- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 4 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
333 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Of the 21 trains that leave Freiburg im Breisgau for Cologne on Wed, Jun 17, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 333 km distance in an average of 3 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 3 h 10 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.
ECE 5320 · ICE 1649
ICE 200 · ICE 1645
ICE 106 · IC 1941
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228
ICE 74 · ICE 1010
ICE 6 · ICE 918
ICE 72 · ICE 916
ICE 70 · ICE 912
ICE 374 · ICE 612Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $94.
Distance: 206 miles (333 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$138 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $209 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 47m Average total duration 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne:
A bus is $97 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne costing on average $138 (€112).
A bus is $167 (€136) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne costing on average $209 (€169).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 17m.
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
You'll arrive about 18m sooner (4h 17m by train vs 4h 35m by car). Tickets start at around $138 (€112) compared to roughly $79 (€64) 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 8:55 AM Freiburg Hbf | 3h10 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 9:27 AM Freiburg Hbf | 3h02 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | Delayed 9:27 AM Freiburg Hbf | 4h38 | 12:09 PM 12:09 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 | On time 9:55 AM Freiburg Hbf | 3h10 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 · ICE 1645 | On time 9:55 AM Freiburg Hbf | 5h10 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · ICE 2284 | Delayed 9:55 AM Freiburg Hbf | 3h19 | 11:23 AM 11:23 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 10:55 AM Freiburg Hbf | 3h10 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 11:27 AM Freiburg Hbf | 3h02 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | Delayed 11:27 AM Freiburg Hbf | 4h39 | 2:09 PM 2:09 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 108 | On time 11:55 AM Freiburg Hbf | 3h10 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 12:55 PM Freiburg Hbf | 3h10 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 72 · ICE 916 · ICE 28 | Delayed 1:27 PM Freiburg Hbf | 4h39 | 4:09 PM 4:09 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 1:27 PM Freiburg Hbf | 3h02 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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.

Trains from Freiburg im Breisgau to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 206 miles (333 km) distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 206 miles (333 km) |
Average train duration 4h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Freiburg im Breisgau 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.

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