- 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
$28
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 8 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cologne will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
It's difficult to get from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
58922 · 57236 · 58406 · ICE 18
58922 · 57236 · 58406 · ICE 826
58916 · 57090 · ICE 522 · ICE 920
58900 · 57222 · ICE 28
58898 · 57026 · ICE 628
58900 · 57222 · ICE 626
58898 · 57026 · ICE 628
58902 · 57034 · ICE 624
58894 · 57118 · ICE 722
58892 · 57216 · ICE 724Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $27.
Distance: 178 miles (288 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$64 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 59m.
Tickets start at around $64 (€64) compared to roughly $53 (€53) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-11.09 (€-11.09). The journey takes 3h 59m versus 3h 47m 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
58890 · 57006 · ICE 726 | On time 8:05 AM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4h09 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
58892 · 57216 · ICE 724 | On time 9:05 AM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4h09 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
58892 · 57216 · ICE 926 | On time 9:05 AM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 5h01 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
58894 · 57118 · ICE 722 | On time 10:05 AM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4h09 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
58898 · 57026 · ICE 628 | On time 12:05 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4h09 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
58900 · 57222 · ICE 626 | On time 1:09 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4h05 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
58900 · 57222 · ICE 28 | On time 1:09 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4h57 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
58902 · 57034 · ICE 624 | On time 2:05 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4h09 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
58914 · 57230 · ICE 22 | On time 7:05 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 6h00 | 1:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
58914 · 57230 · ICE 524 · 29538 | On time 7:05 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 5h47 | 12:52 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
58916 · 57090 · ICE 522 · ICE 920 | On time 8:05 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 6h00 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
58918 · 57229 · ICE 618 | On time 9:05 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 9h08 | 6:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
58920 · 57231 · 88622 · ICE 618 | On time 10:05 PM Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 8h08 | 6:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€27) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (288 km) distance in 4h 0m.
Distance 178 miles (288 km) |
Average train duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€27) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 0m |
First train 3:04 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cologne trains use the Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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: Gusto Kaffeemanufaktur & Spezialitäten, Imbiss Heller, Brothaus Café im Schlachthof, Pizzeria & Eis-Café Roma
Wi-Fi is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. ATMs are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Ticket office support is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Information desks are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Luggage storage is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schranne, Villa Mittermeier, Hotel Hornburg Garni, Glocke.
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/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