- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$89
Average price
$119
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 26 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
324 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Erlangen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Erlangen to Cologne will cost around $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Erlangen to Cologne without transferring at least once.
4967 · ICE 926
4905 · ICE 726
4907 · ICE 724 · ICE 1645+
24516
4907 · ICE 724
4967 · ICE 926 · ICE 200
4905 · ICE 726
4907 · ICE 724
4967 · ICE 926 · ICE 200
4967 · ICE 926
4907 · ICE 724 · ICE 1645+
24516Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Erlangen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 3m. 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 $23, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 201 miles (324 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$95 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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 Erlangen to Cologne:
A bus is $67 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Erlangen to Cologne costing on average $95 (€78).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 19m.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (4h 3m by train vs 4h 9m by car). Tickets start at around $95 (€78) compared to roughly $71 (€58) 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.
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 Erlangen to Cologne trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4905 · ICE 726 | On time 8:29 AM Erlangen station | 3h45 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
4967 · ICE 926 · ICE 200 | On time 9:03 AM Erlangen station | 4h02 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
4967 · ICE 926 | On time 9:03 AM Erlangen station | 5h02 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4907 · ICE 724 | On time 9:29 AM Erlangen station | 3h45 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
4907 · ICE 724 · 4495 · ICE 1645 | On time 9:29 AM Erlangen station | 5h36 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Erlangen to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 201 miles (324 km) distance in 4h 4m.
Distance 201 miles (324 km) |
Average train duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 4m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 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 strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erlangen 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.

Most Erlangen to Cologne trains use the Erlangen to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Erlangen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Erlangen 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: Basilikum, Ilias, Ristorante Carpaccio, Goldene Sonne
Wi-Fi is available at Erlangen. ATMs are available at Erlangen.
Ticket office support is available at Erlangen. Information desks are available at Erlangen.
Luggage storage is available at Erlangen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erlangen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erlangen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erlangen.
Nearby hotels include NH Hotel, A. B. Hotel, Zeitwohnhaus, Hotel Villa Soy.
Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße is 1 km from Erlangen city centre. Public transport options include:
Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße 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: Bistro bareva, Zum Angerwirt, Turandot, Hoang Kim Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße. ATMs are available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße.
Ticket office support is available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße. Information desks are available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße.
Luggage storage is available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße.
Nearby hotels include Art Hotel, The niu Cure.
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.
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