- Recommended
The Ulm Museum
City museum with art, archaeology, and cultural history collections, including the famous Lion Man sculpture from the Ice Age.
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
357 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Ulm is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Ulm will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 10 trains that leave Cologne for Ulm on Tue, Jun 16, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 3 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.
ICE 1644 · ICE 579 · ICE 569
ICE 919
ICE 107 · ICE 597
ICE 229 · ICE 1011
ICE 519
ICE 919
ICE 913
ICE 107 · ICE 597
ICE 101 · ICE 591
ICE 519Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ulm among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. 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 $25, and a flight costs an average of $54.
Distance: 221 miles (357 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$107 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $215 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration 6h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg 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 Ulm:
A bus is $68 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Ulm costing on average $107 (€87).
A bus is $176 (€142) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Ulm costing on average $215 (€174).
Other travel options to Ulm take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 34m.
Bus takes on average 6h 3m.
You'll arrive about 1h 27m sooner (3h 34m by train vs 5h 1m by car). Tickets start at around $107 (€87) compared to roughly $82 (€66) 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
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 Ulm trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 911 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h01 | 8:26 AM Ulm Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 511 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h25 | 9:13 AM Ulm Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 1940 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 1:33 PM Ulm Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · ICE 2583 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 12:00 PM Ulm Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h55 | 12:26 PM Ulm Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h33 | 2:26 PM Ulm Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 1:13 PM Ulm Hbf | 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 Ulm run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 221 miles (357 km) distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 221 miles (357 km) |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Ulm — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ulm trip today.
City museum with art, archaeology, and cultural history collections, including the famous Lion Man sculpture from the Ice Age.
A distinctive museum about bread, nutrition, and art, combining cultural history with changing exhibitions in a historic building.
Contemporary art gallery showing works from the Weishaupt collection, especially modern and postwar art in a striking modern building.
The main square around Ulm Minster, lively and central, ideal for architecture views, markets, and people-watching.
Ulm’s best-known historic neighborhood, loved for canals, timbered houses, and highly shareable photo spots.
Pleasant walking area along the river with open views, bridges, and easy access to both Ulm and Neu-Ulm.
Large Swabian pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, bread, and herbs; one of the region's best-known specialties and widely eaten in Ulm.
A classic Swabian meal of lentils in a tangy gravy served with egg noodles, often with sausages; a staple comfort dish across Ulm and the surrounding region.
Soft Swabian egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with fried onions; a hearty regional favorite found in traditional inns.
Well-known upscale restaurant in Ulm serving refined regional cuisine with polished service and an elegant setting.
Historic traditional restaurant in the fishermen's quarter, known for Swabian dishes, seasonal specialties, and a classic old-town atmosphere.
Established riverside dining venue in a historic building, popular for Swabian classics and traditional ambience near the old town.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is usually included, but small tips are customary. Round up in cafés and taxis; leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Ulm Hbf, Ulm -> Münsterplatz, Ulm
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Ulm 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 Ulm, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need