- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
3 h 44 m
Average duration
4 h 8 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
286 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Erfurt to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Erfurt to Cologne will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
It's difficult to get from Erfurt to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
ICE 1654 · ICE 726
ICE 2595 · ICE 724
ICE 2595 · ICE 724
ICE 1654 · ICE 726
ICE 2595 · ICE 1518
ICE 1654 · ICE 126
ICE 503 · 4612 · ICE 926 · ICE 200Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Erfurt to Cologne 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 train which can get you there in 4h 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 $25, and a train costs an average of $35.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 4m Average total duration Fastest 4h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration 4h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Erfurt to Cologne:
A bus is $50 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Erfurt to Cologne costing on average $93 (€75).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 46m.
Tickets start at around $93 (€75) compared to roughly $66 (€53) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-26.78 (€-21.72). The journey takes 4h 34m versus 4h 11m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Erfurt to Cologne trains for today, Friday, June 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1654 · IC 1947 | On time 8:16 AM Erfurt Hbf | 4h49 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | On time 8:16 AM Erfurt Hbf | 3h49 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 503 · 4612 · ICE 926 | On time 8:35 AM Erfurt Hbf | 5h30 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 503 · 4612 · ICE 926 · ICE 200 | On time 8:35 AM Erfurt Hbf | 4h30 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
26104 · ICE 684 · IC 2046 · ICE 109 | On time 9:07 AM Erfurt Hbf | 5h41 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 837 · ICE 1228 | Delayed 9:09 AM 10:50 AMErfurt Hbf | 5h16 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 837 · ICE 124 | Delayed 9:09 AM 10:50 AMErfurt Hbf | 3h53 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 837 · ICE 722 | Delayed 9:09 AM 10:50 AMErfurt Hbf | 3h24 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
26106 · ICE 682 · IC 2048 · ICE 201 | On time 11:07 AM Erfurt Hbf | 5h41 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 12:16 PM Erfurt Hbf | 3h49 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1650 · IC 2012 | On time 12:16 PM Erfurt Hbf | 4h50 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 839 · ICE 28 | Delayed 11:09 AM 12:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 5h16 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 839 · ICE 628 | Delayed 11:09 AM 12:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 3h24 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 839 · ICE 122 | Delayed 11:09 AM 12:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 3h53 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26108 · ICE 680 · IC 2440 · ICE 203 | On time 1:07 PM Erfurt Hbf | 5h41 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1558 · ICE 516 | On time 2:16 PM Erfurt Hbf | 3h49 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1558 · IC 1941 | On time 2:16 PM Erfurt Hbf | 4h49 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 931 · ICE 1224 | Delayed 1:09 PM 2:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 5h15 | 6:07 PM 6:07 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 931 · ICE 1512 | Delayed 1:09 PM 2:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 4h43 | 7:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 931 · ICE 624 | Delayed 1:09 PM 2:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 3h24 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
26110 · ICE 588 · IC 2442 · ICE 205 | On time 3:07 PM Erfurt Hbf | 5h41 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 756 · ICE 514 | On time 4:16 PM Erfurt Hbf | 3h49 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 933 · ICE 120 | Delayed 3:06 PM 4:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 3h53 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 933 · ICE 24 | Delayed 3:06 PM 4:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 5h15 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 933 · ICE 620 | Delayed 3:06 PM 4:50 PMErfurt Hbf | 3h24 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and 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.
Trains from Erfurt to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 3h 24m.
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average train duration 4h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 24m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erfurt to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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