- 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
$69
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
6 h 29 m
Average duration
6 h 33 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
562 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salzburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Cologne will cost around $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from Salzburg to Cologne without transferring at least once.
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 576 · IC 1941
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12
ICE 210+
24522+
ICE 28
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ICE 690
ICE 610+
79012
EC 212 · ICE 918
ICE 210 · ICE 916
EC 114 · ICE 910
RJ 1296 · ICE 726
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salzburg 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 14m. 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 $169.
Distance: 349 miles (562 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$161 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $621 Average price | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 6m Average total duration 11h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.4kg 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 Salzburg to Cologne:
A bus is $104 (€84) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salzburg to Cologne costing on average $161 (€130).
A bus is $564 (€456) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salzburg to Cologne costing on average $621 (€502).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 47m.
Bus takes on average 11h 36m.
Tickets start at around $161 (€130) compared to roughly $55 (€44) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-106.03 (€-85.76). The journey takes 7h 47m versus 6h 52m 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 Salzburg to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
79010+ ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 6:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ICE 690 | On time 6:08 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h57 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
79012+ ICE 610 | On time 6:46 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h19 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
R 25798+ 79014+ ICE 610 | On time 6:54 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h11 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 212 · ICE 918 | On time 8:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h29 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
EC 212 · ICE 880 · ICE 228 | On time 8:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 260 · ICE 566 · IC 2012 | On time 9:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79020+ ICE 518 | On time 9:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
79048+ ICE 1014 | On time 10:55 PM Salzburg Hbf | 9h34 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
79048+ ICE 614 | On time 10:55 PM Salzburg Hbf | 11h10 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
79048+ ICE 888 · ICE 1022 | On time 10:55 PM Salzburg Hbf | 11h11 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
79004+ ICE 612 | On time 5:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1296 · ICE 726 | On time 5:39 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h35 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
S 3+ 79008+ ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 5:47 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h18 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S 3+ 79008+ ICE 1010 | On time 5:47 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h42 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
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 Salzburg to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€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 349 miles (562 km) distance in 6h 5m.
Distance 349 miles (562 km) |
Average train duration 7h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 5m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 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 Salzburg 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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