- 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
$50
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 25 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leipzig to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leipzig to Cologne will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 10 trains that leave Leipzig for Cologne on Sun, Jul 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 5 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 43 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.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 2551 · ICE 722
ICE 505 · 4616 · ICE 228 · ICE 108
ICE 1652 · ICE 124
ICE 2551 · ICE 722
IC 2430 · ICE 640 · ICE 1033
ICE 2551 · ICE 14Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leipzig to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 14m. 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 $22, and a flight costs an average of $293.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $669 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 44m Average total duration Fastest 6h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Leipzig to Cologne:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leipzig to Cologne costing on average $80 (€66).
A bus is $631 (€518) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leipzig to Cologne costing on average $669 (€549).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 37m.
Flight takes on average 7h 14m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with FlixTrain.
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 Leipzig to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:05 AM Leipzig, Hbf | 9h36 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2551 · ICE 722 | On time 8:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h25 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2551 · ICE 14 | On time 8:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h43 | 2:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 124 | On time 9:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h16 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2430 · ICE 640 · 17421 | On time 9:42 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h56 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2430 · ICE 640 · ICE 1033 | Delayed 9:42 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h32 | 1:35 PM 1:35 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 505 · 4616 · ICE 228 · ICE 108 | On time 9:55 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h10 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 11:04 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h39 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 11:04 AM Leipzig Hbf | 9h16 | 8:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 1:00 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 8h40 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Leipzig to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 4h 44m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 6h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 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 Leipzig 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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