- 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
lei369
Average price
lei399
Fastest journey
6 h 19 m
Average duration
7 h 4 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
487 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne will cost around lei399 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only lei369.
It's difficult to get from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
5414 · ICE 514 · IC 2349+
86558
5416 · ICE 912 · ICE 24 · 10446
5416 · ICE 912+
86562
5414 · ICE 514+
86558
59458 · ICE 224 · ICE 26+
86550
59458 · ICE 224+
86550
5416 · ICE 912+
86562
5414 · ICE 514+
86558
59458 · ICE 224 · ICE 26+
86550
5414 · ICE 514 · IC 2349+
86558Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from lei193. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of lei193, and a flight costs an average of lei520.
Distance: 302 miles (487 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
lei527 Average price | lei922 Average price | lei234 Average price Cheapest | lei516 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 7m Average total duration 10h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne:
A bus is lei293 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne costing on average lei527.
A bus is lei687 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne costing on average lei922.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 59m.
Bus takes on average 10h 37m.
You'll arrive about 1h 5m sooner (5h 59m by train vs 7h 4m by car). Tickets start at around lei527 compared to roughly lei516 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.
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
59458+ 86550+ ICE 224 · ICE 26 | On time 12:24 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 7h42 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
59458+ 86550+ ICE 224 | On time 12:24 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 6h19 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
5414+ 86558+ ICE 514 · IC 2349 | On time 1:07 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 7h58 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
5414+ 86558+ ICE 514 | On time 1:07 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 6h58 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
5416+ 86562+ ICE 912 · ICE 24 | 2:07 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 8h05 | 10:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
5416+ 86562+ ICE 912 | On time 2:07 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen station | 6h22 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at lei263 but you can travel from only lei193 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 302 miles (487 km) distance in 5h 58m.
Distance 302 miles (487 km) |
Average train duration 5h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price lei263 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 5h 58m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Cologne trains use the Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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: Subway, Hubertus, Sausalitos, Ritzmann's Zugspitzstube
Wi-Fi is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. ATMs are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Ticket office support is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Information desks are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Luggage storage is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Biohotel Garmischer Hof, Die Werdenfelserei, Roter Hahn.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hausberg has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food options include: Lodge am Hausberg, Restaurant Alpenhof
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hausberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hausberg: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hausberg.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Zugspitze, Hotel Königshof, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.
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-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Ehrenfeld 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: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.
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