- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Florence to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Florence to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a flight costs an average of $25.
Distance: 534 miles (860 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$333 Average price | $89 Average price Cheapest | $317 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 22h 13m Average total duration 21h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.6 - 5.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular airline |  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.
The cheapest way to travel from Florence to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $89 (€72).
This is compared to other travel options from Florence to Cologne:
A bus is $244 (€197) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Florence to Cologne costing on average $333 (€269).
The fastest way to travel from Florence to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 10m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Florence and Cologne including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Florence to Cologne among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Florence to Cologne by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Florence to Cologne
Italy
Germany
Take a train from Florence to Cologne and enjoy the approximately 534 miles (860 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 22:00.
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
Flight from $25 (€20)
Distance 534 miles (860 km) |
Trains per day 1 |
First train 12:40 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Flight from $25 (€20)
Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
- Must visit
Römisch-Germanisches Museum
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.
- Recommended
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
- Must visit
Old Town Cologne
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
- Must visit
Rhine Promenade
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
- Recommended
Alter Markt
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kölsch
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.
- Gluten-free
Himmel un Ääd
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.
- Vegetarian
Halver Hahn
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.
Ox & Klee
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
Bei Oma Kleinmann
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
Peters Brauhaus
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.
Euro
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
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.
KVB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.70
- Day pass
- EUR 9.00
To the city center
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- You can buy tickets in the KVB App, at ticket machines, and on many buses and trams. Card payment is commonly available at machines and in the app.
- Validate that your ticket covers the correct fare zone before travel. Cologne city trips usually use the local city fare level.
FAQs: Trains from Florence to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Florence 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.
The first train from Florence to Cologne leaves at 12:40 AM.
The distance by train from Florence to Cologne is 534 miles (860 km).
The last train from Florence to Cologne leaves at 10:00 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Florence to Cologne.
The train station in Florence that goes to Cologne is Florence Santa Maria Novella, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Florence to Cologne is by flight, with a cost of around $25 (€20).
The train journey from Florence to Cologne offers a scenic experience, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, the rolling hills and vineyards of Northern Italy, and the scenic Rhine Valley in Germany, known for its castles and charming villages.
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
No, you cannot take the train from Florence to Cologne.
Since both Florence and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Florence to Cologne among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Florence to Cologne
Florence
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Florence is Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Firenze Santa Maria Novella for your trip from Florence to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
Lockers
- Provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Adua. Open daily from 06:00 to 23:00.
Dining
- 12oz Coffee Joint
- Casa Maioli
- Don Nino
- Fratelli Cuore
- McDonald´s
- Panella
- Segafredo Zanetti
- Spizzico
- Venchi
- & many more
Accessibility
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Mobility assistance is available with the Sala Blu, located next to Platform 1.
Hotel
- Hotel Luxor Florence
- Joy Hotel Florence
- Diplomat Hotel Florence
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
Information Desk
- Located inside and outside the station.
Public transit options for Firenze Santa Maria Novella
- Tram lines: T1, T2
- Bus lines: 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 23, 36, 37, C4
- Train lines: FR, FA, Italo
Amenities at train station
DiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 07:15 - 20:45
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Moka Café
Accessibility
- The station is fully accessible, with step-free access throughout the station.
Hotel
- Florence Stadium B&B
- Hotel Villa Liana
- Hotel della Robbia
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 07:15 - 20:45
Public transit options for Firenze Campo di Marte
- Bus lines: 12, 13, 33
- Train lines: FA, IC, ICN, R
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Florence.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln Hansaring
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
Hotel
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
More options for your journey from Florence to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Florence
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