- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
4 h 22 m
Average duration
4 h 22 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
316 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reutlingen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reutlingen to Cologne will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Of the 2 trains that leave Reutlingen for Cologne on Wed, Jun 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 316 km distance in an average of 4 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 22 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 4 h 22 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reutlingen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $262.
Distance: 196 miles (316 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $436 Average price | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Reutlingen to Cologne:
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reutlingen to Cologne costing on average $96 (€78).
A bus is $388 (€314) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reutlingen to Cologne costing on average $436 (€354).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 6m.
Bus takes on average 6h 4m.
You'll arrive about 22m sooner (4h 6m by train vs 4h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $96 (€78) compared to roughly $71 (€58) 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.
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 Reutlingen to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:43 AM Reutlingen | 4h22 | 1:05 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Reutlingen to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $39 (€31) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:21, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 196 miles (316 km) distance in 3h 13m.
Distance 196 miles (316 km) |
Average train duration 4h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€31) |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 3:21 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reutlingen 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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