The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
4 h 19 m
Average duration
4 h 19 m
Trains per day
39
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 $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 39 trains that leave Munich for Cologne on Mon, Dec 01, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 01 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .
On Mon, Dec 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 20 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 522 · ICE 920
ICE 510
ICE 590 · ICE 100
ICE 512 · IC 2347
ICE 918
ICE 594 · ICE 104
ICE 596 · ICE 106
ICE 590 · ICE 100
ICE 910Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich to Cologne
Omio 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 €24. 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 €24, and a flight costs an average of €110.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€119 Average price | €53 Average price Cheapest | €182 Average price |
5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Munich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 616 | On time 2:31 AM Munich Hbf | 4h34 | 7:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 888 · ICE 1022 | On time 3:12 AM Munich Hbf | 5h54 | 9:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 888 · ICE 1022 · ICE 206 | On time 3:12 AM Munich Hbf | 4h53 | 8:05 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 822 | On time 3:47 AM Munich Hbf | 4h28 | 8:15 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 | On time 4:32 AM Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 9:02 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 · IC 1749 | On time 4:32 AM Munich Hbf | 5h34 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 726 | On time 6:46 AM Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 11:15 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1586 · ICE 928 | On time 7:00 AM Munich Hbf | 6h06 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1010 | On time 7:27 AM Munich Hbf | 4h21 | 11:48 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314 | On time 8:02 AM Munich Hbf | 4h31 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 610 | On time 8:27 AM Munich Hbf | 4h38 | 1:05 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 610 · IC 1745 | On time 8:27 AM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 722 | On time 8:50 AM Munich Hbf | 4h25 | 1:15 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 9:29 AM Munich Hbf | 4h19 | 1:48 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 518 | On time 10:27 AM Munich Hbf | 4h38 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 518 · EC 8 | On time 10:27 AM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 628 | On time 10:50 AM Munich Hbf | 4h24 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1004 · ICE 28 | On time 10:56 AM Munich Hbf | 6h10 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 11:46 AM Munich Hbf | 4h19 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 516 · EC 6 | On time 12:27 PM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 516 | On time 12:27 PM Munich Hbf | 4h35 | 5:02 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 624 | On time 12:50 PM Munich Hbf | 4h24 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 914 | On time 1:27 PM Munich Hbf | 4h21 | 5:48 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 594 · ICE 1512 · ICE 26 | On time 1:46 PM Munich Hbf | 5h20 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 594 · ICE 104 | On time 1:46 PM Munich Hbf | 4h19 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 514 · IC 2349 | On time 2:27 PM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 514 | On time 2:27 PM Munich Hbf | 4h39 | 7:06 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 620 | On time 2:50 PM Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 7:27 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1222 | On time 3:18 PM Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 912 | On time 3:28 PM Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 7:48 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 512 | On time 4:27 PM Munich Hbf | 4h39 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 4:27 PM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 10:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 526 | On time 4:51 PM Munich Hbf | 4h23 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 910 | On time 5:27 PM Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 9:47 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 5:46 PM Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 10:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 510 | On time 6:27 PM Munich Hbf | 4h39 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 | On time 6:47 PM Munich Hbf | 6h18 | 1:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 522 | On time 6:47 PM Munich Hbf | 4h42 | 11:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 698 · IC 60402 | On time 8:51 PM Munich Hbf | 8h06 | 4:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Munich to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Munich to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Munich to Cologne
Trains from Munich to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) by bus.
There are 5 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 19m.
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average train duration 4h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 19m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV from Munich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV trains will get you between Munich and Cologne from $30 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
TGV
Train tickets from Munich to Cologne: when to book to save $
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.
FAQs: Trains from Munich to Cologne
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Munich to Cologne
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Peaches
- Subway
- Café Arnulfpark
- Hahn
- Citadines Arnulfpark
- Ibis München City Arnulfpark
- Novotel München City Arnulfpark
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Lenz
- Das Bad
- Subway
- Theresienhöhe
- Hotel Schweiz
- Hotel Uhland
- Germania
- Mykonos
- ÖEins
- Mehfil
- Wirtshaus Valley’s
- Carmen
- K+k Hotel
- Hotel Ambassador
- Rivoli Ambience
- Ratskeller
- Speiserei Volksbad
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Novotel München City
- Hilton Munich City
- Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Zum Brünnstein
- Satyam
- Tout oder Sie
- Ristorante il Padrino
- Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring
- Holiday Inn München City Ost
- Holiday Inn Express München City Ost
- Hyperion
- Ratskeller
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Burger King
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Hotel Domus
- Hotel Mercure München Altstadt
- Hotel Herzog Wilhelm Tannenbaum Nebengebäude
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Tassilogarten
- Speiserei Volksbad
- Mitani
- Novotel München City
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum
- Asam-Schlössl
- L’Incontro Ristorante Pizzeria
- Santorini
- Cooking Yu Restaurant
- GS Hotel
- Life Style
- La Capannina
- Tre Scalini
- Antica Tropea
- Croatia Grill
- Augustiner Schützengarten
- Mykonos
- Kyprios
- Myra
- Hotel Ambassador
- Hotel Amenity München
- GS Hotel
- Hotel CREO MUNICH City
- Monday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Wednesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Thursday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Friday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Saturday: 07:30 - 14:15
- Sunday: 08:00 - 13:45
- Bella Italia
- Hot Wok
- Dillinger Chicago Bar'n Grill
- Osteria Il Gambero
- Moosbichl
- Leonardo Hotel
- Harry's home Hotel
- BonApartHotel
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- Café Lichtblick
- Gaststätte zum Krug
- Italienisches Eiscafé
- Steak- und Grillstube Richartz
- Blauer König
- DAG Döner
- Sahra-Pizza
- Casablanca
- Hotel Arcaden
- Maugeri Ital. Hotel
- Hotel Rahmani
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Burger King
- Localino
- Hotel Geisler
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Da Dillon
- Bistro Mélange
- Imbiss Kreta Pizza
- Taverna Mythos
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
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