- 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
$49
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 9 m
Trains per day
56
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Cologne will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 56 trains that leave Munich for Cologne on Wed, Jul 15, 34 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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.
ICE 698 · IC 60402
ICE 618
ICE 522 · ICE 920
ICE 510
ICE 512 · IC 2347
ICE 912
ICE 916
ICE 1012
ICE 918
ICE 1010Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $128.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $302 Average price | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 43m Average total duration 10h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg 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 Munich to Cologne:
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Cologne costing on average $102 (€84).
A bus is $251 (€207) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Cologne costing on average $302 (€249).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 58m.
Bus takes on average 10h 13m.
You'll arrive about 1h 16m sooner (4h 58m by train vs 6h 14m by car). Tickets start at around $102 (€84) compared to roughly $54 (€44) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 524 | Delayed 5:14 PM 6:44 PMMunich Hbf | 4h55 | 9:45 PM 9:45 PMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 510 | On time 7:28 PM Munich Hbf | 4h42 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 522 | On time 7:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h46 | 12:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 | On time 7:45 PM Munich Hbf | 6h20 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 698 · IC 60402 | Delayed 10:20 PM Munich Hbf | 7h24 | 3:46 AM 3:46 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 618 | 11:43 PM Munich Hbf | 6h21 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2518 | On time 11:43 PM Munich Hbf | 6h21 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
ICE 1014 | On time 4:11 AM Munich Hbf | 4h18 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 822 | On time 4:41 AM Munich Hbf | 4h33 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 · IC 2049 | On time 5:33 AM Munich Hbf | 5h33 | 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 | 5:33 AM Munich Hbf | 4h32 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 5:44 AM Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1012 | On time 6:20 AM Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 692 · ICE 202 | On time 6:42 AM Munich Hbf | 4h23 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 728 | 6:44 AM Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 612 · IC 2047 | On time 7:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 | 7:28 AM Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 726 | On time 7:42 AM Munich Hbf | 4h32 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 · IC 2045 | On time 9:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 | 9:28 AM Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 722 | On time 9:46 AM Munich Hbf | 4h28 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 10:19 AM Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 10:19 AM Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 720 | On time 10:45 AM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 598 · ICE 108 | On time 10:47 AM Munich Hbf | 4h18 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 518 | On time 11:28 AM Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | On time 11:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 518 · ICE 1912 | On time 11:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 628 | On time 11:45 AM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 916 | On time 12:20 PM Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 626 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 5h21 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 516 | On time 1:28 PM Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 516 · IC 2041 | On time 1:28 PM Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 624 | On time 1:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 224 · ICE 26 | 2:20 PM Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 224 | 2:20 PM Munich Hbf | 4h23 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 2:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 594 · ICE 104 | On time 2:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 514 · IC 2349 | On time 3:28 PM Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 514 | On time 3:28 PM Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 620 | 3:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 912 · ICE 24 | On time 4:20 PM Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 10:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 912 | On time 4:20 PM Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 4:44 PM Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2582 · ICE 102 | Delayed 2:46 PM 4:45 PMMunich Hbf | 4h20 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 5:28 PM Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 512 | On time 5:28 PM Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 526 | On time 5:46 PM Munich Hbf | 4h28 | 10:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 910 · ICE 22 | On time 6:19 PM Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 12:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 910 | On time 6:19 PM Munich Hbf | 4h11 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 524 | On time 6:44 PM Munich Hbf | 4h55 | 11:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 6:45 PM Munich Hbf | 4h25 | 11:10 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 Munich to Cologne run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 4h 20m.
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average train duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 4h 20m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 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 Munich 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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