- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Pop Art, Picasso, and important twentieth-century collections beside the cathedral.
Cheapest price
$10
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
1 h 18 m
Average duration
1 h 18 m
Trains per day
1
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 $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
Of the 1 trains that leave Milan for Cologne on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 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 Sun, Jun 21 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 prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $9, and a bus costs an average of $9.
Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price Cheapest | $14 Average price | $191 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 37m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 33m Average total duration 2h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Milan to Cologne:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Milan to Cologne costing on average $14 (€12).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 3m.
The journey is about 3m faster (1h 7m by train vs 1h 10m by car) and roughly $181 (€148) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($9 (€8) vs $191 (€156)). 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, Sunday, June 21. 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 | |
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 55 times per day, taking around 1h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) 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 1h 18m.
Distance 37 miles (60 km) |
Average train duration 1h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 55 |
Fastest train 1h 18m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 known for its Pop Art, Picasso, and important twentieth-century collections beside the cathedral.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and nineteenth-century European painting; a strong choice for classic art in Cologne.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, admired for its atmospheric Peter Zumthor architecture and thoughtful mix of sacred and modern works.
Historic core with colorful houses, lively squares, churches, and riverside walks; a natural base for first-time exploration.
Scenic walking route along the river with classic city views, especially photogenic near sunset and during evening strolls.
Redeveloped waterfront district known for modern architecture, marina atmosphere, and the striking Kranhaus buildings popular in photos.
Bread dumplings common in the Alpine area around Cologne in South Tyrol, often served in broth or with butter and cheese.
Traditional half-moon ravioli from South Tyrol, usually filled with spinach and ricotta and dressed with butter and chives.
Lightly smoked and cured ham typical of South Tyrol, valued for its mountain-herb aroma and served on platters or with bread.
Established local restaurant serving classic Italian and regional dishes in a relaxed, traditional setting.
Traditional dining spot known for local cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, suitable for a leisurely meal.
Well-known casual venue appreciated for pizza, pasta, and dependable service in the town center.
Moderate by Italian standards: casual meals and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is often included or a coperto is charged. Tipping is not mandatory; round up or leave EUR 1-2 for cafes, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Cologne Bonn Airport, Cologne -> Cologne Central Station, 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