- Must visit
Musée Matisse
Major museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, set in a Genoese villa in Cimiez, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects tracing his life in Nice.
Cheapest price
$282
Average price
$343
Fastest journey
13 h 10 m
Average duration
17 h 31 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
804 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Nice is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Nice will cost around $343 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $282.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Nice without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 1940+
5781+
TGV 9552
IC 1940 · ICE 9590+
5781
ICE 515+
5781+
TGV 9552
10909 · ICE 915+
5781+
TGV 9552
IC 1940 · ICE 9590+
6181
ICE 515 · ICE 9590+
6181
10909 · ICE 915 · ICE 9590+
6181
IC 1940 · ICE 9590+
6181
ICE 515 · ICE 9590+
5781
ICE 515+
5781+
TGV 9552Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Nice among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, and a train costs an average of $195.
Distance: 499 miles (804 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$337 Average price | $333 Average price | $108 Average price Cheapest | $332 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 25m Average total duration 12h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 29m Average total duration 18h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.4 - 4.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Nice:
A bus is $225 (€181) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Nice costing on average $333 (€269).
A bus is $229 (€185) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Nice costing on average $337 (€272).
Other travel options to Nice take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 55m.
Bus takes on average 18h 59m.
Tickets start at around $337 (€272) compared to roughly $332 (€268) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.97 (€-4.01). The journey takes 12h 55m versus 12h 23m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Nice trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1940 · ICE 9590+ 6181 | 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 14h11 | 11:04 PM Nice-Ville | 2 transfers | |
IC 1940+ 5781+ TGV 9552 | 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 24h16 | 9:09 AM Nice-Ville | 2 transfers | |
IC 1940 · ICE 9590+ 5781 | 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 24h16 | 9:09 AM Nice-Ville | 2 transfers | |
10909 · ICE 915 · ICE 9590+ 6181 | 9:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h42 | 11:04 PM Nice-Ville | 3 transfers | |
10909 · ICE 915+ TGV 9552+ 5781 | 9:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 23h47 | 9:09 AM Nice-Ville | 3 transfers | |
10909 · ICE 915 · ICE 9590+ 5781 | 9:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 23h47 | 9:09 AM Nice-Ville | 3 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 9590+ 6181 | 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h10 | 11:04 PM Nice-Ville | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515+ 5781+ TGV 9552 | 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 23h15 | 9:09 AM Nice-Ville | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 9590+ 5781 | 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 23h15 | 9:09 AM Nice-Ville | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Nice run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $195 (€157) but you can travel from only $75 (€61) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:13, the last at 20:40. The fastest train covers the 499 miles (804 km) distance in 10h 25m.
Distance 499 miles (804 km) |
Average train duration 12h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $195 (€157) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 10h 25m |
First train 6:13 AM |
Last train 8:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Nice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nice trip today.
Major museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, set in a Genoese villa in Cimiez, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects tracing his life in Nice.
National museum housing one of the world’s most important collections of Marc Chagall’s biblical works, known for its luminous colors and serene setting.
Nice’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, noted for postwar European and American works and its striking rooftop views.
Nice’s iconic seafront boulevard lined with beaches and Belle Époque hotels, essential for walking, cycling, and classic Riviera views.
The old town’s maze of colorful lanes, baroque churches, shutters, and lively squares makes it the city’s most atmospheric area to explore on foot.
Castle Hill park and viewpoint with panoramic city and coast vistas, a waterfall, and some of the best photo spots in Nice.
Nice’s signature salad of tomatoes, eggs, anchovies or tuna, olives, and raw vegetables, traditionally without cooked potatoes or green beans.
A thin chickpea flour pancake baked in a hot oven, lightly crisp outside and soft inside; one of Nice’s most iconic street foods.
A Provençal tart topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives, closely associated with Nice and the surrounding coast.
An established Michelin-starred restaurant blending refined Mediterranean and South African influences in an elegant fine-dining setting.
A long-running family restaurant in Vieux Nice serving classic Niçoise dishes and Provençal favorites in a warm, traditional atmosphere.
A famous small Niçoise restaurant known for traditional local specialties in a simple, intimate setting near the old town.
Prices are high by French standards, especially near the seafront. Bakery food and lunch deals help cut costs.
Service is usually included. Locals may round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Small change for cafes; round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Nice-Ville Station, Nice -> Place Massena, Nice
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Nice 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 Nice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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