- 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
$51
Average price
$119
Fastest journey
2 h 16 m
Average duration
2 h 16 m
Trains per day
49
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stuttgart to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stuttgart to Cologne will cost around $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 49 trains that leave Stuttgart for Cologne on Thu, Aug 27, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 16 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the slowest trains will take 2 h 16 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.
ICE 698 · IC 60402
IC 2066 · ICE 910 · ICE 22
ICE 512 · IC 2347
ICE 510 · ICE 920
IC 2068 · ICE 912 · ICE 24
ICE 692 · ICE 202
ICE 612
ICE 614
ICE 694 · ICE 204
ICE 616Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stuttgart to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 39m. 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 $23, and a flight costs an average of $246.
Distance: 178 miles (288 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $410 Average price | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.7kg 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 Stuttgart to Cologne:
A bus is $39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stuttgart to Cologne costing on average $75.
A bus is $375 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Stuttgart to Cologne costing on average $410.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 39m.
Bus takes on average 4h 57m.
You'll arrive about 1h 24m sooner (2h 39m by train vs 4h 3m by car). Tickets start at around $75 compared to roughly $66 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Stuttgart to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 618 | 2:34 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h30 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 616 | 5:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 694 · ICE 204 | On time 6:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2594 · ICE 204 | On time 6:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 694 · ICE 204 · ICE 2522 | On time 6:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h34 | 9:23 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 614 | 7:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 · IC 2549 | On time 7:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · ICE 2520 | On time 7:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h33 | 10:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2168 · ICE 1012 | Delayed 6:38 AM 7:59 AMStuttgart Hbf | 2h30 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Stuttgart | 13h34 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 692 · ICE 202 | On time 8:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2592 · ICE 202 | On time 8:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 692 · ICE 202 · ICE 2528 | On time 8:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h25 | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 612 | 9:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 612 · IC 2547 | On time 9:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 · ICE 2536 | 9:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h33 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2166 · ICE 1010 | Delayed 8:40 AM 9:59 AMStuttgart Hbf | 2h30 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2590 · ICE 200 | On time 10:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1890 · ICE 200 | On time 10:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1890 · ICE 200 · ICE 2534 | On time 10:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h31 | 1:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 610 | 11:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 610 · IC 2545 | On time 11:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2164 · ICE 918 | On time 11:59 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h30 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
IC 2164 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 · 10434 | On time 11:59 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h13 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 2588 · ICE 108 | On time 12:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 518 | On time 1:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 518 · ICE 2012 · 17354 | On time 1:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h33 | 5:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2162 · ICE 916 | On time 1:59 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h30 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 2:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 2:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
19227 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 2:51 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h49 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 516 | On time 3:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 516 · IC 2041 | On time 3:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2160 · ICE 224 | Delayed 2:40 PM 3:59 PMStuttgart Hbf | 2h44 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1092 · ICE 26 · 10442+ 24526 | On time 4:04 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h08 | 8:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 2584 · ICE 104 | On time 4:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 514 | On time 5:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 514 · IC 2349 | On time 5:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2068 · ICE 912 | On time 5:59 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h30 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
IC 2068 · ICE 912 · ICE 24 | On time 5:59 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h07 | 10:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 592 · ICE 102 | On time 6:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 7:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 512 | On time 7:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2066 · ICE 910 | On time 7:59 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h31 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2066 · ICE 910 · ICE 22 | On time 7:59 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h07 | 12:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 8:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h21 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 510 | On time 9:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h21 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 510 · ICE 920 | On time 9:49 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h15 | 2:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Stuttgart to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 but you can travel from only $23 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (288 km) distance in 2h 3m.
Distance 178 miles (288 km) |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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.
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.
The train connection between Stuttgart and Cologne is efficient and convenient, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities. Operated by Deutsche Bahn, the journey typically takes around 3 hours with frequent departures throughout the day. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and onboard amenities while taking in scenic views of the German countryside along the way.
Traveling from Stuttgart to Cologne takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. There are up to 8 direct connections available each day, making it a convenient option for travelers. The train departs from Stuttgart Hbf and arrives at several stations in Cologne, including Köln Messe/Deutz, Köln Hbf, and Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
The first daily train from Stuttgart to Cologne departs at 05:51 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Cologne. The last journey of the day leaves at 09:39 PM, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their day before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Stuttgart and Cologne is €40. The average ticket price typically hovers around €92, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant German cities.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart to Cologne trains use the Stuttgart Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Stuttgart and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Stuttgart 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: backWERK, Ditsch, Kamps Backstube, Le Crobag, Dunkin' Donuts, min min, Starbucks, Yorma's
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Stuttgart Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Hbf. Information desks are located on the south side of the station near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the north entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Hbf: Escalators and elevators. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include ARCOTEL Camino Stuttgart, Mirage City Hotel Stuttgart Zentrum Hbf, Hotel Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte.
Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof).
Stuttgart Stadtmitte 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: Café le Théatre, Maison Banh Mi, Bangkok Express, Graf Eberhard
Wi-Fi is available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte. ATMs are available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte. Information desks are available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte.
Luggage storage is available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin, Hansa Hotel, Novum Hotel Boulevard, Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte.
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