- 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
$8
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
1 h 2 m
Average duration
1 h 5 m
Trains per day
61
Distance
152 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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 (Main) Hbf to Cologne will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 61 trains that leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for Cologne on Wed, Jul 22, 39 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 152 km distance in an average of 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 2 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 1 h 6 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 618
IC 60402
ICE 18
ICE 222
29508 · ICE 1014
ICE 314
ICE 12
ICE 10
ICE 314
ICE 824Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 94 miles (152 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price | $18 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m 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 (Main) Hbf to Cologne:
A bus is $14 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne costing on average $32 (€26).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 35m.
The journey is about 18m faster (1h 49m by train vs 2h 7m by car) and roughly $1 (€1) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($32 (€26) vs $33 (€27)). 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 (Main) Hbf to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60402 | Delayed 1:11 AM 3:11 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h33 | 3:44 AM 3:44 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 728 | Delayed 8:10 AM 10:08 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
S9 · ICE 612 | 10:32 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 726 | On time 11:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 314 | On time 11:15 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h02 | 12:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 126 | On time 11:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 12:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
S9 · ICE 610 | 12:32 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 722 | On time 1:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
4258 · ICE 918 | On time 1:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 124 | On time 1:36 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 228 · ICE 108 | On time 1:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 228 | On time 1:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 720 | On time 2:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
S9 · ICE 518 | On time 2:32 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 628 | On time 3:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
4260 · ICE 916 | On time 3:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 122 | On time 3:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 · ICE 106 | On time 3:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 28 | 3:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 4:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
29542 · IC 2041 | On time 4:24 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h42 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · ICE 516 | On time 4:32 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 624 | On time 5:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
S8 · ICE 224 | 5:17 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h26 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 26 · ICE 104 | On time 5:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 26 | 5:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 6:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 10 | On time 6:16 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 7:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
4499 · IC 2349 | On time 6:38 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h28 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 318 | Delayed 5:04 PM 7:03 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h25 | 6:32 PM 6:32 PMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 318 | On time 7:04 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h28 | 8:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 620 | 7:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 120 | On time 7:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 24 · ICE 102 | 7:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 24 | 7:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 10:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 8:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
29534 · IC 2347 | On time 8:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h00 | 11:09 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 1 transfer | |
4759 · IC 2347 | On time 8:38 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h31 | 11:09 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 1 transfer | |
ICE 22 | 9:42 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h24 | 12:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S9 · ICE 510 | On time 10:32 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h49 | 12:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 920 | On time 11:22 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h43 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
ICE 618 | 4:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 18 | On time 5:26 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 6:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 222 | 5:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 6:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 826 | On time 5:41 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 7:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 824 | On time 7:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 8:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
29508 · ICE 1014 | On time 7:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 316 | On time 7:28 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 8:34 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 220 | 7:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 8:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1022 · ICE 204 | On time 7:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1022 | On time 7:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 822 | On time 8:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 16 · ICE 614 | On time 8:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h31 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 16 | On time 8:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h43 | 10:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 9:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
4254 · ICE 1012 | On time 9:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 16 | On time 9:26 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 10:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 9:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 · ICE 202 | On time 9:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1020 | On time 9:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 (Main) Hbf to Cologne run on average 19 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) but you can travel from only $10 (€9) by bus.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:46, the last at 22:34. The fastest train covers the 94 miles (152 km) distance in 1h 6m.
Distance 94 miles (152 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€10) |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 1h 6m |
First train 2:46 AM |
Last train 10:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
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 (Main) Hbf 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 (Main) Hbf 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 (Main) Hbf and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) 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, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.
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