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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$39
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$83
Fastest journey on Sep 17
1 h 53 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
2 h 2 m
Trains on Sep 17
32
Distance
240 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 32 trains from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf, including 6 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 240 km distance in an average of 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 53 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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 272 · ICE 9209:59 PM4h06Karlsruhe Hbf2:05 AMCologne Hbf$391One-way1 transfer- ICE 274 · IC 23477:59 PM3h07Karlsruhe Hbf11:06 PMCologne Hbf$541One-way1 transfer
- ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 10208:37 AM3h28Karlsruhe Hbf12:05 PMCologne Hbf$611One-way2 transfers
- ICE 272 · ICE 5109:59 PM2h28Karlsruhe Hbf12:27 AMCologne Hbf$611One-way1 transfer
- ICE 2 · ICE 910 · ICE 228:37 PM3h29Karlsruhe Hbf12:06 AMCologne Hbf$611One-way2 transfers
- ICE 2 · ICE 9108:37 PM1h53Karlsruhe Hbf10:30 PMCologne Hbf$801One-way1 transfer
- ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · S198:37 AM2h02Karlsruhe Hbf10:39 AMCologne Hbf$841One-way2 transfers
- ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · S1910:37 AM2h02Karlsruhe Hbf12:39 PMCologne Hbf$1051One-way2 transfers
- ICE 376 · ICE 6147:59 AM2h06Karlsruhe Hbf10:05 AMCologne Hbf$1011One-way1 transfer
- ICE 2028:59 AM2h06Karlsruhe Hbf11:05 AMCologne Hbf$1011One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, while a train costs an average of $74.
Distance: 149 miles (240 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is $42 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $74 (€61).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 56m.
You'll arrive about 52m sooner (2h 30m by train vs 3h 22m by car). Tickets start at around $74 (€61) compared to roughly $52 (€42) 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.
Live departures
Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | Delayed 6:40 AM 8:37 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h28 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · S19 | Delayed 6:40 AM 8:37 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h02 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 202 | Delayed 7:05 AM 8:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
| ICE 376 · ICE 614 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 376 · IC 2049 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h07 | 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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.
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Why should you book Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
- 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 with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf
ComfortableQuickCheapSocketsWIFI
Many guestsVery fastCleanPunctual departureSlight delay on arrivalA little expensiveDirect connection often already fully booked one day before journeydirect traintoo fullJourney information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 20:01. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (240 km) distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 149 miles (240 km) |
Average train duration 2h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 12:13 AM |
Last train 8:01 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, TGV from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, TGV trains will get you between Karlsruhe Hbf and Cologne Hbf from $18 (€15). 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.
FlixTrain
TGV
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Most Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe Hbf and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe 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 and drink
Food options include: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Karlsruhe Hbf
Most popular train connections to Cologne Hbf
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