The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
90
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main 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 to Cologne will cost around $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 90 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Cologne on Fri, Feb 27, 84 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Feb 27 the direct trains cover the 153 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 Fri, Feb 27 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 618
ICE 712
ICE 521 · ICE 712
4551 · IC 60402
ICE 826
ICE 1014
ICE 1012
ICE 1010
ICE 912
ICE 918Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main 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 bus which can get you there in 2h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$28 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest |
2h 44m Average total duration 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Frankfurt am Main to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, February 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 820 | On time 8:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 | On time 8:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 8:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 8:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 9:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1012 | On time 8:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 9:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 | On time 8:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 8:46 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 9:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 728 | On time 9:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1610 | On time 9:11 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 10:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 9:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 912 | On time 6:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 7:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 120 | On time 6:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 102 | On time 7:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 7:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 318 | On time 7:29 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h10 | 8:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S9 · ICE 100 | On time 8:32 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h36 | 10:08 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1220 | On time 8:44 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 524 · S19 | On time 9:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h02 | 11:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 100 | On time 9:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 10:08 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 524 · S19 | On time 9:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h47 | 11:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 522 | On time 10:11 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 11:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 522 | On time 10:25 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h06 | 11:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 920 | On time 10:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h31 | 1:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
4551 · IC 60402 | 11:19 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h38 | 4:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main to Cologne by train or bus
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.
Feb 26
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Why should you book Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Hessische Landesbahn to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne run on average 30 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
There are 25 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 51m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 30 |
Direct trains 25 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Cologne from $9 (€7). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Hessische Landesbahn
FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- 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
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Frankfurt am Main
More options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
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