- Must visit
Brewery Museum
Modern interactive brewery museum in a 15th-century malt house, explaining beer-making history and daily life in old Plzeň.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$63
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$128
Fastest journey on Sep 19
7 h 2 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
8 h 21 m
Trains on Sep 19
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 $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 trains from Cologne to Plzeň, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 8 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 2 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 9 h 7 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 an average ticket price of $57 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 8m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, while a flight costs an average of $479.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$158 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $479 Average price | $130 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 32m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 7m Average total duration 9h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 2h 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 |
![]() 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 Plzeň:
A bus is $101 (€82) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Plzeň costing on average $158 (€129).
A bus is $422 (€345) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Plzeň costing on average $479 (€392).
Other travel options to Plzeň take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 2m.
Bus takes on average 9h 37m.
Tickets start at around $158 (€129) compared to roughly $130 (€106) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-27.87 (€-22.79). The journey takes 7h 2m 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 tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:53 AM Cologne | 8h54 | 5:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:40 AM Cologne | 9h07 | 6:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cologne | 7h02 | 6:47 PM Plzeň | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Plzeň run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:59, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 6h 11m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average train duration 7h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 6h 11m |
First train 1:59 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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.
Modern interactive brewery museum in a 15th-century malt house, explaining beer-making history and daily life in old Plzeň.
Major regional museum with archaeology, applied arts, weapons and civic history, housed in a remarkable historic building.
Popular puppetry museum in the old town presenting Czech marionette traditions, stagecraft and family-friendly exhibits.
Plzeň’s main square, lined with major monuments and colorful facades. The essential starting point for exploring the historic center.
Historic pedestrian street linking the station area with the center, valued for architecture, shops and an everyday city atmosphere.
Large urban park with mature trees, paths and open lawns. A favorite local place for walks close to the old town.
Bottom-fermented pale lager first brewed in Plzeň in 1842. Its soft water, Saaz hops, and triple decoction made the city world-famous.
Crisp fried cheese, usually Edam, served with tartar sauce and potatoes. A classic Czech pub meal commonly eaten in Plzeň.
Beef goulash slow-cooked with onions and paprika, often served with bread dumplings. A staple in Czech beer halls across Plzeň.
Refined fine dining with seasonal tasting menus, polished service, and a modern setting inside Hotel Rous.
Historic brewery restaurant beside Pilsner Urquell. Best for unfiltered tank beer and classic Czech dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Traditional Plzeň beer hall known for Pilsner Urquell, hearty Czech meals, and a classic local pub atmosphere.
Moderate for Czech city travel: hotels, dining, and transit are usually cheaper than Prague, but tourist areas and brewery venues can cost more.
Tip about 5-10% in restaurants if service is good, often by rounding up. Round up small taxi fares. In cafes, small change or rounding up is common.
Official public transport app
Plzeň hlavní nádraží -> 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. 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 Hansaring is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hansaring 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: McDonald's, Wartesaal am Dom, Alte Feuerwache, Al Andalus
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Hansaring. ATMs are available at Köln Hansaring.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hansaring. Information desks are available at Köln Hansaring.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Hansaring. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hansaring: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hansaring: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hansaring.
Nearby hotels include A&O Köln Dom, City Pension Storch II, Azimut Hotel, First Domizil.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need