- Must visit
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Major art museum with one of Europe’s best collections from medieval painting to modern masters, including notable Impressionist works.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$9
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$9
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 18 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 18 m
Trains on Sep 19
2
Distance
60 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milan to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Milan to Cologne will cost around $9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 trains from Milan to Cologne, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 60 km distance in an average of 1 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 18 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 18 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milan to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $13, while a bus costs an average of $183.
Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price Cheapest | $183 Average price | $193 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 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 Milan to Cologne:
A train is $171 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Milan to Cologne costing on average $183.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 50m.
The journey is about 2m faster (1h 8m by train vs 1h 10m by car) and roughly $180 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($13 vs $193). 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 Milan to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:01 AM Milan | 1h18 | 5:19 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:01 AM Milan | 1h18 | 6:19 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Milan to Cologne run on average 56 times per day, taking around 1h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 37 miles (60 km) distance in 57m.
Distance 37 miles (60 km) |
Average train duration 1h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 |
Trains per day 56 |
Fastest train 57m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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.
Major art museum with one of Europe’s best collections from medieval painting to modern masters, including notable Impressionist works.
Leading museum of modern and contemporary art, known for Picasso, Pop Art, and major postwar European collections.
Large archaeology museum presenting Cologne’s Roman past through mosaics, glass, inscriptions, and everyday artifacts.
Historic old town lanes with colorful houses, breweries, and churches; ideal for wandering between the Rhine and cathedral.
Lively riverside promenade with classic skyline views, boat traffic, and easy walks connecting the old town and southern harbor.
Modern harbor redevelopment known for the dramatic Kranhaus buildings, waterfront paths, and a polished urban atmosphere.
Canederli are bread dumplings from the Alpine north, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic local comfort dish.
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from South Tyrol. It is prized for its mountain-aging tradition and is commonly served with bread, cheese, or dumplings.
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of the region’s Alpine cuisine.
Michelin-starred dining with creative tasting menus rooted in local ingredients. Elegant atmosphere for a high-end South Tyrolean meal.
Historic traditional restaurant known for South Tyrolean classics, wood-paneled rooms, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere in the old town.
Well-known local tavern serving canederli, schnitzel, and regional wine in a rustic setting popular with residents and visitors.
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are generally manageable for tourists.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Cologne Central Station, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milan 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 Milan to Cologne trains use the Milano Centrale to Cologne station pair. Use this guide to compare Milan and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Milano Centrale is 2 km from Milan city centre. Public transport options include:
Milano Centrale 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: Venchi, Panzera Coffee, Burger King, Bar Motta, Caffè Napoli, VyTA Boulangerie, Spontini, Starbucks, Dispensa Emilia, McDonald's, & many more
Free WiFi in the station. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 22:20. Information desks are located next to the ticket office on the ground floor in the shopping gallery.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Luigi di Savoia. It is open every day from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Milano Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milano Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milano Centrale: Station is wheelchair accessible, has elevators and the Sala Blu, Trenitalia's office of assistance for disabled travelers, is next to Platform 4.
Nearby hotels include Glam Hotel Milano, NYX MIlan, iQ Hotel Milano.
Milano Lambrate is 4 km from Milan city centre. Public transport options include:
Milano Lambrate has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Pizzeria Il Girasole, Osteria Lambrate
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Milano Lambrate. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Milano Lambrate. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Milano Lambrate: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milano Lambrate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milano Lambrate: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include MEININGER Milano Lambrate, Hotel Gamma, Hotel Lugano.
Milano Greco Pirelli is 5 km from Milan city centre. Public transport options include:
Milano Greco Pirelli has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Greco, Osteria della Stazione
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Milano Greco Pirelli. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Milano Greco Pirelli. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Milano Greco Pirelli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milano Greco Pirelli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milano Greco Pirelli.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Greco, Hotel Gala, Novotel Milano Nord Ca Granda.
Cologne has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cologne.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need