- 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
$64
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$133
Fastest journey on Sep 20
6 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
6 h 11 m
Trains on Sep 20
14
Distance
496 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rostock to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rostock to Cologne will cost around $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 14 trains from Rostock to Cologne, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 496 km distance in an average of 6 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 6 h 12 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.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 1535 · ICE 683 · ICE 554
ICE 1535 · ICE 2215
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 1535 · ICE 683 · ICE 554
ICE 1037 · ICE 681 · ICE 556
ICE 1033
ICE 1533 · ICE 589 · ICE 558
ICE 1037Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rostock to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $67 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 30m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, while a flight costs an average of $632.
Distance: 308 miles (496 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$119 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $632 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 8m Average total duration 11h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Rostock to Cologne:
A bus is $52 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rostock to Cologne costing on average $119 (€97).
A bus is $565 (€462) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rostock to Cologne costing on average $632 (€517).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 32m.
Bus takes on average 11h 38m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (6h 32m by train vs 6h 35m by car). Tickets start at around $119 (€97) compared to roughly $109 (€90) 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.
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 Rostock to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:05 PM Rostock | 12h36 | 11:41 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
ICE 1033 | On time 9:04 AM Rostock Hbf | 6h11 | 3:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1533 · ICE 2311 | On time 11:04 AM Rostock Hbf | 6h15 | 5:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1533 · ICE 589 · ICE 558 | On time 11:04 AM Rostock Hbf | 6h11 | 5:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2179 · S5 · ICE 556 | On time 12:22 PM Rostock Hbf | 6h53 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:35 PM Rostock, Warnemünde Strand | 9h20 | 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Rostock, Warnemünde Werft (Parking) | 9h15 | 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1037 | On time 1:04 PM Rostock Hbf | 6h12 | 7:16 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1037 · ICE 681 · ICE 556 | On time 1:04 PM Rostock Hbf | 6h11 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 1:15 PM Rostock, Central bus station | 8h40 | 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1979 · S15 · ICE 856 | Delayed 1:22 PM Rostock Hbf | 6h50 | 6:22 PM 6:22 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1979 · S15 · ICE 856 | On time 1:22 PM Rostock Hbf | 7h00 | 8:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2271 · S5 · ICE 554 | On time 2:20 PM Rostock Hbf | 6h54 | 9:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1535 · ICE 683 · ICE 554 | On time 3:04 PM Rostock Hbf | 6h10 | 9:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1535 · ICE 2215 | Delayed 3:04 PM Rostock Hbf | 6h24 | 7:31 PM 7:31 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Rostock to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (496 km) distance in 5h 42m.
Distance 308 miles (496 km) |
Average train duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 42m |
First train 12:14 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Rostock 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 Rostock to Cologne trains use the Rostock Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Rostock and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rostock Hbf is 1 km from Rostock city centre. Public transport options include:
Rostock 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: Layali Alsham, Heumond, Joho-Broiler, Cafe Kloster
Wi-Fi is available at Rostock Hbf. ATMs are available at Rostock Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Rostock Hbf. Information desks are available at Rostock Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Rostock Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rostock Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rostock Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rostock Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Stadthalle, Hotel Greifennest, Appartement-Hotel.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need