- 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
$19
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
61
Distance
151 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 61 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main Airport for Cologne on Mon, Aug 24, 55 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 151 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 48 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 510
ICE 618
ICE 826
ICE 222
IC 60402
ICE 912
ICE 1014
ICE 918
ICE 1012
ICE 1010Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 93 miles (151 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price | $14 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne costing on average $28 (€23).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 52m.
The journey is about 7m faster (1h 45m by train vs 1h 52m by car) and roughly $6 (€5) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($28 (€23) vs $34 (€28)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1022 | On time 7:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 204 | 8:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1612 | On time 8:26 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h06 | 9:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 316 | On time 8:48 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h51 | 9:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 8:52 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 | 9:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 9:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h00 | 10:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2520 | On time 9:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h00 | 10:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 10:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 728 | 10:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h58 | 11:20 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2528 | On time 10:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h58 | 11:20 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1610 | On time 10:26 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 16 | On time 10:48 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h51 | 11:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 126 | 10:50 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h56 | 11:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 612 | 11:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 726 | On time 11:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h00 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 11:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 926 · 10428 | 11:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h13 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 | On time 12:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 12:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h58 | 1:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1518 | 12:26 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 314 | On time 12:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h51 | 1:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 124 | On time 12:52 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 1:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 610 | 1:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 722 | On time 1:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h00 | 2:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 1:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 228 · 10434 | On time 1:59 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h13 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 | On time 2:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 720 | 2:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h00 | 3:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1516 | On time 2:26 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 14 | On time 2:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h51 | 3:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 122 | On time 2:52 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 3:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 518 | On time 3:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 628 | On time 3:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 4:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 916 | On time 3:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 | 3:59 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 | On time 4:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 4:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 5:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1514 | On time 4:26 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 12 | On time 4:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 516 | On time 5:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 624 | On time 5:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 6:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 224 | 5:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 118 | On time 5:53 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 6:54 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 26 · 10442 | 5:59 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h13 | 8:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 104 | On time 6:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 6:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1512 | On time 6:26 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 7:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 10 | On time 6:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 7:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 120 | On time 6:52 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 7:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 514 | On time 7:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 620 | 7:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 912 | On time 7:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 24 · 10446 | 7:59 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h13 | 10:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 102 | 8:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 8:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 318 | On time 8:29 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h10 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S8 · IC 2347 | On time 8:30 PM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 2h36 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 902 | On time 8:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 512 | On time 9:10 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 526 | On time 9:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 10:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 910 | On time 9:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h49 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 100 | 10:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h59 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 524 | 10:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h17 | 11:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 510 | On time 11:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h59 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 522 | 11:25 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h06 | 12:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 920 | 11:40 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h25 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
S8 · 29500 · 25410 | 3:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 3h32 | 7:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 222 | 4:52 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 5:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 618 | 4:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h05 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne run on average 28 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 27 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:05, the last at 21:56. The fastest train covers the 93 miles (151 km) distance in 48m.
Distance 93 miles (151 km) |
Average train duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 27 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 2:05 AM |
Last train 9:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Frankfurt am Main Airport 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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne trains use the Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main Airport and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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