The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
4 h 6 m
Average duration
5 h 28 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Rothenburg ob der Tauber on Sat, Jul 11, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 5 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest trains will take 6 h 19 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.
7:53 AM5h58Cologne1:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$611One-way0 transfers
8:53 AM4h58Cologne1:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$681One-way0 transfers
7:45 AM4h06Cologne11:51 AMRothenburg ob der Tauber$731One-way0 transfers
6:32 AM6h19Cologne12:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$801One-way0 transfers
9:53 AM5h58Cologne3:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$1101One-way0 transfers
7:45 AM4h06Cologne11:51 AMRothenburg ob der Tauber$731One-way0 transfers
8:53 AM4h58Cologne1:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$681One-way0 transfers
9:53 AM5h58Cologne3:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$1101One-way0 transfers
7:53 AM5h58Cologne1:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$611One-way0 transfers
6:32 AM6h19Cologne12:51 PMRothenburg ob der Tauber$801One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $37, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 178 miles (288 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Rothenburg ob der Tauber take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 5m.
Tickets start at around $78 (€64) compared to roughly $64 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.35 (€-11.79). The journey takes 4h 5m versus 3h 45m 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.
Live departures
Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:32 AM Cologne | 6h19 | 12:51 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 AM Cologne | 4h06 | 11:51 AM Rothenburg ob der Tauber | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:53 AM Cologne | 5h58 | 1:51 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:53 AM Cologne | 4h58 | 1:51 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:53 AM Cologne | 5h58 | 3:51 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train
Compare train 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.
Jul 11
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Why should you book Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Trains from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (288 km) distance in 3h 57m.
Distance 178 miles (288 km) |
Average train duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€31) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 57m |
First train 4:44 AM |
Last train 11:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Rothenburg ob der Tauber from $37 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Most Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trains use the Köln Hbf to Rothenburg ob der Tauber station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Rothenburg ob der Tauber train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Rothenburg ob der Tauber leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Rothenburg ob der Tauber station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Rothenburg ob der Tauber city centre
Rothenburg ob der Tauber train station facilities and services
Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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 and drink
Food options include: Gusto Kaffeemanufaktur & Spezialitäten, Imbiss Heller, Brothaus Café im Schlachthof, Pizzeria & Eis-Café Roma
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. ATMs are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Information desks are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schranne, Villa Mittermeier, Hotel Hornburg Garni, Glocke.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
