- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and one of Germany’s strongest 20th-century collections.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
1 h 26 m
Average duration
1 h 34 m
Trains per day
58
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 58 trains that leave Mainz Hbf for Cologne Hbf on Sun, May 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 1 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 26 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 1 h 38 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.
IC 2347
S8 · ICE 618
S8 · ICE 18
29506 · 25416 · IC 5107
S8 · IC 2241
S8 · ICE 902
S8 · ICE 910
29523 · ICE 224
S8 · ICE 614
S8 · ICE 10Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 bus which can get you there in 2h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a train costs an average of $22.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 8m Average total duration 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is $18 (€14) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $53 (€43).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 38m.
Tickets start at around $53 (€43) compared to roughly $28 (€23) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.99 (€-20.12). The journey takes 2h 38m versus 2h 10m 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.
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 Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1020 | Delayed 9:20 AM 10:21 AMMainz Hbf | 2h00 | 11:07 AM 11:07 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S8 · ICE 314 | 10:32 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h58 | 12:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 126 | 11:02 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29511 · ICE 200 | 11:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h55 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1947 | Delayed 9:35 AM 11:21 AMMainz Hbf | 1h45 | 11:20 AM 11:20 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 926 | 12:19 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h46 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S8 · ICE 610 | On time 12:32 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h38 | 2:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 124 | On time 1:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 918 · 10427 | 1:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h40 | 2:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29515 · ICE 108 | On time 1:10 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h55 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1645 | 1:23 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h45 | 3:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
4258 · ICE 1228 | 1:51 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h15 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29520 · 25430 | 1:56 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h06 | 5:02 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · IC 2012+ 25018 | 1:59 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h08 | 5:07 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 518 | On time 2:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h04 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 628 · 10439 | 2:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h41 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 122 | On time 3:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29519 · ICE 106 | On time 3:10 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h55 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29570 · 4260 · ICE 28 | On time 3:27 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h39 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29524 · 25434 | 3:56 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h06 | 7:02 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · IC 1941+ 25022 | 3:59 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h10 | 7:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 516 | On time 4:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h04 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29526 · 25436 | 4:53 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h09 | 8:02 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29523 · ICE 224 | On time 5:10 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h34 | 6:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29576 · 4262 · ICE 1224 | 5:27 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h38 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29546 · 25438 | 5:56 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h06 | 9:02 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 1649+ 25026 | 5:59 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h18 | 9:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 10 | 6:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h38 | 7:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 620 · S19 | 6:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h37 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 120 | On time 7:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29527 · ICE 102 | On time 7:10 PM Mainz Hbf | 1h48 | 8:58 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29580 · 4264 · ICE 24 | On time 7:27 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h38 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29548 · 25442 | 7:56 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h06 | 11:02 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 512 | On time 8:02 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h02 | 10:04 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 910 | On time 8:32 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h27 | 11:59 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29534 · 25444 | 8:53 PM Mainz Hbf | 3h09 | 12:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4799 · ICE 510 | On time 9:17 PM Mainz Hbf | 4h08 | 1:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29584 · 56100 · ICE 524 | 9:27 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h59 | 12:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29533 · ICE 920 | 10:04 PM Mainz Hbf | 4h01 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29538 · 25450 · ICE 522 | 10:53 PM Mainz Hbf | 2h39 | 1:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 618 | Delayed 4:02 AM Mainz Hbf | 2h02 | 3:10 AM 3:10 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 826 · 10467 | 4:32 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h46 | 8:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 18 | 4:32 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h58 | 6:30 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · IC 2241 | 5:32 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h50 | 9:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 824 · S19 | 6:02 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h37 | 9:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 616 | On time 6:32 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h38 | 8:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29506 · 25416 · IC 5107 | 6:53 AM Mainz Hbf | 2h50 | 9:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 220 | On time 7:02 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 8:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29554 · 4252 · ICE 1022 | On time 7:21 AM Mainz Hbf | 2h45 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29508 · 25418 | 7:51 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h11 | 11:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4255 · ICE 820 · S19 | 8:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h29 | 11:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 614 | On time 8:32 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h37 | 10:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29510 · 25420 · IC 2202 | On time 8:53 AM Mainz Hbf | 2h50 | 11:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 128 | 9:02 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29507 · ICE 202 | 9:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h55 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29558 · 4254 · ICE 1020 | On time 9:27 AM Mainz Hbf | 2h38 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29512 · 25422 | 9:56 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h06 | 1:02 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4257 · ICE 612 | On time 10:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 1h55 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4257 · ICE 726 · 10820 | 10:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h43 | 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:02, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 1h 21m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 21m |
First train 2:02 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Pop Art, Picasso works, and one of Germany’s strongest 20th-century collections.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century European painting, offering one of Cologne’s key classical art collections.
Cologne’s leading museum for Roman heritage, with mosaics, archaeology, and finds from the city’s ancient past. Parts of the collection may be shown in temporary venues during works.
Broad stepped promenade on the east bank with outstanding cathedral skyline views, especially popular for sunset photos and social media content.
Walkable historic core with narrow lanes, churches, river views, and many of the city’s best-known postcard scenes.
Historic square in the Old Town lined with traditional buildings, bars, and civic history, making it a classic base for first-time visitors.
Top-fermented pale beer traditionally served in small glasses. It is Cologne’s signature drink and central to the city’s brewery culture.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes with apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. It is a well-known Rhineland comfort food.
Rhineland-style pot roast, traditionally marinated for days and served with rich gravy, dumplings, or potato sides. It is one of the region’s most famous festive dishes.
Modern, acclaimed restaurant near the center with a more refined approach to regional and seasonal German cuisine.
Established traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty Rhineland specialties and fresh Kölsch in an atmospheric old-town interior.
Large, established Cologne brewery restaurant offering local dishes and beer in a polished but traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Köln Hbf, Köln -> Köln Dom, Köln
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mainz Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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