- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$175
Fastest journey
8 h 58 m
Average duration
8 h 59 m
Trains per day
37
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 $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from Prague to Cologne without transferring at least once.
EC 458 · ICE 699 · ICE 618
EX 354 · 3576 · ICE 526
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
EX 360 · 3564 · ICE 628 · S8
EX 356 · 3572 · ICE 620 · S8
RJ 174 · ICE 542
rj 174 · ICE 542
RJ 394 · ICE 640Omio 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 54m. 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 $130.
Distance: 333 miles (536 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$95 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $448 Average price | $143 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 53m Average total duration 9h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 6m Average total duration 9h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 3h 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 $36 (€29) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Prague to Cologne costing on average $95 (€76).
A bus is $389 (€313) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Prague to Cologne costing on average $448 (€360).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 23m.
Bus takes on average 9h 36m.
Tickets start at around $95 (€76) compared to roughly $143 (€115) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $49 (€39). The journey takes 9h 23m 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, May 29. 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 | |
| Saturday, May 30 | |||||
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:30 AM Prague, Central Train Station | 10h11 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:50 AM Prague, Central Train Station | 11h53 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 6:00 AM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 11h43 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 394 · ICE 640 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h03 | 3:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 384 · ICE 640 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h03 | 3:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 384 · ICE 640 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h03 | 3:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EX 360 · 3564 · ICE 628 · S8 | On time 7:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h08 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EX 360 · 3564 · ICE 628 · S8 | On time 7:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h58 | 4:33 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
EX 360 · 3564 · ICE 628 | On time 7:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h58 | 5:33 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
EC 360 · R 3564 · ICE 628 | On time 7:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h58 | 5:33 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
RJ 178 · ICE 548 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 178 · ICE 548 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EX 358 · 3568 · ICE 624 · S8 | On time 9:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h09 | 6:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:00 AM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 11h40 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 382 · ICE 546 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 382 · ICE 546 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EX 356 · 3572 · ICE 620 · S8 | On time 11:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h58 | 8:33 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
EX 356 · 3572 · ICE 620 · S8 | On time 11:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h08 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EX 356 · 3572 · ICE 620 | On time 11:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h55 | 9:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
EC 356 · R 3572 · ICE 620 | On time 11:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h55 | 9:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
RJ 176 · ICE 544 | On time 12:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 176 · ICE 544 | On time 12:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EX 354 · 3576 · ICE 526 | On time 1:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h55 | 11:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EX 354 · ICE 1220 | On time 1:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h31 | 12:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 354 · R 3576 · ICE 526 | On time 1:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h55 | 11:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 174 · ICE 542 | On time 2:41 PM Prague-Holešovice | 8h59 | 11:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 174 · ICE 542 | On time 2:41 PM Prague-Holešovice | 8h59 | 11:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522 | On time 3:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h57 | 1:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 352 · R 3580 · ICE 522 | On time 3:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h57 | 1:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EX 350 · ICE 618 | On time 5:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 12h29 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 458 · ICE 699 · ICE 618 | On time 6:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 11h33 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 458 · ICE 204 | On time 6:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 14h34 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 458 · ICE 699 · ICE 618 | On time 6:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 11h33 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 676 · Os 28015 · S1 · 16538 | On time 6:47 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 14h45 | 9:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 7 transfers | |
R 676 · Os 28015 · S1 · 16538 | On time 6:47 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 15h19 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
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 13 times per day, taking around 9h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) 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 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€40) |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 8h 39m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
One of Germany’s important fine art museums, with medieval painting, Baroque masters, and strong 19th-century holdings in the city center.
Key archaeological museum for Cologne’s Roman heritage. The main building has been under redevelopment, but the collection remains a city highlight.
Popular riverside promenade and steps on the Deutz side, famous for one of the best panoramic views of Cologne Cathedral and the skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional façades and lively public space, ideal for soaking up Cologne’s central atmosphere.
Large central square in the Old Town, often used for events and a convenient base for exploring nearby historic streets and the riverfront.
Cologne’s iconic pale ale, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is a Rhineland favorite.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye roll with Gouda cheese, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a traditional brauhaus snack served with Kölsch.
A respected fine-dining restaurant offering creative modern cuisine and tasting menus, representing Cologne’s upscale food scene.
Historic brewery tavern with its own Kölsch, appreciated for authentic Cologne food, old-world atmosphere, and communal wooden tables.
A long-established, casual local favorite especially known for large schnitzels and hearty Rhineland comfort food in a friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and dining in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
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.

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