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

Wed, May 13
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
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Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lugano to Cologne

Showing times and prices for May 13

Cheapest price

$83

Average price

$92

Fastest journey

6 h 59 m

Average duration

8 h 1 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

568 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Lugano to Cologne will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Lugano for Cologne on Wed, May 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, May 13 the direct trains cover the 568 km distance in an average of 8 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 59 m .

On Wed, May 13 the slowest trains will take 9 h 3 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:30 AM6h59
    Lugano
    3:29 PMCologne
    $831One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:30 AM9h03
    Lugano
    4:33 PMCologne
    $1011One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, flight, and train for Lugano to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, and a flight costs an average of $28.

Distance: 352 miles (568 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

$168

Average price

$170

Average price

$76

Average price

Cheapest

$227

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 43m

Average total duration

7h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 28m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

10h 48m

Average total duration

10h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 24m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Lugano to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $76 (€60).

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

A bus is $92 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Cologne costing on average $168 (€134).

A bus is $94 (€75) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lugano to Cologne costing on average $170 (€136).

The fastest way to travel from Lugano to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 28m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 7h 13m.

Bus takes on average 10h 18m.

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

The journey is about 1h 11m faster (7h 13m by train vs 8h 24m by car) and roughly $59 (€47) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($168 (€134) vs $227 (€181)). 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

Lugano to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, May 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn5:00 AM Lugano
7h05
12:05 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:02 AM Lugano
7h03
2:05 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:30 AM Lugano
6h59
2:29 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lugano to Cologne by bus, flight, or train

Compare bus, flight, and train 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.

Wed
May 13
Thu
May 14
Fri
May 15
Sat
May 16
Sun
May 17
Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19

Why should you book Lugano to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Trenitalia EuroCity or Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) offer trains services from Lugano to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lugano 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 or Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Lugano 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 bus, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lugano to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Lugano to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lugano to Cologne

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lugano to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $83 (€66) but you can travel from only $28 (€22) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 352 miles (568 km) distance in 6h 59m.

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
Flight from $28 (€22)
Distance
352 miles (568 km)
Average train duration
7h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
$83 (€66)
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
6h 59m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
6 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
Flight from $28 (€22)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Lugano to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Lugano and Cologne from $28 (€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
7h 1m
Cheapest Price
$84 (€67)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Trenitalia EuroCity

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 3m
Cheapest Price
$203 (€162)
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
2 a day

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 3m
Cheapest Price
$230 (€183)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
5 a day

FAQs: Trains from Lugano to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano 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 Lugano to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $83 (€66), while the average price is around $168 (€134).
The train from Lugano to Cologne takes 6h 59m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Lugano to Cologne is 352 miles (568 km).
The first train from Lugano to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM.
The last train from Lugano to Cologne leaves at 11:57 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lugano to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lugano to Cologne.
The train station in Lugano that goes to Cologne is Lugano station, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Lugano to Cologne is by flight, with a cost of around $28 (€22).
The train journey from Lugano to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly through the Swiss Alps and past Lake Lucerne, providing picturesque landscapes and charming villages along the route.
A day trip from Lugano to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 59m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit for a day trip. The distance is 352 miles (568 km), with 10 train trips available per day.
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 Lugano to Cologne.
Since both Lugano 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 Lugano 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 Lugano to Cologne

Lugano
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Lugano is Lugano. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Lugano for your trip from Lugano to Cologne.
LuganoWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Piazzale della Stazione, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
4
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Via Basilea.
Dining
Dining
  • Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto
  • Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano
  • Hotel Lugano Dante Center
  • Hotel Federale Lugano
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 640 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Italy and regional destinations
  • Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
Public transit options for Lugano
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Funicular: Lugano Città–Stazione funicular

More options for your journey from Lugano to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Cologne to Lugano
Tickets and more information for trains to Lugano
Tickets and more information for trains to Cologne

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