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Fri
Dec 3
$79Deutsche Bahn
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$162Eurowings
Sat
Dec 4
$43Deutsche Bahn
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$243Lufthansa Cityline
Sun
Dec 5
$33Deutsche Bahn
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$126Eurowings
Mon
Dec 6
$21Deutsche Bahn
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$120Eurowings
Tue
Dec 7
$16Deutsche Bahn
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$120Eurowings
Wed
Dec 8
$21Deutsche Bahn
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$144Eurowings
Thu
Dec 9
$21Deutsche Bahn
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$144Eurowings
Fri
Dec 10
$21Deutsche Bahn
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$96Tuifly
Sat
Dec 11
$21Deutsche Bahn
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$154Lufthansa Cityline
Sun
Dec 12
$21Deutsche Bahn
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$144Eurowings
Mon
Dec 13
$12FlixTrain
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$108Tuifly
Tue
Dec 14
$21Deutsche Bahn
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$96Eurowings
Wed
Dec 15
$21Deutsche Bahn
$19BlaBlaCar Bus
$108Eurowings
Thu
Dec 16
$21Deutsche Bahn
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$108Eurowings
Fri
Dec 17
$21Deutsche Bahn
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$96Tuifly
Sat
Dec 18
$12FlixTrain
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$154Lufthansa
Sun
Dec 19
Find prices
$28BlaBlaCar Bus
$72Eurowings
Mon
Dec 20
$12FlixTrain
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$84Tuifly
Tue
Dec 21
Find prices
$28BlaBlaCar Bus
$72Eurowings
Wed
Dec 22
$29Deutsche Bahn
$28BlaBlaCar Bus
$84Eurowings
Thu
Dec 23
$36FlixTrain
$24BlaBlaCar Bus
$96Eurowings

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Train Information from Munich to Cologne

distanceDistance282 miles (455 km)
durationAverage train duration4 h 37 min
priceAverage train ticket price$34 (€28)
frequencyTrain frequency16 a day
changesDirect trainYes, there are 16 direct trains a day
carriersTrain companiesDeutsche Bahn or ÖBB | Nightjet

Trains from Munich to Cologne cover the 282 miles (455 km) long route taking on average 4 h 37 min with our travel partners like Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB | Nightjet. Normally, there are 16 trains operating per day, including direct services available. You can get the cheapest train tickets for this trip for as low as $16 (€13), but the average price of train tickets is $34 (€28). Travelers depart most frequently from München Hbf and arrive in Köln Hbf.

Train providers

Deutsche Bahn Munich – Cologne

You can travel by train between Munich and Cologne with Deutsche Bahn for as low as $16 (€13). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.

Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main provider of train services in Germany, making on average 40, 000 journeys per day. A special feature of Deutsche Bahn is its wide range of ticket types, savings offers including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100, which you can also use for your train between Munich and Cologne. DB uses different types of trains such as the ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn) on its routes, which differ in terms of comfort and the time required to travel. For example, while bathrooms are standard amenities, services like an onboard restaurant or free WiFi are only available on certain trains.

Train information from Munich to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn:

  • Average Duration: 4 h 46 min
  • Average Price: $16
  • Deutsche Bahn frequency: 16 a day

Deutsche Bahn has updated its ticket policies due to the coronavirus. Keep these in mind when booking your Deutsche Bahn tickets between Munich and Cologne and when traveling by train:

  • Cashless payments recommended
  • Online booking and check-in recommended
  • Normal conditions apply
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Train from Munich to Cologne

Daily there are 9 direct connections from Munich to Cologne, which are served by Deutsche Bahn and Österreichische Bundesbahn. In addition, there are numerous train connections with one or two changes.

Which train companies travel from Munich to Cologne?

Deutsche Bahn and Österreichische Bundesbahn travel from the Bavarian metropolis to Cologne.

How long does the train journey from Munich to Cologne take?

With the ICE, the fastest connection without a change takes about 4 hours 18 minutes. Even with a change, the journey time is only a little longer. If there are also two or more connections, the journey time can be up to 6 hours 18 minutes. Over 9 hours a journey with the local traffic can last.

How often can you take the train from Munich to Cologne?

From Monday to Friday, the train runs from Munich to Cologne between 4 and 23 twice every 1 hours. Deutsche Bahn also offers regular train connections on weekends and public holidays.

Stations on the Munich - Cologne route?

