- 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
$55
Average price
$160
Fastest journey
8 h 34 m
Average duration
8 h 37 m
Trains per day
50
Distance
536 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Prague to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Prague to Cologne will cost around $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
It's difficult to get from Prague to Cologne without transferring at least once.
RJ 174 · ICE 552
EX 354 · ICE 510
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522
EX 354 · 3576 · ICE 526
rj 174 · IC 2446 · ICE 695 · ICE 524
RJ 174 · ICE 552
rj 174 · ICE 552
EX 354 · 3576 · ICE 526
EC 354 · R 3576 · ICE 526
EC 356 · R 3572 · ICE 620Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Prague to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $101.
Distance: 333 miles (536 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $293 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 58m Average total duration 9h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 52m Average total duration 9h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 1h 59m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.2kg 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 Prague to Cologne:
A bus is $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Prague to Cologne costing on average $79.
A bus is $236 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Prague to Cologne costing on average $293.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 22m.
Train takes on average 9h 28m.
Tickets start at around $79 compared to roughly $144 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $65. The journey takes 9h 28m versus 6h 36m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Prague to Cologne trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NJ 456 · ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | Delayed 1:14 AM 3:14 AMPrague hlavní nádraží | 8h51 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 362 · R 3560 · ICE 722 | On time 5:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h47 | 2:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EX 362 · 3560 · ICE 722 | On time 5:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h47 | 2:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:50 AM Prague, Central Train Station | 12h41 | 6:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 6:00 AM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 12h31 | 6:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 384 · IC 2048 · ICE 2587 · ICE 720 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h51 | 3:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
rj 384 · IC 2048 · ICE 2587 · ICE 720 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h51 | 3:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 384 · ICE 650 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h38 | 4:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 384 · ICE 640 · 17421 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h07 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 384 · IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h51 | 3:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
rj 384 · ICE 650 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h38 | 4:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 384 · ICE 640 · RE 17421 | 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h07 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 696 · Os 28003 · S1 · ICE 1650 | On time 6:47 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h18 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
R 696 · Os 28003 · S 31722 · ICE 1650 | On time 6:47 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h18 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EX 360 · 3564 · ICE 628 | On time 7:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 4:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 360 · R 3564 · ICE 628 | On time 7:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 4:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EX 360 · 3564 · ICE 2538 | On time 7:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 4:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 178 · IC 2440 · ICE 2589 · ICE 626 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 5:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
rj 178 · IC 2440 · ICE 2589 · ICE 626 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 5:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 178 · ICE 558 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h37 | 6:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 178 · ICE 548 · 17425 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h07 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
rj 178 · ICE 558 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h37 | 6:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 178 · ICE 548 · RE 17425 | 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h07 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 178 · IC 2440 · ICE 599 · ICE 626 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 5:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 692 · Os 28005 · S1 · ICE 1558 | On time 8:47 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h18 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
R 692 · Os 28005 · S 31730 · ICE 1558 | On time 8:47 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h18 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:00 AM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 12h48 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EX 358 · 3568 · ICE 624 | On time 9:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 6:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 358 · R 3568 · ICE 624 | On time 9:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 6:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EX 358 · 3568 · ICE 2544 | On time 9:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h48 | 6:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 382 · IC 2442 · ICE 2591 · ICE 622 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h43 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
RJ 382 · IC 2442 · ICE 2591 · ICE 1512 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h02 | 7:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
rj 382 · IC 2442 · ICE 2591 · ICE 622 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h43 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
RJ 382 · ICE 556 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h37 | 8:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 382 · ICE 546 · 17429 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h07 | 7:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
rj 382 · ICE 556 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h37 | 8:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 382 · ICE 546 · RE 17429 | 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h07 | 7:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 690 · Os 28007 · S 31738 · ICE 1556 | On time 10:47 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h18 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 356 · R 3572 · ICE 620 | 11:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h39 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
rj 176 · IC 2444 · ICE 2593 · ICE 528 | On time 12:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h43 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
rj 176 · ICE 544 · RE 17433 | 12:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h07 | 9:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 688 · Os 28009 · S 31746 · ICE 1554 | On time 12:47 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h18 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 354 · R 3576 · ICE 526 | On time 1:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h39 | 10:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
rj 174 · ICE 542 · RE 17437 | 2:41 PM Prague-Holešovice | 8h57 | 11:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
rj 174 · ICE 852 | 2:41 PM Prague-Holešovice | 9h42 | 12:23 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 352 · R 3580 · ICE 522 | 3:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h56 | 12:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 458 · S5 · ICE 618 | On time 6:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 11h33 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 458 · ICE 699 · ICE 618 | On time 6:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 11h33 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
RJ 478 · ICE 956 | On time 12:33 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h49 | 10:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 478 · ICE 956 | On time 12:33 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h49 | 10:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:30 AM Prague, Central Train Station | 10h26 | 1:56 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 Prague to Cologne run on average 14 times per day, taking around 9h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 but you can travel from only $37 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 333 miles (536 km) distance in 8h 39m.
