- 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 on Oct 16
$65
Average ticket price on Oct 16
$244
Fastest journey on Oct 16
9 h 1 m
Average journey duration on Oct 16
9 h 1 m
Trains on Oct 16
60
Distance
743 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Cologne will cost around $244 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
RE5+
ICE 610+
R 25798+
RJ 820
RE5+
ICE 610+
REX 2+
R 25798
ICE 1212 · ICE 520 · IC 60402
RJX19972 · RE5+
ICE 614
RJX19972 · RE5+
ICE 1014
RJX 368 · EC 212 · ICE 918
RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912
RJX19976+
ICE 1214 · ICE 912
RJX 160+
ICE 210 · ICE 916
RJX 368+
ICE 918+
EC 212Trains from Vienna to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 8h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 461 miles (743 km) distance in 7h 21m.
Distance 461 miles (743 km) |
Average train duration 8h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 21m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, October 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX 19956 · EC 114 · ICE 910 | On time 1:28 PM Vienna | 9h02 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 166+ EC 114+ ICE 910 | On time 1:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 9h02 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 646+ RJX 64+ ICE 510 | On time 1:57 PM Vienna Hbf | 10h13 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 646+ RJX 64+ ICE 522 · ICE 920 | 1:57 PM Vienna Hbf | 12h08 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 64 · ICE 510 | On time 2:28 PM Vienna | 9h42 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 64+ ICE 510 | On time 2:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 9h42 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
NJ 448 | 6:13 PM Vienna Hbf | 12h46 | 6:59 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX 68 · ICE 618 | On time 6:28 PM Vienna | 11h36 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 68+ ICE 618 | On time 6:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 11h36 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
NJ 492+ RE55+ ICE 18 | 6:36 PM Vienna Hbf | 13h04 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX19972 · RE5 · Bus RE5 · RE5 | 7:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 13h01 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
RJX19972 · RE5 · Bus RE5 · RB54 | 7:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 14h37 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX19972 · RE5 · Bus RE5 · RE5 | 7:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 13h11 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
| Friday, October 16 | |||||
RJ 820 · REX 5940 · R 5994 · 27004 | On time 12:28 AM Vienna | 13h37 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 820 · REX 5940 · R 5994 · 27004 | On time 12:28 AM Vienna | 12h37 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
RJ 820+ RE5+ ICE 610+ IC 1645 | 12:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 14h37 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
RJ 820+ RE5+ ICE 610+ REX 2 | 12:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 13h37 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 848+ EC 212+ ICE 918+ DB S19 | 4:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h42 | 2:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 848+ EC 212+ ICE 918 | On time 4:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h32 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 848+ EC 212+ ICE 880 · ICE 228 | 4:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h09 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 368+ EC 212+ ICE 918 | On time 5:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h01 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
RJX 368+ EC 212+ ICE 918+ DB S19 | 5:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h11 | 2:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 368 · EC 212 · ICE 918 | On time 5:28 AM Vienna | 9h01 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 407+ ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | 5:39 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h27 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 540+ RJX 260+ ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | 5:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h09 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 260 · ICE 518 | On time 6:28 AM Vienna | 9h37 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 260+ ICE 518 | On time 6:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h37 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 1218+ ICE 516 | On time 7:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h52 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 1218+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 7:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h27 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 160+ ICE 210 · ICE 916 | 7:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h01 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
RJX 160+ ICE 210 · ICE 916+ DB S19 | 7:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h11 | 4:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 160+ ICE 210 · ICE 1514 | 7:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h05 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 262+ ICE 516 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h37 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 262+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h12 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 262 · ICE 516 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna | 9h37 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna | 9h12 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118 · ICE 26 | 8:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h09 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118 · ICE 224 | On time 8:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h46 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 1216+ ICE 514 | On time 9:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h52 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 162+ ICE 118 · ICE 224 | On time 9:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h15 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 