At which station does the train start in Munich? All ICs in the direction of Cologne depart from the main station of the Bavarian metropolis. As it is very well connected to public transport, you can reach it by S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses and tram.

At which station does the train arrive in Cologne? Arrival for direct connections is at Cologne/Deutz station. This is only one S-Bahn station away from the main station. You can reach Cologne/Bonn Airport by S-Bahn in 012 minutes

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Train tickets from Munich to Cologne: when to book to save $

Time Price Savings
1 week earlier 40 €
2 weeks earlier 37 €8%
3 weeks earlier 33 €21%
1 month before 32 €25%
2 months earlier 32 €25%
3 months earlier 30 €33%


Train companies often offer promotional prices and offers—by buying in advance—you can get access the best prices for trains in the U.S., Canada, and the major European railroad operators. Search on Omio to check prices and cheap train tickets from Munich - Cologne. Easily find the most attractive rates and choose the your preferred route for your journey. Book and choose your mobile ticket: avoid the queues at the station and the added stress of printing your ticket.

The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:

  • Buying your train ticket from Munich - Cologne 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 21% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
  • If you book a ticket Munich - Cologne with 2 months in advance you save up to about 25% compared to the initial price.
  • By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 33%.
  • On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

Travel Tips

Trains from Munich to Cologne
Travel by train to Cologne easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Munich to Cologne.
FAQs
What is the price of the cheapest train from Munich to Cologne?
Train tickets from Munich to Cologne for some dates and times can be found for as cheap as $16 (€13)  one way in the next 7 days.
What is the price of a train ticket between Munich and Cologne?
If you’re looking to buy your train tickets in the next week, you can expect the Munich to Cologne train price to come in at an average of $34 (€28)  one way.
How far is it from Munich to Cologne by train?
You should expect to travel around 282 miles (455 km)  to Cologne from Munich by train.
How long is a train between Munich and Cologne on average?
On average the Munich to Cologne train time is 4 h 37 min  covering the 282 miles (455 km) long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or traveling on weekends and holidays.
What is the departure train station in Munich and arrival train station in Cologne?

There are a few train stations in Munich to start your route from including München Hbf, München Hackerbrücke and München Marienplatz. In Cologne you have a few train station options to choose from for your arrival including Köln Hbf, Köln Messe/Deutz and Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Omio customers traveling this route depart most frequently from München Hbf   and arrive in Köln Hbf.

Where is the Munich train station located? Where is the Cologne train station located?

Passengers board the train most frequently from München Hbf, which is located around 0.8 miles (1.3 km) away from the city center, and they get off the train at Köln Hbf, located 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away from the city center.

What train providers go from Munich to Cologne?
When taking a train from Munich to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB | Nightjet for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service between Munich and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
Can I buy a direct train from Munich to Cologne?
Yes, there are 16 direct trains per day from Munich to Cologne. You can look to travel with Deutsche Bahn  without needing to transfer at another stop in between. Taking a direct train tends to save you time getting you to your destination, so it's worth paying attention to this when booking a ticket for this journey.
How many trains are there between Munich and Cologne a day?
The average number of trains departing Munich for Cologne is 16 a day. The train schedules and services may vary between weekdays and weekends.
When is the earliest train from Munich to Cologne? When is the last train from Munich to Cologne?
The earliest train departing from Munich to Cologne leaves at 4: 34 AM. The last train departing from Munich to Cologne leaves at 11: 01 PM. You can find the latest Munich to Cologne train schedule on Omio and book the best time to leave for your journey on your chosen travel date.
When should I book the Munich to Cologne train for the best deals on tickets?
If you book the Munich to Cologne train within the next 7 days, you can find one way tickets to cost on average $34 (€28). However, booking your train ticket in advance gives you access to the best prices for trains between Munich and Cologne. Look out for train tickets for this trip to go on sale a few months before your planned departure date to find the best deals.

Important Stations and Airports for this Journey

Munich
Cologne
München Hbf is the most popular Munich railway station for Omio travelers, but it's not the only one. Read all the information you need to know about the main train stations in Munich for your trip to Cologne.
Amenities at station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
address
Address
Bayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany
phone
Phone Number
+49 8913081055
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
Mon - Sun: 07: 00 - 21: 00
Public transit options for München Hbf
U-Bahn lines: U1, U2, U4, U5, U7
S-Bahn lines: S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S8
Tram lines: 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Bus lines: 68, X98
Train lines: ICE, RJ, NJ, IC, EC, RE, RB