Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Zella-Mehlis
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a train costs an average of $137.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$137 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 16m Average total duration Fastest 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 45m Average total duration 15h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Zella-Mehlis:
A bus is $96 (€79) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis costing on average $137 (€112).
Other travel options to Zella-Mehlis take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 15m.
Tickets start at around $137 (€112) compared to roughly $62 (€51) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-75.20 (€-61.72). The journey takes 5h 46m versus 4h 23m 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 Zella-Mehlis train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Zella-Mehlis trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:45 PM Cologne | 4h54 | 5:39 PM Zella-mehlis | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Zella-Mehlis by train or bus
Compare train 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.
Jul 18
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis
Trains from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $137 (€112) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:31, the last at 13:44. The fastest train covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 5h 46m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average train duration 5h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $137 (€112) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 46m |
First train 5:31 AM |
Last train 1:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Zella-Mehlis from $41 (€33). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis 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 Zella-Mehlis, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis
Most Cologne to Zella-Mehlis trains use the Köln/Bonn Flughafen to Zella-Mehlis station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Zella-Mehlis train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Zella-Mehlis leave from?
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.
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.
Which Zella-Mehlis station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Zella-Mehlis from Zella-Mehlis city centre
Zella-Mehlis is 1 km from Zella-Mehlis city centre. Public transport options include:
Zella-Mehlis train station facilities and services
Zella-Mehlis 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: Hotel Stadt Suhl, Toschis Station, Zum Schotten, El Greco
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Zella-Mehlis. ATMs are available at Zella-Mehlis.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zella-Mehlis. Information desks are available at Zella-Mehlis.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zella-Mehlis. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zella-Mehlis: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zella-Mehlis: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zella-Mehlis.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Stadt Suhl.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Zella-Mehlis
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