- Must visit
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Major art museum with one of Europe’s best collections from medieval painting to modern masters, including notable Impressionist works.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Vienna to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
€120
Average price
€120
Fastest journey
9 h 52 m
Average duration
9 h 58 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
569 km
Cheap tickets
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 €120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €120.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Vienna for Cologne on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 569 km distance in an average of 9 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 52 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 10 h 8 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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6:13 AM9h53Vienna4:06 PMKoeln Hbf€1201One-way0 transfers- 10:13 AM9h52Vienna8:05 PMKoeln Hbf€1201One-way0 transfers
- 2:13 PM10h08Vienna12:21 AMKoeln Hbf€1201One-way0 transfers
- 10:13 AM9h52Vienna8:05 PMKoeln Hbf€1201One-way0 transfers
- 6:13 AM9h53Vienna4:06 PMKoeln Hbf€1201One-way0 transfers
- 2:13 PM10h08Vienna12:21 AMKoeln Hbf€1201One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Vienna to Cologne
Austria
Italy
Trains from Vienna to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €85 but you can travel from only €20 by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 353 miles (569 km) distance in 9h 52m.
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
Flight from €20
Distance 353 miles (569 km) |
Average train duration 10h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price €85 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 9h 52m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Flight from €20
Live departures
Vienna to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:13 PM Vienna | 9h53 | 12:06 AM Koeln Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 6:36 PM Vienna | 12h23 | 6:59 AM Köln Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
| 6:13 AM Vienna | 9h53 | 4:06 PM Koeln Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:13 AM Vienna | 9h52 | 8:05 PM Koeln Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Vienna to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) as well as SNCB offer trains services from Vienna to Cologne.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), but also compare tickets for the likes of SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Vienna to Cologne.
- 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 Intercity (DB IC) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Vienna to Cologne.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB from Vienna to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB trains will get you between Vienna and Cologne from €20. 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
9h 52m
Cheapest Price
€120
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day
SNCB
About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 23m
Cheapest Price
€85
SNCB 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.
- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Leading museum of modern and contemporary art, known for Picasso, Pop Art, and major postwar European collections.
- Recommended
Romano-Germanic Museum
Large archaeology museum presenting Cologne’s Roman past through mosaics, glass, inscriptions, and everyday artifacts.
- Must visit
Altstadt
Historic old town lanes with colorful houses, breweries, and churches; ideal for wandering between the Rhine and cathedral.
- Must visit
Rhine Promenade
Lively riverside promenade with classic skyline views, boat traffic, and easy walks connecting the old town and southern harbor.
- Recommended
Rheinauhafen
Modern harbor redevelopment known for the dramatic Kranhaus buildings, waterfront paths, and a polished urban atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
Canederli
Canederli are bread dumplings from the Alpine north, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic local comfort dish.
- Gluten-free
Speck Alto Adige
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from South Tyrol. It is prized for its mountain-aging tradition and is commonly served with bread, cheese, or dumplings.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of the region’s Alpine cuisine.
Restaurant Zur Rose
Michelin-starred dining with creative tasting menus rooted in local ingredients. Elegant atmosphere for a high-end South Tyrolean meal.
Wirtshaus Vögele
Historic traditional restaurant known for South Tyrolean classics, wood-paneled rooms, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere in the old town.
Forsterbräu Central
Well-known local tavern serving canederli, schnitzel, and regional wine in a rustic setting popular with residents and visitors.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are generally manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
KVB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.70
- Day pass
- €9.00
To the city center
Cologne Central Station, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless card payment is available at many ticket machines and in the KVB App, but not reliably onboard every bus or tram.
- Validate paper tickets if required, and buy before boarding when possible to avoid fines.
FAQs: Trains from Vienna to 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.
Train ticket prices from Vienna to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €85, while the average price is around €115.
The train from Vienna to Cologne takes 9h 52m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Vienna to Cologne leaves at 12:20 AM.
The distance by train from Vienna to Cologne is 353 miles (569 km).
The last train from Vienna to Cologne leaves at 6:40 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Vienna to Cologne.
Yes, there is a direct train from Vienna to Cologne. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Vienna to Cologne.
The train journey from Vienna to Cologne is moderately scenic, offering views of the Austrian countryside, charming villages, and the Rhine Valley, particularly as you approach Cologne.
Yes, you can take the train from Vienna to Cologne.
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.
More options for your journey from Vienna to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Vienna
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