Cologne to Vienna train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Vienna

Showing times and prices for Jul 20

Cheapest price

$182

Average price

$276

Fastest journey

7 h 52 m

Average duration

7 h 54 m

Trains per day

Distance

743 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Vienna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Vienna will cost around $276 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $182.

Fast trains

Of the 11 trains that leave Cologne for Vienna on Sun, Jul 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jul 20 the direct trains cover the 743 km distance in an average of 7 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 52 m .

On Sun, Jul 20 the slowest trains will take 8 h 3 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 105 · ICE 27

10:55AM7h52

Cologne Hbf

06:47PMVienna Hbf

$1821One-way

1 transfer

ICE 27

09:53AM8h54

Cologne Hbf

06:47PMVienna Hbf

$2081One-way

0 transfers

ICE 621 · ICE 93

09:44AM8h03

Cologne Messe/Deutz

05:47PMVienna Hbf

$2081One-way

1 transfer

ICE 625 · EC 219 · RJX 167

11:44AM8h48

Cologne Messe/Deutz

08:32PMVienna Hbf

$2081One-way

2 transfers

EC 9+

VIA RB10+

ICE 29

10:53AM9h54

Cologne Hbf

08:47PMVienna Hbf

$2981One-way

2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Vienna

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Vienna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €75.

Distance: 461 miles (743 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Flight	Bus
€152 Average price	€185 Average price	€69 Average price Cheapest
10h 18m Average total duration 9h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*	13h 13m Average total duration 12h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest	- CO2 emissions	0.7 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular airline	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Vienna train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 20

Last updated at 9:38 PM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 103 · ICE 2901 · ICE 91	On time 6:55 AM Cologne Hbf	7h52	2:47 PM Vienna Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91	On time 6:55 AM Cologne Hbf	7h52	2:47 PM Vienna Hbf	2 transfers
RE 5+ICE 621 · ICE 93	On time 7:31 AM Cologne Hbf	8h16	3:47 PM Vienna Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 621 · ICE 93	On time 7:44 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	8h03	3:47 PM Vienna Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 621 · ICE 93	On time 7:44 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	8h03	3:47 PM Vienna Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 27	On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf	8h54	4:47 PM Vienna Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 27	On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf	8h54	4:47 PM Vienna Hbf	0 transfersDirect
EC 9+VIA RB10+ICE 29	8:53 AM Cologne Hbf	9h54	6:47 PM Vienna Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 105 · ICE 27	On time 8:55 AM Cologne Hbf	7h52	4:47 PM Vienna Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 105 · ICE 27	On time 8:55 AM Cologne Hbf	7h52	4:47 PM Vienna Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 625 · EC 219 · RJX 167	On time 9:44 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	8h48	6:32 PM Vienna Hbf	2 transfers
This is the last train of the day.

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Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Vienna by train, bus, or flight

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Vienna?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Vienna is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Vienna route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Vienna per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Vienna.

Trains

from $85

Buses

from $53

Flights

from $243

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Vienna

The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.

Pros

Very punctual

Professional staff

Comfortable seats

Cons

Sockets

Hygene(in the toilets)

I personally find the Westbahn top! Always reliable and on time. You get to your destination very quickly. The volume of the announcements is pleasant, as are the seats. A good price-performance ratio! I am also very satisfied with the service. I simply scanned the QR code on my ticket and that was it, and it's also very easy to book online. For the price, you get a lot, such as free wifi and power sockets, although it feels like only half of them work. The toilets on the train are also not exactly recommendable, as there is often urine on the toilet seat. Nevertheless, I like travelling with the Westbahn!

Pros

Good burst

Good view

Good hygiene

Good loos

Cons

None

The train is very punctual and I would always take it because it is so comfortable and very clean. There is regular staff, quiet and friendly, going through that it is also really clean. Also in the toilets. Very pleasant ride and hassle free, no ticket checks. You can eat and drink on site, which is very, very good, then you don't always have to take everything with you. Wifi is free and there are also power sockets at every stop. The price is also totally ok. The ticket was issued quickly and without any problems. I can only recommend it. Nothing for children without parents. You can even sleep on the train because the journey takes a little longer. It's not for everyone, because people get sick otherwise.

