Ulm to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Tue, Dec 16
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ulm to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$94

Average price

$127

Fastest journey

2 h 56 m

Average duration

3 h 1 m

Trains per day

9

Distance

357 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ulm to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Ulm to Cologne will cost around $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.

Fast trains

Of the 9 trains that leave Ulm for Cologne on Tue, Dec 16, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 16 the direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .

On Tue, Dec 16 the slowest trains will take 3 h 6 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.

Deutsche BahnICE 610 · IC 2405
10:47AM4h54
Ulm Hbf
03:41PMCologne Messe/Deutz
$941One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 918
11:33AM2h56
Ulm Hbf
02:29PMCologne Messe/Deutz
$961One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 598 · ICE 108
12:01PM3h04
Ulm Hbf
03:05PMCologne Hbf
$1101One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 610
10:47AM3h18
Ulm Hbf
02:05PMCologne Hbf
$1101One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · IC 2407
08:47AM4h54
Ulm Hbf
01:41PMCologne Messe/Deutz
$1241One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Ulm to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ulm to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 €18, and a flight costs an average of €70.

Distance: 221 miles (357 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€85

Average price

€32

Average price

Cheapest

€160

Average price

4h 14m

Average total duration

3h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 37m

Average total duration

6h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.1kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Ulm to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Ulm to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 7:39 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 692 · ICE 202
On time
6:59 AM Ulm Hbf
3h06
10:05 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 612 · IC 2407
On time
7:47 AM Ulm Hbf
4h54
12:41 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 612
On time
7:47 AM Ulm Hbf
3h18
11:05 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1010
On time
8:33 AM Ulm Hbf
2h56
11:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 690 · ICE 200
On time
9:01 AM Ulm Hbf
3h04
12:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 610 · IC 2405
On time
9:47 AM Ulm Hbf
4h54
2:41 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 610
On time
9:47 AM Ulm Hbf
3h18
1:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 918
On time
10:33 AM Ulm Hbf
2h56
1:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 598 · ICE 108
On time
11:01 AM Ulm Hbf
3h04
2:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Ulm 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.

Tue
Dec 16
Wed
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Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
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Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
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Dec 27
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Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29

Why should you book Ulm to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) operates all train services from Ulm to Cologne. Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ulm to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) tickets can only be bought on Omio or Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)'s website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ulm to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ulm to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Ulm to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by bus.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 221 miles (357 km) distance in 3h 2m.

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 $23 (€18)
Distance
221 miles (357 km)
Average train duration
3h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
$35 (€28)
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
3h 2m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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 $23 (€18)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Ulm to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Ulm and Cologne from $23 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Ulm to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ulm 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.

FAQs
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
Train ticket prices from Ulm to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $35 (€28), while the average price is around $107 (€85).
The cheapest way to get from Ulm to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $23 (€18).
A day trip from Ulm to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 2m. Trains run 12 times per day, and the distance is 221 miles (357 km).
The first train from Ulm to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Ulm to Cologne.
The train from Ulm to Cologne takes 3h 2m and runs 12 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train from Ulm to Cologne. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
The last train from Ulm to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
The train journey from Ulm to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through picturesque landscapes of southern Germany, including lush countryside, rolling hills, and views of the Rhine River as you approach Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Ulm to Cologne.
The distance by train from Ulm to Cologne is 221 miles (357 km).
The train station in Ulm that goes to Cologne is Ulm Hbf, which connects to Cologne Hbf.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Ulm to Cologne

Ulm
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Ulm is Ulm Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ulm Hbf for your trip from Ulm to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Sunday: 08:00 - 19:00
Dining
Dining
  • Café Schmizz
  • Blauflesch
  • Wilder Mann
  • Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Neuthor
  • Bäumle
  • InterCityHotel Ulm
  • Lehrertal Garni

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