- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$133
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$133
Fastest journey on Sep 01
8 h 53 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
8 h 53 m
Trains on Sep 01
1
Distance
857 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Marseille to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Marseille to Cologne will cost around $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
It's difficult to get from Marseille to Cologne without transferring at least once.
ICE 106+
TGV 9583
ICE 106+
TGV 9583Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Marseille to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $101 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.8kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $101, while a flight costs an average of $416.
Distance: 532 miles (857 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$204 Average price | $101 Average price Cheapest | $416 Average price | $284 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 52m Average total duration 7h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 19m Average total duration 15h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | 2.6 - 5.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Marseille to Cologne:
A bus is $102 (€83) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Marseille to Cologne costing on average $204 (€165).
A bus is $315 (€255) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Marseille to Cologne costing on average $416 (€337).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 22m.
Bus takes on average 15h 49m.
The journey is about 3h 17m faster (7h 22m by train vs 10h 39m by car) and roughly $80 (€64) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($204 (€165) vs $284 (€230)). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Marseille to Cologne trains for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TGV 9583+ ICE 106 | On time 8:12 AM Marseille Saint-Charles | 8h53 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9583+ ICE 12 | On time 8:12 AM Marseille Saint-Charles | 9h28 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Marseille to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $116 (€94) but you can travel from only $56 (€45) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 23:15. The fastest train covers the 532 miles (857 km) distance in 8h 11m.
Distance 532 miles (857 km) |
Average train duration 7h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 (€94) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 8h 11m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Marseille 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.

Most Marseille to Cologne trains use the Marseille Saint-Charles to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Marseille and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Marseille Saint-Charles has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffe San Carlo, DAKAO, Espressamente Illy, EXKi, McDonald's, Monop'Daily, Starbucks, Casa Di Pasta, Chatime, PAUL
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located between track M and the bus station at the Honnorat exit.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 18:00. Information desks are located on level -1 of the station, entrances via the station or via Bd Bourdet.
Luggage storage is the lockers are located on Boulevard Bourdet, on level 0 of the station. Service is provided by La Bag Mobile.
Available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Accès Plus is a service offered to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility who need assistance at the station. For more information email [email protected] or call +33 890640650.
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Marseille-Saint Charles, Holiday Inn Express Marseille-Saint Charles, Hotel Les Bords De Me.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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