Distance 333 miles (536 km) |
Average train duration 9h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 8h 39m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 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.
Traveling between Prague and Cologne is a seamless experience, thanks to reliable train connections provided by Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, you can enjoy an efficient journey that typically takes around 7 hours. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, these providers ensure a smooth ride through picturesque landscapes of Central Europe.
The train journey from Prague to Cologne takes approximately 8 hours and 7 minutes, with one connection required during the trip. There are no direct trains available for this route, and travelers can expect a transfer time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes at the connecting station.
The first daily train from Prague to Cologne departs at 05:10, allowing early travelers to start their journey. The last train of the day leaves at 21:50, providing a late option for those wishing to arrive in Cologne after an evening departure.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Prague and Cologne is €54. The average ticket price tends to be around €118, making it a good idea to book in advance or look out for special deals if you're planning your journey.
Welcome to Cologne, where history and culture intertwine beautifully! Our first stop is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site that took over 600 years to complete. This stunning Gothic masterpiece not only serves as a symbol of faith for millions but also boasts unique features like its intricate stained glass windows and towering spires that dominate the skyline.
Next, we’ll stroll across the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Rhine River and vibrant cityscape. This bridge holds significant historical value as it has connected both sides of Cologne since 1907 while becoming famous for thousands of love locks attached by couples from around the world—a testament to enduring romance in this bustling metropolis.
Finally, we'll visit Museum Ludwig, an art lover's paradise showcasing modern masterpieces from Picasso to Warhol. Its significance lies in being one of Germany’s leading contemporary art museums with a remarkable collection that reflects social change; don’t miss out on exploring its unique feature—the impressive pop art section which captivates visitors with bold colors and innovative designs!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Prague 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 Prague to Cologne trains use the Praha hlavní nádraží to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Prague and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Praha hlavní nádraží is 1 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha hlavní nádraží 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Fantova Kavárna, Sushi Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Esplanade Prague, Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag, Hotel City Central.
Praha Masarykovo Nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Kotleta, Café Imperial
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kings Court, Grand Hotel Bohemia, Hotel Paris Prague.
Praha-Holesovice is 2 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha-Holesovice has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Na Kovárně, Cross Club
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha-Holesovice. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha-Holesovice. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha-Holesovice: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Mama Shelter Prague, Plaza Alta Hotel, Hotel Belvedere.
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 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 Hansaring is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hansaring 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: McDonald's, Wartesaal am Dom, Alte Feuerwache, Al Andalus
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Hansaring. ATMs are available at Köln Hansaring.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hansaring. Information desks are available at Köln Hansaring.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Hansaring. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hansaring: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hansaring: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hansaring.
Nearby hotels include A&O Köln Dom, City Pension Storch II, Azimut Hotel, First Domizil.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need