- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$245
Average price
$345
Fastest journey
8 h 21 m
Average duration
8 h 23 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
846 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Montpellier to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Montpellier to Cologne will cost around $345 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $245.
Of the 5 trains that leave Montpellier for Cologne on Sun, Jun 28, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 28 the direct trains cover the 846 km distance in an average of 8 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 21 m .
On Sun, Jun 28 the slowest trains will take 8 h 24 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Montpellier to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a train costs an average of $114.
Distance: 525 miles (846 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$273 Average price | $91 Average price Cheapest | $281 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 38m Average total duration Fastest 7h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 0m Average total duration 14h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 43m 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 Montpellier to Cologne:
A bus is $182 (€150) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Montpellier to Cologne costing on average $273 (€225).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 30m.
The journey is about 3h 35m faster (7h 8m by train vs 10h 43m by car) and roughly $8 (€7) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($273 (€225) vs $281 (€232)). 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 Montpellier to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, June 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6250+ 9447 | 7:47 AM Montpellier-Sud-de-France | 10h42 | 6:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
6250+ 9459 | 7:47 AM Montpellier-Sud-de-France | 12h29 | 8:16 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
12362 · 6616+ 9459 | 10:02 AM Montpellier-Sud-de-France | 10h14 | 8:16 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 Montpellier to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $114 (€94) but you can travel from only $58 (€48) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 525 miles (846 km) distance in 7h 23m.
Distance 525 miles (846 km) |
Average train duration 7h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $114 (€94) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 7h 23m |
First train 2:15 AM |
Last train 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 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 strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne City Center, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Montpellier 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.

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