Pros

Comfort

Good value

Do not change

Cons

WIFI

Delays

Toilets

I was travelling from Cologne to Vienna on business a few weeks ago and I must say that I am satisfied with large parts of the journey . Above all, I have to mention all the comfort and breakfast on the trains for such a good price. Another very important point for me was that I didn't have to change trains. The only things that bother me are unfortunately the typical problems like delays, hygiene in the toilets and the wifi.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Vienna

Germany

Austria

Trains from Cologne to Vienna run on average 12 times per day, taking around 9h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€63) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by bus.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $42 (€34)

Distance

461 miles (743 km)

Average train duration

9h 48m

Cheapest ticket price

$78 (€63)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

8h 3m

First train

00:01

Last train

23:58

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $42 (€34)

Train providers: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE and ÖBB Nightjet from Cologne to Vienna trains

Travel between Cologne and Vienna from $49 (€40) with Omio’s train partners Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE and ÖBB Nightjet! You can find the best schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the most affordable trip for you.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main provider of train services in Germany, making on average 40,000 journeys per day. A special feature of Deutsche Bahn is its wide range of ticket types, savings offers including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100. DB uses different types of trains such as the ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn) on its routes, which differ in terms of comfort and the time required to travel.

Cologne to Vienna train information with Deutsche Bahn:

Average Duration: 7 h 52 min
Cheapest Price: $50
Deutsche Bahn frequency: 1 a day

The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz.

ÖBB | ICE from Cologne to Vienna train information:

Average Duration: 8 h 16 min
Cheapest Price: $78

ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.

Train information from Cologne to Vienna with ÖBB Nightjet:

Average Duration: 11 h 14 min
Cheapest Price: $49

ÖBB Intercity is a domestic high-speed rail service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) in Austria. They are addition to the Eurocity and the Railjet for long-distance travels and also include first class cars, the trains are air-conditioned, hve power sockets a minibar service and are comfortable. ÖBB Intercity trains mostly run on the inner alpine lines to cities like Graz, Linz and Salzburg and Inssbruck.

Train information from Cologne to Vienna with ÖBB | InterCity:

Average Duration: 10 h 10 min
Cheapest Price: $78

EuroNight is an international night train service operated by ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways. It runs from Austria to many countries in Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The ticket types available are Standard, Comfort, and Business Class. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, a bar, and a bistro. The most popular routes for EuroNight are Vienna to Munich, Vienna to Zurich, and Vienna to Venice.

EuroNight from Cologne to Vienna train information:

Average Duration: 14 h 4 min
Cheapest Price: $174

Traveling by train from Cologne to Vienna

Traveling between Cologne and Vienna is a seamless experience, thanks to the efficient train connections provided by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, and ÖBB | Nightjet. With multiple daily departures, you can enjoy a comfortable journey through picturesque landscapes while reaching your destination in just around 8 hours. Whether you're looking for high-speed travel or an overnight adventure, these providers offer excellent options to suit your needs.

Train Connection: Cologne to Vienna

Traveling from Cologne to Vienna takes approximately 7 hours and 52 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day, departing from Köln Hbf, with additional stops at Köln-Ehrenfeld and Köln Messe/Deutz before arriving at Wien Hauptbahnhof.

Cologne to Vienna Train Connection

The first daily train from Cologne to Vienna departs at 05:53, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful landscapes along the route. The last journey of the day leaves at 21:58, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their evening in either city before heading back or continuing their adventure.

Train Tickets Price for Cologne and Vienna

The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Cologne and Vienna is €65. The average ticket price tends to be around €159, making it a good option to book in advance or look out for special deals.

