- 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
$73
Average price
$119
Fastest journey
7 h 44 m
Average duration
7 h 46 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
603 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Linz to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Linz to Cologne will cost around $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
It's difficult to get from Linz to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
RJX 19938 · EC 212 · ICE 880 · ICE 228
RJX 19938 · EC 212 · ICE 918
IC 407+
ICE 518
IC 540+
RJX 260+
ICE 518
IC 848+
ICE 880 · ICE 228+
EC 212
RJX 19950 · ICE 210 · ICE 916
RJX 19938 · EC 212 · ICE 918
RJX19950+
ICE 210 · ICE 916
RJX19938+
ICE 918+
EC 212
RJX19938+
EC 212+
ICE 918+
DB S19Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Linz to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $551.
Distance: 374 miles (603 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$138 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $839 Average price | $145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 2m Average total duration 8h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Linz to Cologne:
A bus is $73 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Linz to Cologne costing on average $138 (€113).
A bus is $774 (€637) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Linz to Cologne costing on average $839 (€691).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 32m.
Bus takes on average 10h 38m.
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 Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, SNCB.
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 Linz to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
REX 2+ R 25798+ RE5+ ICE 610 | 5:03 AM Linz Hbf | 10h03 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
REX 2+ R 25798+ RE5+ ICE 610 | 5:03 AM Linz Hbf | 9h02 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 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 Linz to Cologne run on average 17 times per day, taking around 8h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 374 miles (603 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 374 miles (603 km) |
Average train duration 8h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 20m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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 Linz 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 Linz to Cologne trains use the Linz Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Linz and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Linz Hbf is 1 km from Linz city centre. Public transport options include:
Linz Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Josef Linz, Das Anton
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Linz Hbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Linz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Linz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Linz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Linz Hbf: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schillerpark, Austria Trend Hotel Schillerpark, Park Inn by Radisson Linz.
Linz/Donau Wegscheid Bahnhof is 6 km from Linz city centre. Public transport options include:
Linz/Donau Pichling is 9 km from Linz city centre. Public transport options include:
Linz/Donau Pichling has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Linz/Donau Pichling.
Available at Linz/Donau Pichling: Parking, WC.
Available at Linz/Donau Pichling: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Linz/Donau Pichling.
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/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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