The cheapest and fastest trains from Heidelberg to Cologne
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
1 h 46 m
Average duration
1 h 53 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
210 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heidelberg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Heidelberg to Cologne will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 10 trains that leave Heidelberg for Cologne on Sun, Jan 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jan 25 the direct trains cover the 210 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 46 m .
On Sun, Jan 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 58 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
IC 2967
S2 · ICE 616
ICE 698 · IC 60402
ICE 1670 · ICE 16
S3 · ICE 1010
S3 · ICE 612
S3 · ICE 614
19260 · ICE 202
S2 · ICE 616Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Heidelberg to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heidelberg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a train 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 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €15.
Distance: 130 miles (210 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€52 Average price | €21 Average price Cheapest |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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
Heidelberg to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Heidelberg to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Sunday, January 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 698 · IC 60402 | Delayed 1:02 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 4h08 | 5:15 AM 5:15 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 618 | On time 2:43 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 2h21 | 5:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S2 · ICE 616 | On time 5:07 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1h58 | 7:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S1 · ICE 204 | On time 6:03 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 2h02 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 614 | On time 7:13 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
19260 · ICE 202 | On time 8:10 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1h55 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1670 · ICE 16 | On time 8:18 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 2h21 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 612 | On time 9:13 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2967 | On time 9:24 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 3h24 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 1010 | On time 9:43 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1h46 | 11:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Heidelberg 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.
Jan 25
Jan 26
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Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Feb 01
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Why should you book Heidelberg to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC) operates all train services from Heidelberg to Cologne. Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC) tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC)?
- 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 (ICE,IC,RE,EC) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Heidelberg to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC) tickets can only be bought on Omio or Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC)'s website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC) tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC) tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Heidelberg to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Heidelberg to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Heidelberg to Cologne
Trains from Heidelberg to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) but you can travel from only $17 (€13) 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 130 miles (210 km) distance in 1h 52m.
Distance 130 miles (210 km) |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Heidelberg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Heidelberg and Cologne from $17 (€13). 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.
FAQs: Trains from Heidelberg to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg to Cologne
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Heid´s Grill
- McDonald's
- Uuuhmami
- Taj Mahal
- Leonardo Hotel
- Qube Hotel
- NH Heidelberg
- Krokodil
- Persepolis
- Zum Brückenaff
- 'S' Kastanie
- Choa
- Parkhotel Atlantic
- Hackteufel
- Goldener Falke
- Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg
- Restaurant Dufke
- Stettiner Klause
- Hakim's Imbiss
- KOLBEZ Cafe
- Hotel Rose
- 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 Heidelberg
More options for your journey from Heidelberg to Cologne
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