- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Pop Art, Picasso, and important twentieth-century collections beside the cathedral.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salzburg to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$116
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
6 h 54 m
Average duration
6 h 54 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
342 km
Cheap tickets
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 $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $116.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Salzburg for Cologne on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 342 km distance in an average of 6 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 54 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 54 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.
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12:00 PM6h54Salzburg6:54 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1161One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 PM6h54Salzburg6:54 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1161One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Salzburg to Cologne
Omio 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 $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $808.
Distance: 212 miles (342 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $808 Average price | $86 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 24m Average total duration 6h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 0m Average total duration Fastest 5h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 1m Average total duration 13h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Salzburg to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $86 (€70).
This is compared to other travel options from Salzburg to Cologne:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salzburg to Cologne costing on average $116 (€95).
A bus is $723 (€592) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salzburg to Cologne costing on average $808 (€662).
The fastest way to travel from Salzburg to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 0m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 54m.
Bus takes on average 13h 31m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Salzburg and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $116 (€95) compared to roughly $54 (€44) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-61.82 (€-50.65). The journey takes 6h 54m versus 5h 51m 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.
Live departures
Salzburg to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Salzburg to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM Salzburg | 6h54 | 6:54 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Salzburg to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Salzburg to Cologne
Austria
Italy
Trains from Salzburg to Cologne run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $116 (€95) but you can travel from only $65 (€53) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:00, the last at 12:00. The fastest train covers the 212 miles (342 km) distance in 6h 54m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $65 (€53)
Distance 212 miles (342 km) |
Average train duration 6h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 (€95) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 54m |
First train 12:00 PM |
Last train 12:00 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $65 (€53)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Salzburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Salzburg and Cologne from $65 (€53). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 54m
Cheapest Price
$116 (€95)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
- Recommended
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and nineteenth-century European painting; a strong choice for classic art in Cologne.
- Recommended
Kolumba
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, admired for its atmospheric Peter Zumthor architecture and thoughtful mix of sacred and modern works.
- Must visit
Old Town Cologne
Historic core with colorful houses, lively squares, churches, and riverside walks; a natural base for first-time exploration.
- Recommended
Rhine Promenade
Scenic walking route along the river with classic city views, especially photogenic near sunset and during evening strolls.
- Recommended
Rheinauhafen
Redeveloped waterfront district known for modern architecture, marina atmosphere, and the striking Kranhaus buildings popular in photos.
- Vegetarian
Canederli
Bread dumplings common in the Alpine area around Cologne in South Tyrol, often served in broth or with butter and cheese.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Traditional half-moon ravioli from South Tyrol, usually filled with spinach and ricotta and dressed with butter and chives.
- Gluten-free
Speck
Lightly smoked and cured ham typical of South Tyrol, valued for its mountain-herb aroma and served on platters or with bread.
Al Pergolato
Established local restaurant serving classic Italian and regional dishes in a relaxed, traditional setting.
Trattoria del Porto
Traditional dining spot known for local cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, suitable for a leisurely meal.
Ristorante Pizzeria Teatro
Well-known casual venue appreciated for pizza, pasta, and dependable service in the town center.
Euro
Moderate by Italian standards: casual meals and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for pizza, panini, or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.20-2.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or a coperto is charged. Tipping is not mandatory; round up or leave EUR 1-2 for cafes, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxis.
DB Navigator
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 3.70 EUR
- Day pass
- 9.00 EUR
To the city center
Cologne Bonn Airport, Cologne -> Cologne Central Station, Cologne
- Distance
- 15 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Tap a contactless card or buy tickets in the KVB or DB Navigator apps before boarding; buses and trams do not always sell tickets onboard.
- Validate paper tickets if required and keep them until the end of the journey, as inspections are frequent.
FAQs: Trains from Salzburg to Cologne
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.
Train ticket prices from Salzburg to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $116 (€95), while the average price is around $116 (€95).
The train from Salzburg to Cologne runs once a day and takes approximately 6h 54m.
The first train from Salzburg to Cologne leaves at 12:00 PM.
The distance by train from Salzburg to Cologne is 212 miles (342 km).
The last train from Salzburg to Cologne leaves at 12:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Salzburg to Cologne.
Yes, there is a direct train from Salzburg to Cologne. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Salzburg to Cologne.
The cheapest way to get from Salzburg to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $65 (€53).
Yes, the Salzburg to Cologne train journey is considered scenic, as it passes through picturesque landscapes including the Austrian Alps, lush green valleys, and charming German towns along the Rhine River.
A day trip from Salzburg to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 54m. However, there are 12 train trips per day over a distance of 212 miles (342 km).
To fully experience Cologne, including its historic cathedral, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, spending 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Salzburg to Cologne.
Since both Salzburg and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Brescia, Bergamo, Milan, Verona, Palazzolo sull'Oglio.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, public transport, and around popular attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. Staying alert and keeping valuables secure helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Salzburg
More options for your journey from Salzburg to Cologne
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Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Salzburg
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