- 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
€66
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€111
Fastest journey on Sep 19
6 h 22 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
6 h 49 m
Trains on Sep 19
4
Distance
426 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne will cost around €111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €66.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 4 trains from Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 426 km distance in an average of 6 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 22 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 7 h 21 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €55 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €55, while a flight costs an average of €354.
Distance: 264 miles (426 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€117 Average price | €354 Average price | €55 Average price Cheapest | €79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 57m Average total duration 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 40m Average total duration 11h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne:
A bus is €62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne costing on average €117.
A bus is €299 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne costing on average €354.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 27m.
Bus takes on average 11h 10m.
You'll arrive about 50m sooner (5h 27m by train vs 6h 17m by car). Tickets start at around €117 compared to roughly €79 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.
The table below shows live departures for Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECE 97 · 3686 · ICE 610 | On time 9:10 AM Lindau-Reutin station | 4h55 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ECE 97 · 3686 · ICE 610 · IC 2045 | On time 9:10 AM Lindau-Reutin station | 5h56 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
78920 · 57608 · ICE 598 · ICE 108 | On time 9:45 AM Lindau-Insel | 5h20 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
78926 · 3690 · ICE 596 · ICE 710 | On time 11:45 AM Lindau-Insel | 6h21 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ECE 191 · 3692 · ICE 516 · IC 2041 | On time 1:10 PM Lindau-Reutin station | 5h56 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 191 · 3692 · ICE 516 | On time 1:10 PM Lindau-Reutin station | 4h55 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €27 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 264 miles (426 km) distance in 4h 24m.
Distance 264 miles (426 km) |
Average train duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price €27 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 4h 24m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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 Lindau (Bodensee) 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 Lindau (Bodensee) to Cologne trains use the Lindau-Insel to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Lindau (Bodensee) and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lindau-Reutin is 1 km from Lindau (Bodensee) city centre. Public transport options include:
Lindau-Reutin 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: Bodenseehotel, Dodici, Crêpes Inn, Das Restaurant von Feneberg
Wi-Fi is available at Lindau-Reutin. ATMs are available at Lindau-Reutin.
Ticket office support is available at Lindau-Reutin. Information desks are available at Lindau-Reutin.
Luggage storage is available at Lindau-Reutin. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lindau-Reutin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lindau-Reutin: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lindau-Reutin.
Nearby hotels include Bodenseehotel, Am Rehberg, Hotel Reulein, Köchlin.
Lindau-Insel 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: Italienisches Eiskaffee, Ottimo, Alte Post, Café Schreier
Wi-Fi is available at Lindau-Insel. ATMs are available at Lindau-Insel.
Ticket office support is available at Lindau-Insel. Information desks are available at Lindau-Insel.
Luggage storage is available at Lindau-Insel. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lindau-Insel: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lindau-Insel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lindau-Insel.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Reutemann, Hotel Helvetia, Lindauer Hof, Zum Stift.
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 Hansaring is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hansaring 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: McDonald's, Wartesaal am Dom, Alte Feuerwache, Al Andalus
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Hansaring. ATMs are available at Köln Hansaring.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hansaring. Information desks are available at Köln Hansaring.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Hansaring. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hansaring: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hansaring: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hansaring.
Nearby hotels include A&O Köln Dom, City Pension Storch II, Azimut Hotel, First Domizil.
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