- 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 on Sep 20
$78
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$128
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 14 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 14 m
Trains on Sep 20
18
Distance
336 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nuremberg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nuremberg to Cologne will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 18 trains from Nuremberg to Cologne, including 11 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 336 km distance in an average of 3 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 14 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 728
ICE 726
ICE 926 · ICE 2520
ICE 228
ICE 228 · ICE 2508
ICE 728
ICE 726
ICE 724
ICE 722
ICE 720Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nuremberg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, while a train costs an average of $92.
Distance: 208 miles (336 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$92 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Nuremberg to Cologne:
A bus is $54 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nuremberg to Cologne costing on average $92 (€75).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
You'll arrive about 31m sooner (3h 47m by train vs 4h 18m by car). Tickets start at around $92 (€75) compared to roughly $75 (€61) 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).
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 Nuremberg to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 820 | On time 7:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 | On time 7:28 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 4h37 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 · ICE 202 | On time 7:28 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h37 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 728 | On time 8:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 728+ 24512+ IC 2047 | On time 8:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 5h06 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 726 | On time 9:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 926 | On time 9:31 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 4h35 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 926 · ICE 2520 | On time 9:31 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h34 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 724 | On time 10:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724+ 24516+ IC 2045 | On time 10:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 5h06 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 722 | On time 11:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 228 | On time 11:32 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 4h34 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 228 · ICE 2508 | On time 11:32 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h33 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 720 | On time 12:00 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 720+ 24520+ ICE 2012 | On time 12:00 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 5h06 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 628 | On time 1:00 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 | On time 1:32 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 4h34 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 · ICE 2516 | On time 1:32 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h33 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Nuremberg to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 208 miles (336 km) distance in 3h 4m.
Distance 208 miles (336 km) |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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.
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 Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg to Cologne trains use the Nürnberg Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Hbf. Use this guide to compare Nuremberg and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Nürnberg Hbf is 1 km from Nuremberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Nürnberg Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Cantina Estacion Mediterrano, Coffee Fellows, Dallmayr Cafebar, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Subway, Sportsbar, Istanbul Döner, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Nürnberg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Nürnberg Hbf. Information desks are located near the main entrance, close to the escalators.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located close to Platform 5. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nürnberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nürnberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nürnberg Hbf: Elevators, escalators, tactile guiding strips, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include IntercityHotel Nuremberg, Park Plaza Nuremberg, Novotel Nürnberg Centre Ville.
Nürnberg Flughafen is 5 km from Nuremberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Nürnberg Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Terminal90, Mövenpick Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Nürnberg Flughafen. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Nürnberg Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nürnberg Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nürnberg Flughafen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nürnberg Flughafen: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Mövenpick Hotel Nürnberg Airport, Hotel Alpha, Hotel Marienbad.
Nürnberg Nordostbf. (U-Bahn) is 3 km from Nuremberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Nürnberg Nordostbf. (U-Bahn) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Nürnberg Nordostbf. (U-Bahn).
ATMs are available at Nürnberg Nordostbf. (U-Bahn).
Available at Nürnberg Nordostbf. (U-Bahn): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nürnberg Nordostbf. (U-Bahn): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nürnberg Nordostbf. (U-Bahn).
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need