- Must visit
Cultural History Museum Rostock
Leading regional history museum in a former monastery, with Hanseatic art, archaeology, and changing exhibitions on Rostock's past.
Cheapest price
zł197
Average price
zł266
Fastest journey
6 h 44 m
Average duration
7 h 44 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
496 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Rostock is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Rostock will cost around zł266 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł197.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Rostock without transferring at least once.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 614 · 4313
ICE 614 · S2 · ICE 1532
ICE 614 · S2 · ICE 1532
ICE 557 · S3 · IC 2176
ICE 857 · 4360
ICE 614 · 4313
FlixTrain+
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Rostock among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from zł140. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 46m. 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 zł140, and a flight costs an average of zł937.
Distance: 308 miles (496 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
zł302 Average price | zł229 Average price Cheapest | zł2241 Average price | zł406 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 19m Average total duration 6h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Rostock:
A bus is zł74 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Rostock costing on average zł302.
A bus is zł2012 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Rostock costing on average zł2241.
Other travel options to Rostock take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 49m.
Bus takes on average 8h 20m.
Tickets start at around zł302 compared to roughly zł406 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about zł104. The journey takes 6h 49m versus 6h 28m 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
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 Rostock trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h16 | 6:30 PM Rostock, Warnemünde Werft (Parking) | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h21 | 6:35 PM Rostock, Warnemünde Strand | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h46 | 6:00 PM Rostock, Central bus station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 857 · 4360 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h38 | 5:23 PM Rostock Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · 4313 | On time 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h39 | 5:50 PM Rostock Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · S2 · ICE 1532 | On time 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h44 | 4:55 PM Rostock Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 557 · S3 · IC 2176 | On time 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h53 | 5:37 PM Rostock Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, and bus 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 Rostock run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł115 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (496 km) distance in 7h 6m.
Distance 308 miles (496 km) |
Average train duration 6h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price zł115 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 7h 6m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Rostock — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rostock trip today.
Leading regional history museum in a former monastery, with Hanseatic art, archaeology, and changing exhibitions on Rostock's past.
Art museum in a landmark East German modernist building, known for important collections of 20th-century and contemporary art.
Maritime museum on a preserved cargo ship in IGA Park, explaining seafaring, shipbuilding, and life aboard a vessel.
Main pedestrian street lined with historic facades, shops, and gateways; ideal for experiencing Rostock's Hanseatic core on foot.
Central square with the town hall and market traditions, serving as the symbolic heart of Rostock's old city.
Popular promenade and beach district with sea views, ferries, and resort architecture; the city's best-known coastal outing area.
Fried or smoked Baltic herring, a Hanseatic coast staple long tied to Rostock's fishing trade and often served with potatoes or bread.
Smoked eel from nearby waters, prized in Mecklenburg coastal cuisine for its rich flavor and traditional smokehouse preparation.
Fresh Baltic cod, often pan-fried or baked, reflecting Rostock's maritime food culture and the region's preference for simple fish dishes.
Well-known fish restaurant in Warnemünde focused on fresh seafood and maritime classics near the waterfront.
Historic restaurant in the old town serving refined regional and German cuisine in an elegant, traditional setting.
Popular brewery pub known for house beer and hearty northern German dishes in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: hotels often cost less than in Berlin or Hamburg, while dining and local transit stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common. Round up in cafes and taxis; tip only for good service.
Official public transport app
Rostock Hbf -> Neuer Markt, Rostock
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Rostock 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 Rostock, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Rostock trains use the Köln Hbf to Rostock Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Rostock Holbeinplatz. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Rostock 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.
Rostock Hbf is 1 km from Rostock city centre. Public transport options include:
Rostock 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: Layali Alsham, Heumond, Joho-Broiler, Cafe Kloster
Wi-Fi is available at Rostock Hbf. ATMs are available at Rostock Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Rostock Hbf. Information desks are available at Rostock Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Rostock Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rostock Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rostock Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rostock Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Stadthalle, Hotel Greifennest, Appartement-Hotel.
Rostock Holbeinplatz is 2 km from Rostock city centre. Public transport options include:
Rostock Holbeinplatz 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: Bäckerei u. Konditorei Nowak, Little Money, SushideLuxe, Lucullus-Dream
Wi-Fi is available at Rostock Holbeinplatz. ATMs are available at Rostock Holbeinplatz.
Ticket office support is available at Rostock Holbeinplatz. Information desks are available at Rostock Holbeinplatz.
Luggage storage is available at Rostock Holbeinplatz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rostock Holbeinplatz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rostock Holbeinplatz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rostock Holbeinplatz.
Rostock-Lichtenhagen is 8 km from Rostock city centre. Public transport options include:
Rostock-Lichtenhagen 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: Bella Italia, Schnell-Imbiss, Boulevard Imbiss, China Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen. ATMs are available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen.
Ticket office support is available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen. Information desks are available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen.
Luggage storage is available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rostock-Lichtenhagen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need