Lucerne to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)

Thu, Sep 17
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Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lucerne to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

$70

Average ticket price on Sep 17

$149

Fastest journey on Sep 17

5 h 11 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

5 h 11 m

Trains on Sep 17

30

Distance

443 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lucerne to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Lucerne to Cologne will cost around $149 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Lucerne to Cologne without transferring at least once.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28
    11:54 AM6h12
    Lucerne station
    6:06 PMCologne Hbf
    $701One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIR 2320 · ICE 278 · IC 2041
    12:54 PM6h12
    Lucerne station
    7:06 PMCologne Hbf
    $811One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnRE 4718 · IC 616 · ICE 72 · ICE 916
    11:05 AM5h24
    Lucerne station
    4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz
    $931One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIR 2316 · ICE 370 · ICE 2012
    10:54 AM6h12
    Lucerne station
    5:06 PMCologne Hbf
    $931One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 106
    11:54 AM5h11
    Lucerne station
    5:05 PMCologne Hbf
    $1081One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Lucerne to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $66 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 55m. 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 $66, while a flight costs an average of $572.

Distance: 275 miles (443 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$133

Average price

$66

Average price

Cheapest

$572

Average price

$186

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 44m

Average total duration

5h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 51m

Average total duration

10h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 55m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

5h 34m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

ITA

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 Lucerne to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $66 (€53).

This is compared to other travel options from Lucerne to Cologne:

A bus is $67 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lucerne to Cologne costing on average $133 (€108).

A bus is $506 (€412) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lucerne to Cologne costing on average $572 (€466).

The fastest way to travel from Lucerne to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 55m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 14m.

Bus takes on average 10h 21m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lucerne and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lucerne to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 20m faster (5h 14m by train vs 5h 34m by car) and roughly $53 (€43) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($133 (€108) vs $186 (€151)). 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.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Lucerne to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Lucerne to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIR 2308 · ICE 374 · ICE 6126:54 AM Lucerne station
5h11
12:05 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIR 2308 · ICE 374 · IC 2047
On time
6:54 AM Lucerne station
6h12
1:06 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4710 · IC 608 · ICE 74 · ICE 1010
On time
7:05 AM Lucerne station
5h24
12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4710 · IC 608 · ICE 74 · ICE 10107:05 AM Lucerne station
7h01
2:06 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 664 · ICE 200
On time
7:54 AM Lucerne station
5h11
1:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIR 2312 · ICE 372 · ICE 6108:54 AM Lucerne station
5h11
2:05 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIR 2312 · ICE 372 · IC 2045
On time
8:54 AM Lucerne station
6h12
3:06 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4714 · IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918
On time
9:05 AM Lucerne station
7h01
4:06 PM Cologne Hbf
4 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4714 · IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918
On time
9:05 AM Lucerne station
5h24
2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 668 · ICE 108
On time
9:54 AM Lucerne station
5h11
3:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIR 2316 · ICE 370 · ICE 518
On time
10:54 AM Lucerne station
5h11
4:05 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIR 2316 · ICE 370 · ICE 201210:54 AM Lucerne station
6h12
5:06 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4718 · IC 616 · ICE 72 · ICE 916
On time
11:05 AM Lucerne station
5h24
4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 106
On time
11:54 AM Lucerne station
5h11
5:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 2811:54 AM Lucerne station
6h12
6:06 PM Cologne Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIR 2320 · ICE 278 · ICE 516
On time
12:54 PM Lucerne station
5h11
6:05 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIR 2320 · ICE 278 · IC 2041
On time
12:54 PM Lucerne station
6h12
7:06 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4722 · IC 620 · ECE 4 · ICE 2241:05 PM Lucerne station
7h01
8:06 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4722 · IC 620 · ECE 4 · ICE 2241:05 PM Lucerne station
5h38
6:43 PM Cologne Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnEC 178 · ICE 104
On time
1:54 PM Lucerne station
5h11
7:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIR 2324 · ICE 276 · ICE 514
On time
2:54 PM Lucerne station
5h11
8:05 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIR 2324 · ICE 276 · IC 2349
On time
2:54 PM Lucerne station
6h12
9:06 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4726 · IC 624 · ICE 70 · ICE 9123:05 PM Lucerne station
7h01
10:06 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4726 · IC 624 · ICE 70 · ICE 912
On time
3:05 PM Lucerne station
5h51
8:56 PM Cologne Hbf
4 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4726 · IC 624 · ICE 70 · ICE 912
On time
3:05 PM Lucerne station
5h24
8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 680 · ICE 1023:54 PM Lucerne station
5h11
9:05 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIR 2328 · ICE 274 · IC 2347
On time
4:54 PM Lucerne station
6h12
11:06 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIR 2328 · ICE 274 · ICE 512
On time
4:54 PM Lucerne station
5h11
10:05 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4730 · IC 628 · ICE 2 · ICE 9105:05 PM Lucerne station
7h01
12:06 AM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 4730 · IC 628 · ICE 2 · ICE 910
On time
5:05 PM Lucerne station
5h25
10:30 PM Cologne Hbf
3 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lucerne 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.

Thu
Sep 17
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Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
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Wed
Sep 23

Why should you book Lucerne to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn and more offer trains services from Lucerne to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lucerne 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 Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) or Südostbahn to find the best option for your trip from Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lucerne to Cologne

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lucerne to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 275 miles (443 km) distance in 4h 37m.

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 $38 (€31)
Distance
275 miles (443 km)
Average train duration
5h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$49 (€40)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
4h 37m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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 $38 (€31)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Lucerne to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Lucerne and Cologne from $38 (€31). 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
4h 37m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$49 (€40)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Kolumba

Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.

  • Must visit

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Lucerne to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lucerne 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Lucerne to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $49 (€40), while the average price is around $133 (€108).
The train from Lucerne to Cologne takes 4h 37m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Lucerne to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM.
The distance by train from Lucerne to Cologne is 275 miles (443 km).
The last train from Lucerne to Cologne leaves at 11:57 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lucerne to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lucerne to Cologne.
The train station in Lucerne that goes to Cologne is Lucerne station, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Lucerne to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $38 (€31).
Yes, the train journey from Lucerne to Cologne is scenic as it passes through picturesque landscapes including the Swiss Alps, the Rhine Valley, and charming villages along the way.
A day trip from Lucerne to Cologne is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 37m. However, there are 9 trains per day covering the distance of 275 miles (443 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 Lucerne to Cologne.
Since both Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.
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 Lucerne to Cologne

Most Lucerne to Cologne trains use the Luzern Bhf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Lucerne and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Lucerne
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Lucerne station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Lucerne to Cologne leave from Luzern Bhf. The station is from Lucerne city centre at Zentralstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland.
Luzern BhfZentralstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Luzern Bhf from Lucerne city centre

TrainRe24, S1, Sn1 · 11m · $5 · every ~7 min
BusEv1 · 17m · $11
72 · 22m · $4 · every ~2 min

Luzern Bhf train station facilities and services

Luzern Bhf 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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.

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