- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
4 h 27 m
Average duration
5 h 1 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
349 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Magdeburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Magdeburg to Cologne will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
It's difficult to get from Magdeburg to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
IC 2044 · ICE 944
IC 2046 · ICE 942
IC 2432 · ICE 1052
16412 · ICE 1546+
95764
IC 2046 · ICE 942
IC 2044 · ICE 944
IC 2432 · ICE 371 · ICE 722
IC 2432 · ICE 1052
16317 · ICE 839 · ICE 628Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Magdeburg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. 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 $24, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 216 miles (349 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $182 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 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 Magdeburg to Cologne:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Magdeburg to Cologne costing on average $66 (€54).
A bus is $147 (€120) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Magdeburg to Cologne costing on average $182 (€149).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Bus takes on average 6h 5m.
The journey is about 22m faster (4h 36m by train vs 4h 58m by car) and roughly $13 (€11) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($66 (€54) vs $79 (€64)). 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Magdeburg to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2044 · ICE 944 | On time 8:03 AM Magdeburg Hbf | 4h30 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2432 · ICE 371 · ICE 722 | On time 9:02 AM Magdeburg Hbf | 5h12 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 2432 · ICE 1052 | On time 9:02 AM Magdeburg Hbf | 5h17 | 2:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:40 AM Magdeburg, ZOB | 8h03 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2046 · ICE 942 | On time 10:05 AM Magdeburg Hbf | 4h27 | 2:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
16412 · ICE 1546+ 95764 | 10:33 AM Magdeburg Hbf | 5h46 | 4:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
16317 · ICE 839 · ICE 628 | On time 10:34 AM Magdeburg Hbf | 5h40 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 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 Magdeburg to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) 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 216 miles (349 km) distance in 4h 28m.
Distance 216 miles (349 km) |
Average train duration 4h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
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.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Magdeburg 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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