- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$118
Fastest journey
10 h 43 m
Average duration
11 h 19 m
Trains per day
51
Distance
657 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Malmö to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Malmö to Cologne will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
It's difficult to get from Malmö to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
1089 Öresundstågen+
ECE 399 · ICE 921
1087 Öresundstågen+
ECE 399 · ICE 921
1083 Öresundstågen+
ECE 399 · ICE 921
1075 Öresundstågen+
ECE 399 · ICE 921
1085 Öresundstågen+
ECE 399 · ICE 921
R 1041 · ECE 1179 · ICE 615
R 1073 · ECE 397 · ICE 619
R 1053 · ECE 395 · ICE 617
1089 Öresundstågen+
ECE 399 · ICE 921
1031 Öresundstågen+
ECE 1179 · ICE 615Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Malmö to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a train costs an average of $139.
Distance: 408 miles (657 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$197 Average price | $90 Average price Cheapest |
10h 1m Average total duration Fastest 9h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 3m Average total duration 12h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 Malmö to Cologne:
A bus is $107 (€87) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Malmö to Cologne costing on average $197 (€159).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 33m.
The table below shows live departures for Malmö to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 1047 · R 54541 · R 30048 · R 57145 | On time 9:50 AM Malmö Centralstation | 13h59 | 11:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 7 transfers | |
R 1053 · ECE 395 · ICE 617 | On time 10:35 AM Malmö Centralstation | 11h13 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 1073 · ECE 397 · ICE 619 | On time 1:05 PM Malmö Centralstation | 10h44 | 11:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | |||||
1181 Öresundstågen+ ECE 1179 · ICE 615 | On time 2:35 AM Malmö Centralstation | 17h13 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1189 Öresundstågen+ ECE 1179 · ICE 615 | On time 3:35 AM Malmö Centralstation | 16h13 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
1189 Öresundstågen+ ECE 395 · ICE 617 | On time 3:35 AM Malmö Centralstation | 18h13 | 9:48 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 Malmö to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $139 (€112) but you can travel from only $57 (€46) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:35, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 408 miles (657 km) distance in 10h 19m.
Distance 408 miles (657 km) |
Average train duration 9h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $139 (€112) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 10h 19m |
First train 12:35 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Malmö 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.

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