
Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.
Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need