- Must visit
Museum der Universität Tübingen MUT
Flagship university museum inside Hohentübingen Castle, known for major archaeology collections and the famous Ice Age art finds.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 36 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
308 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Tübingen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Tübingen will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Tübingen on Wed, Aug 05, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 308 km distance in an average of 4 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 5 h 29 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 Tübingen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $195.
Distance: 191 miles (308 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$97 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $373 Average price | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 Tübingen:
A bus is $61 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Tübingen costing on average $97 (€79).
A bus is $338 (€276) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Tübingen costing on average $373 (€305).
Other travel options to Tübingen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 38m.
Bus takes on average 5h 13m.
You'll arrive about 46m sooner (3h 38m by train vs 4h 24m by car). Tickets start at around $97 (€79) compared to roughly $70 (€57) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Tübingen trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:25 AM Cologne | 4h57 | 9:22 AM Tübingen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:42 AM Cologne | 5h11 | 11:53 AM Tübingen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:53 AM Cologne | 5h00 | 12:53 PM Tübingen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:58 AM Cologne | 3h55 | 12:53 PM Tübingen | 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 Tübingen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 191 miles (308 km) distance in 3h 22m.
Distance 191 miles (308 km) |
Average train duration 3h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Tübingen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tübingen trip today.
Flagship university museum inside Hohentübingen Castle, known for major archaeology collections and the famous Ice Age art finds.
Specialized exhibit space in the castle presenting Egyptian antiquities and mummies from the university’s archaeological collections.
Gallery of classical sculpture casts, useful for understanding Greek and Roman art in an academic yet accessible setting.
Tübingen’s heart, lined with colorful half-timbered houses, shops, and terraces. The essential starting point for exploring the old town.
Elegant riverside row of old houses facing the Neckar, famous for one of Germany’s most photographed urban panoramas.
Tree-lined island promenade between river branches, loved for punting scenes, walks, and classic views back to the old town.
Maultaschen are Swabian stuffed pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach, and herbs. They are a regional classic widely loved in Tübingen and across Württemberg.
Käsespätzle are soft Swabian egg noodles layered with melted cheese and fried onions. This comforting dish is a staple in southern German homes and taverns.
Linsen mit Spätzle pairs hearty lentils with Swabian noodles, often served with sausages. It is one of the region's most traditional everyday meals.
Established fine dining restaurant offering refined modern cuisine with regional influence. Elegant atmosphere suited for a special meal.
Well-known brewery tavern serving hearty Swabian food and house-brewed beer near the Neckar. Lively, casual, and popular with locals and visitors.
Historic traditional restaurant in the old town known for Swabian classics such as Maultaschen and seasonal regional dishes in a cozy setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is reasonable, and student-oriented spots help keep daily costs below Munich or Frankfurt.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants; round up small taxi fares and cafe bills.
Official public transport app
Tübingen Hbf -> Marktplatz, Tübingen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Tübingen 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 Tübingen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Tübingen trains use the Köln Hbf to Tübingen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Tübingen West. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Tübingen 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.
Tübingen 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: Café Binder, China-/Thai-Restaurant Dynastie, Kalender Falafel, Bar & Ristorante La Torre
Wi-Fi is available at Tübingen Hbf. ATMs are available at Tübingen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Tübingen Hbf. Information desks are available at Tübingen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Tübingen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tübingen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Tübingen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tübingen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include City-Hotel, Krone, Hotel am Schloss, Metropol garni.
Tübingen West is 1 km from Tübingen city centre. Public transport options include:
Tübingen West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Tübingen West.
ATMs are available at Tübingen West.
Available at Tübingen West: Parking, WC.
Available at Tübingen West: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tübingen West.
Tübingen-Derendingen is 2 km from Tübingen city centre. Public transport options include:
Tübingen-Derendingen 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: China-/Thai-Restaurant Dynastie, Berivan, Domino's, Zum Löwen
Wi-Fi is available at Tübingen-Derendingen. ATMs are available at Tübingen-Derendingen.
Ticket office support is available at Tübingen-Derendingen. Information desks are available at Tübingen-Derendingen.
Luggage storage is available at Tübingen-Derendingen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tübingen-Derendingen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Tübingen-Derendingen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tübingen-Derendingen.
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