19952 · ICE 118 · ICE 224 | On time 9:28 AM Vienna | 9h15 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 60+ ICE 514 | On time 10:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h37 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 60 · ICE 514 | On time 10:28 AM Vienna | 9h37 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 11:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h16 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912+ DB S19 | 11:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h26 | 8:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 512 | On time 11:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h52 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 11:13 AM Vienna | 9h16 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 784 · ICE 24 | 11:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h53 | 10:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 11:28 AM Vienna | 9h01 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
RJX19976+ ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 11:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h01 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
RJX19976+ ICE 1214 · ICE 912+ DB S19 | 11:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h11 | 8:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 642+ RJX 62+ ICE 512+ IC 2347 | 11:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h09 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 642+ RJX 62+ ICE 512 | On time 11:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h08 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 62+ ICE 512 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 9h37 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna | 9h37 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 644+ EC 114+ ICE 910 | On time 12:57 PM Vienna Hbf | 9h33 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 644+ EC 114+ ICE 782 · ICE 22 | 12:57 PM Vienna Hbf | 11h14 | 12:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Traveling between Vienna and Cologne is a seamless experience, thanks to the efficient train connections offered by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, and ÖBB | Nightjet. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the route, you can enjoy a relaxing journey as you traverse through picturesque landscapes. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, these providers ensure that your travel needs are met with punctuality and convenience.
Traveling from Vienna to Cologne takes approximately 8 hours. There are 4 direct connections available each day, making it convenient for travelers. The journey departs from either Wien Hauptbahnhof or Wien Meidling Bahnhof and arrives at Köln-Ehrenfeld, Köln Hbf, or Köln Messe/Deutz.
The first daily train from Vienna to Cologne departs at 05:13, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore. The last journey of the day leaves at 21:28, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their evening in either city before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Vienna to Cologne is €50. The average ticket price typically hovers around €144, making it a good option to book in advance or look out for special deals.
Welcome to Cologne, where history and culture intertwine beautifully! Our first stop is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site that took over 600 years to complete. This stunning Gothic masterpiece not only serves as a symbol of resilience for the city but also boasts remarkable features like its intricate stained glass windows and towering spires that reach an impressive height of 157 meters.
Next, we’ll stroll across the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge, renowned for its breathtaking views of both the cathedral and the Rhine River. This bridge holds significant historical value as it has been a vital transportation link since its completion in 1911; today, it's famous for being adorned with thousands of love locks left by couples from around the world. As you walk along this vibrant thoroughfare, take note of how it seamlessly blends modern engineering with romantic charm.
Finally, we'll visit Museum Ludwig, home to one of Europe’s most extensive collections of modern art. Established in 1976 through generous donations from Peter Ludwig and his wife Irene, this museum showcases works by legendary artists such as Picasso and Warhol while emphasizing contemporary movements like Pop Art. With its striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions housed within these walls, Museum Ludwig invites you on an inspiring journey through artistic innovation right here in Cologne.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna 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 Vienna to Cologne trains use the Wien Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Vienna and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Wien Hauptbahnhof is 2 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, L’Osteria, Akakiko, McDonald’s, Oberlaa, Nordsee, Som Kitchen, Starbucks, Admiral Sports Bar, Asia Gourmet, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are information desks are located at each end of the main level.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
Nearby hotels include Star Inn Hotel, Quartier Belvedere, AZIMUT Hotel Vienna.
Wien Meidling Bahnhof is 4 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Meidling Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Meidlinger Markt, Gasthaus Tirolergarten
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Rainers, Austria Trend Hotel Bosei, Hotel Fabrik.
Wien Westbahnhof is 2 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Westbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Westpol, Vapiano Wien Westbahnhof
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Westbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Wien Westbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wien Westbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Westbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Westbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Mercure Wien Westbahnhof, Fleming's Hotel Wien-Stadthalle, Motel One Wien-Westbahnhof.
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