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The cheapest and fastest trains from Kiel to Cologne
Showing times and prices for May 25
Cheapest price
$172
Average price
$209
Fastest journey
6 h 11 m
Average duration
6 h 11 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
434 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Cologne will cost around $209 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $172.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Kiel to Cologne without transferring at least once.
11223 · ICE 2052:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf8:48 PMCologne Hbf$1721One-way1 transfer- 11225 · ICE 6173:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf9:48 PMCologne Hbf$1721One-way1 transfer
- 11221 · ICE 6151:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf7:48 PMCologne Hbf$2391One-way1 transfer
- 11219 · ICE 20312:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf6:48 PMCologne Hbf$2561One-way1 transfer
- 11223 · ICE 2052:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf8:48 PMCologne Hbf$1721One-way1 transfer
- 11219 · ICE 20312:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf6:48 PMCologne Hbf$2561One-way1 transfer
- 11225 · ICE 6173:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf9:48 PMCologne Hbf$1721One-way1 transfer
- 11221 · ICE 6151:37 PM6h11Kiel Hbf7:48 PMCologne Hbf$2391One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Kiel to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. 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 $27, and a flight costs an average of $161.
Distance: 269 miles (434 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $601 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration 7h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Kiel to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $46 (€37).
This is compared to other travel options from Kiel to Cologne:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Cologne costing on average $83 (€67).
A bus is $555 (€449) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Cologne costing on average $601 (€486).
The fastest way to travel from Kiel to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 0m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 35m.
Bus takes on average 7h 28m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Kiel and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Kiel to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 18m faster (5h 35m by train vs 5h 53m by car) and roughly $11 (€9) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($83 (€67) vs $94 (€76)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Kiel to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Cologne trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56815 · S3 · ICE 201 | On time 10:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| 56817 · ICE 613 | On time 11:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 5:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 56819 · S3 · ICE 203 | On time 12:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| 11221 · ICE 615 | On time 1:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 11223 · ICE 205 | On time 2:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 11225 · ICE 617 | On time 3:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Kiel to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Kiel to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Kiel to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Kiel to Cologne.
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 FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Kiel to Cologne.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Kiel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Kiel to Cologne.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Kiel to Cologne
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
No change had been necessaryCleanliness perfect throughout the trainTrain had full facilities with on-board bistroDisadvantages
irritated staffDelay of 25 minutesFrom Kiel to Cologne, you don't need to change trains, so the 25-minute delay that occurred was not a problem for me. Only the annoyed staff had disturbed the ride comfort. The seats were very comfortable and the train had been fully equipped. It was a bit noisy on the train, but still okay. The on-board bistro was still open on the train, where the cleanliness had been perfect. The cleanliness in the passenger compartment was also very good.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Kiel to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Kiel to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 269 miles (434 km) distance in 5h 32m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27 (€22)
Distance 269 miles (434 km) |
Average train duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 32m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27 (€22)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Kiel to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Kiel and Cologne from $27 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 32m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€28)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 41m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 32m
Cheapest Price
$125 (€101)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
4 a day
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 8m
Cheapest Price
$114 (€92)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
10 a day
FAQs: Trains from Kiel to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel 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.
Train ticket prices from Kiel to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $30 (€24), while the average price is around $83 (€67).
The train from Kiel to Cologne takes 5h 32m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Kiel to Cologne leaves at 12:05 AM.
The distance by train from Kiel to Cologne is 269 miles (434 km).
The last train from Kiel to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Kiel to Cologne. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Kiel to Cologne.
The train station in Kiel that goes to Cologne is Kiel Hbf, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Kiel to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $27 (€22).
The train journey from Kiel to Cologne offers a mix of scenic views, including stretches of the lush North German Plain, quaint villages, and glimpses of the Rhine River, particularly as you approach Cologne.
A day trip from Kiel to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 32m. There are 7 train trips available per day over a distance of 269 miles (434 km).
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
Yes, you can take the train from Kiel to Cologne.
Since both Kiel and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Kiel to Cologne among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Kiel to Cologne
Kiel
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Kiel is Kiel Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Kiel Hbf for your trip from Kiel to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Tuesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Wednesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Thursday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Friday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Saturday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Sunday: 06:45 - 20:00
Dining
- MUM&DAD
- Lunatique
- McDonald's
- Campus Suite
Hotel
- Hotel Wiking
- Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel
- Astor
- InterCityHotel Kiel
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Illy Espressobar
- McDonald's
- Gosch
- Citti-Restaurant
Kiel Schulen am Langsee
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingThe major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Kiel.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Kiel
More options for your journey from Kiel to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Kiel
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