Exploring Vienna's Architectural and Cultural Treasures

Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, boasts a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when it was transformed from a hunting lodge into an opulent baroque palace. Its significance lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also as a symbol of Austria's imperial past and cultural heritage; today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique features include its stunning gardens adorned with fountains and sculptures, along with the Gloriette offering breathtaking views over Vienna.

St. Stephen's Cathedral stands proudly at the heart of Vienna’s historic center and has been an enduring symbol of both faith and resilience since its construction began in 1137. This magnificent Gothic structure holds great significance for locals as it represents their spiritual life while serving as a witness to many pivotal moments in Austrian history, including royal weddings and state funerals. What sets St. Stephen's apart are its striking multi-colored tile roof and towering spire that dominates Vienna’s skyline—an iconic sight you won't want to miss.

Belvedere Palace is renowned for being one of Europe’s most exquisite examples of baroque architecture, originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy during the early 18th century. The palace complex signifies Austria's artistic legacy through its impressive collection featuring works by Gustav Klimt among others; it's more than just beautiful buildings—it tells stories through art across centuries! A unique feature here is the stunning landscaped gardens that connect Upper Belvedere with Lower Belvedere—a perfect spot for leisurely strolls amidst historical splendor.

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Vienna

FAQs: Travel by train from Cologne to Vienna easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cologne to Vienna.

Yes, you can take a train from Cologne to Vienna. Train services are available and serve as one of the main travel modes between these two cities. Besides train services, other transportation options include bus and flight connections. These options provide flexible travel choices according to one's schedule and preferences.

The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Vienna is by flight, with prices starting at €31.

The journey between Cologne and Vienna by train takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes, covering a distance of 743 kilometers. With 11 daily train services, it stands as a feasible long day trip, though the travel time necessitates planning for excursions and ensuring a longer stay within Vienna for a rewarding experience.

To experience the highlights of Vienna without rushing, spending 3 to 4 days in the city is generally recommended. This gives you enough time to enjoy key attractions such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, and the historic city center, while also allowing you some leisure time to explore the city's neighborhoods or museums.

Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Vienna. These trains are operated by Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, with the ICE service being available. A direct service runs once a day.

The train from Cologne to Vienna takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes to travel a distance of 743 kilometers, with a frequency of 11 departures daily.

The first train from Cologne to Vienna leaves at 3:20.

While trains are available to travel between Cologne and Vienna, the trip takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes to cover the distance of 743 kilometers. This suggests that high-speed train services, which typically cover such distances faster, are not available on this route.

The last train from Cologne to Vienna departs at 22:55.

Yes, there is a sleeper train from Cologne to Vienna, with the last journey at 22:55.

Trains from Cologne to Vienna offer a scenic journey through picturesque landscapes. Travelers can enjoy views of the beautiful Rhine Valley, rolling Bavarian countryside, and charming Austrian landscapes as they make their way through this route.

Explore Vienna by visiting Prater, a large public park illuminated by the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel and thrilling amusement rides. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Naschmarkt, where a diverse range of international foods and local delicacies await. Experience breathtaking views of the city and its picturesque landscapes on a Danube River Cruise. Immerse yourself in the history and art of equestrian traditions at the Spanish Riding School's performances. Unwind in the natural beauty and hiking trails of the Vienna Woods, just beyond the city. Discover the best sights with Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site with elegant gardens once home to emperors. Admire St. Stephen's Cathedral, a Gothic marvel known for its panoramic rooftop views. Appreciate the baroque grandeur of Belvedere Palace, showcasing an outstanding art collection, including renowned works by Klimt. Visit the stately Hofburg Palace, the historic heart of politics and culture, now housing presidential offices and several museums. Experience the illustrious Vienna State Opera, acclaimed for its opulent productions of classical performances.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Vienna

Cologne

Vienna

The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln-Ehrenfeld. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln-Ehrenfeld for your trip from Cologne to Vienna.

Köln-Ehrenfeld Wifi