- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$113
Fastest journey
6 h 9 m
Average duration
6 h 44 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gera to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gera to Cologne will cost around $113 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Of the 3 trains that leave Gera for Cologne on Tue, Jun 09, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 09 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 6 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 9 m .
On Tue, Jun 09 the slowest trains will take 7 h 23 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gera to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 39m. 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 $29, and a flight costs an average of $374.
Distance: 223 miles (360 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$117 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $563 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration 6h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg 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 Gera to Cologne:
A bus is $71 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gera to Cologne costing on average $117 (€95).
A bus is $517 (€421) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gera to Cologne costing on average $563 (€459).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 3m.
Train takes on average 6h 20m.
Tickets start at around $117 (€95) compared to roughly $81 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-35.95 (€-29.30). The journey takes 6h 20m versus 4h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Gera to Cologne trains for today, Monday, June 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3904 · ICE 595 · 4495 · ICE 1645 | On time 8:05 AM Gera Hbf | 7h00 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
3904 · ICE 595 · ICE 724 | On time 8:05 AM Gera Hbf | 5h09 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
3904 · ICE 595 · ICE 1518 | On time 8:05 AM Gera Hbf | 5h28 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
80888 · ICE 837 · ICE 722 | On time 9:25 AM Gera Hbf | 4h49 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
80888 · ICE 837 · ICE 124 | On time 9:25 AM Gera Hbf | 5h18 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
80888 · ICE 837 · ICE 1228 | On time 9:25 AM Gera Hbf | 6h41 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
3906 · ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 10:05 AM Gera Hbf | 5h28 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
3906 · ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 10:05 AM Gera Hbf | 5h09 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
3658 · ICE 1650 · IC 2012 | On time 11:05 AM Gera Hbf | 6h01 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
3658 · ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 11:05 AM Gera Hbf | 5h00 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
80892 · ICE 839 · ICE 28 | On time 11:25 AM Gera Hbf | 6h41 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
80892 · ICE 839 · ICE 122 | On time 11:25 AM Gera Hbf | 5h18 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
80892 · ICE 839 · ICE 628 | On time 11:25 AM Gera Hbf | 4h49 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, June 9 | |||||
![]() | 5:05 AM Gera | 7h23 | 12:28 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Gera to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $29 (€23) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 223 miles (360 km) distance in 5h 28m.
Distance 223 miles (360 km) |
Average train duration 6h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 28m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 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 Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gera 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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