- 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 on Sep 19
€30
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€83
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 56 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
4 h 33 m
Trains on Sep 19
8
Distance
355 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Halle to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Halle to Cologne will cost around €83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
It's difficult to get from Halle to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
ICE 750 · ICE 926
IC 2238 · IC 2432 · ICE 652
ICE 750 · ICE 126
ICE 750 · ICE 726
ICE 750 · ICE 126
ICE 1503 · ICE 595 · ICE 724
ICE 1503 · ICE 595 · ICE 1518
IC 2238 · IC 2432 · ICE 652Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Halle to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €35 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €35, while a flight costs an average of €459.
Distance: 220 miles (355 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€87 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €459 Average price | €66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 12m Average total duration 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 50m Average total duration 7h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Halle to Cologne:
A bus is €52 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Halle to Cologne costing on average €87.
A bus is €424 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Halle to Cologne costing on average €459.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 42m.
Bus takes on average 7h 20m.
Tickets start at around €87 compared to roughly €66 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-20.53. The journey takes 4h 42m versus 4h 21m 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 Halle to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2238 · IC 2432 · ICE 652 | On time 8:06 AM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 5h09 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 750 · ICE 126 | On time 8:18 AM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 4h25 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 750 · ICE 726 | On time 8:18 AM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 3h56 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 750 · ICE 926 | On time 8:18 AM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 5h48 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1503 · ICE 595 · ICE 724 | On time 8:45 AM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 4h29 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1503 · ICE 595 · ICE 1518 | On time 8:45 AM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 4h48 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 10:49 AM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 6h54 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 2:46 PM Halle(Saale) Hbf | 7h09 | 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Halle to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 220 miles (355 km) distance in 3h 44m.
Distance 220 miles (355 km) |
Average train duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 44m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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.
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 Halle 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 Halle to Cologne trains use the Halle(Saale) Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Halle and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Halle(Saale) Hbf is 1 km from Halle city centre. Public transport options include:
Halle(Saale) 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: Schweizer Hof, Shiva, Maxi Bistro, Mr. Baguettkov
Wi-Fi is available at Halle(Saale) Hbf. ATMs are available at Halle(Saale) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Halle(Saale) Hbf. Information desks are available at Halle(Saale) Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Halle(Saale) Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Halle(Saale) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Halle(Saale) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Halle(Saale) Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Schweizer Hof, Dorint Hotel.
Halle Steintorbrücke is 1 km from Halle city centre. Public transport options include:
Halle Steintorbrücke 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: Athen, Restaurante am Steintorpalais, Hotel am Steintor, Brot & Rind
Wi-Fi is available at Halle Steintorbrücke. ATMs are available at Halle Steintorbrücke.
Ticket office support is available at Halle Steintorbrücke. Information desks are available at Halle Steintorbrücke.
Luggage storage is available at Halle Steintorbrücke. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Halle Steintorbrücke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Halle Steintorbrücke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Halle Steintorbrücke.
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Steintor, Hotel am Stadtbad.
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.
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