- 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
$29
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
2 h 56 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
357 km
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 $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 35 trains that leave Ulm for Cologne on Sat, Aug 01, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 2 h 56 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 618
ICE 910
ICE 590 · ICE 100
ICE 510
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022
ICE 916
ICE 918
ICE 1010
ICE 1012
ICE 1014Trains from Ulm to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 2h 46m.
Distance 221 miles (357 km) |
Average train duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 4 days |
The table below shows live departures for Ulm to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, August 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 618 | On time 1:16 AM Ulm Hbf | 4h48 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | On time 5:33 AM Ulm Hbf | 4h33 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1014 | On time 5:33 AM Ulm Hbf | 2h56 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 · IC 2569 | On time 6:47 AM Ulm Hbf | 4h19 | 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 | On time 6:47 AM Ulm Hbf | 3h18 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 7:33 AM Ulm Hbf | 4h32 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1012 | On time 7:33 AM Ulm Hbf | 2h56 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2592 · ICE 202 | On time 7:59 AM Ulm Hbf | 3h06 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 · IC 2577 | On time 8:47 AM Ulm Hbf | 4h19 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 | On time 8:47 AM Ulm Hbf | 3h18 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 9:33 AM Ulm Hbf | 2h56 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2590 · ICE 200 | On time 10:01 AM Ulm Hbf | 3h04 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 · IC 2545 | On time 10:47 AM Ulm Hbf | 4h19 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 | On time 10:47 AM Ulm Hbf | 3h18 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 11:33 AM Ulm Hbf | 2h56 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 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.

Most Ulm to Cologne trains use the Ulm Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Ulm and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ulm 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: Café Schmizz, Blauflesch, Wilder Mann, Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Hbf. ATMs are available at Ulm Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Hbf. Information desks are available at Ulm Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Bäumle, InterCityHotel Ulm, Lehrertal Garni.
Ulm Ost 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: Bodhi, Schwarze Henne, Café Schmizz, Kornhäusle
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Ost. ATMs are available at Ulm Ost.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Ost. Information desks are available at Ulm Ost.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Hotel Comfor, Bäumle, Stern.
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.
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