- Must visit
Brewery Museum
Historic museum in a preserved medieval malt house explaining beer production and everyday life in old Plzeň.
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
7 h 2 m
Average duration
8 h 44 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
475 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Plzeň is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Plzeň will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne for Plzeň on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 8 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 2 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 10 h 15 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Plzeň among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 12m. 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 $38, and a flight costs an average of $77.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$143 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $408 Average price | $129 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 49m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 12m Average total duration Fastest 5h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Plzeň:
A bus is $94 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Plzeň costing on average $143 (€117).
A bus is $360 (€294) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Plzeň costing on average $408 (€334).
Other travel options to Plzeň take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 33m.
Bus takes on average 8h 19m.
Tickets start at around $143 (€117) compared to roughly $129 (€105) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.90 (€-11.37). The journey takes 6h 33m versus 6h 17m 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 Plzeň trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:40 AM Cologne | 9h07 | 6:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cologne | 7h02 | 6:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 7:32 AM Cologne | 10h15 | 5:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 AM Cologne | 7h02 | 2:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:53 AM Cologne | 8h54 | 5:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Plzeň run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $56 (€46) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:59, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 7h 2m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average train duration 6h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 (€46) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 7h 2m |
First train 1:59 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Plzeň — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plzeň trip today.
Historic museum in a preserved medieval malt house explaining beer production and everyday life in old Plzeň.
Major regional museum with archaeology, applied arts, arms and local history collections in a grand Neo-Renaissance building.
Museum focused on the liberation of Plzeň by the U.S. Army in 1945, with military vehicles, uniforms and wartime memorabilia.
Plzeň’s grand central square lined with historic facades, markets and major landmarks, making it the essential starting point for visitors.
Elegant central park ring with mature trees, fountains and promenades, ideal for a break between old town sights.
Historic tree-lined promenade near the center, often used for strolling and city events, with easy access to key attractions.
The city’s signature bottom-fermented pale lager, first brewed in Plzeň in 1842 and famous for its crisp bitterness and golden color.
Marinated beef sirloin in a creamy root-vegetable sauce, usually served with bread dumplings and cranberry. A classic Czech celebratory dish.
Roast pork with dumplings and braised cabbage, one of the best-known traditional Czech pub meals commonly found in Plzeň.
Long-established restaurant near the main square, popular for its polished setting, reliable cooking, and Central European dishes.
Trusted Czech beer hall style venue focused on well-poured Pilsner, classic pub food, and a busy local atmosphere.
Large, established brewery restaurant at the Pilsner Urquell complex, known for Czech classics, tank beer, and a lively historic setting.
Generally cheaper than Prague. Meals, beer, and local transport are good value; hotels vary by season.
About 5-10% in restaurants if service is good, often rounded up. Tip taxi fares up slightly. No tip needed for counter service.
Official public transport app
Plzen hl.n., Plzeň -> Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Plzeň 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 Plzeň, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Plzeň trains use the Köln Hbf to Plzen hl.n. station pair, with some services arriving at Plzen zast.. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Plzeň 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 Süd is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Süd 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: Subway, Ganesha, Magnus, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Süd. ATMs are available at Köln Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Süd. Information desks are available at Köln Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Chelsea, Hotel Mado, Elite Hotel, Blacksheep Hostel.
Plzen hl.n. has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Na Spilce, U Salzmannů
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Plzen hl.n.. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Plzen hl.n.. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Plzen hl.n.: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Plzen hl.n.: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plzen hl.n.: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Central, Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen, Hotel Victoria.
Plzen zast. is 1 km from Plzeň city centre. Public transport options include:
Plzen zast. has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Plzen zast..
ATMs are available at Plzen zast..
Available at Plzen zast.: WC.
Available at Plzen zast.: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plzen zast..
Plzeň-Jižní předměstí is 1 km from Plzeň city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Plzeň-Jižní předměstí has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí.
ATMs are available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí.
Available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí: WC.
Available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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