- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
kr398
Average ticket price on Sep 18
kr560
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 45 m
Trains on Sep 18
15
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 kr560 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr398.
It's difficult to get from Erlangen to Cologne without transferring at least once.
4905 · ICE 726
4967 · ICE 926
4907 · ICE 724 · 4495 · IC 2045
4971 · ICE 28
4907 · ICE 724
4907 · ICE 724
4905 · ICE 726
4909 · ICE 722
4913 · ICE 628
4911 · ICE 720Omio 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 an average ticket price of kr251 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 35m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr251, while a train costs an average of kr659.
Distance: 201 miles (324 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr659 Average price | kr251 Average price Cheapest | kr465 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration 6h 13m 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 kr408 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Erlangen to Cologne costing on average kr659.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 13m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (4h 5m by train vs 4h 9m by car). Tickets start at around kr659 compared to roughly kr465 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 tomorrow, Friday, September 18. 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 | 5h03 | 2:06 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 · IC 2045 | On time 9:29 AM Erlangen station | 5h37 | 3:06 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 8 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr143 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 201 miles (324 km) distance in 3h 32m.
Distance 201 miles (324 km) |
Average train duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price kr143 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 32m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need