- 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
$87
Average price
$153
Fastest journey
10 h 38 m
Average duration
10 h 39 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
981 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Warsaw to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Warsaw to Cologne will cost around $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
It's difficult to get from Warsaw to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
EC 42 · ICE 699 · IC 60402
EC 40 · ICE 905 · ICE 822
EC 40 · 4369 · ICE 273 · 4151
EC 40 · 4369 · ICE 273 · ICE 616
EC 246 · 3117 · ICE 558
EC 246 · 3117 · ICE 558
EC 248 · 3113 · ICE 650
EC 46 · S15 · ICE 544 · 17433
EC 48 · S15 · ICE 546 · 17429
EC 44 · S15 · ICE 542Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Warsaw to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $63. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $63, and a flight costs an average of $234.
Distance: 609 miles (981 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$114 Average price | $85 Average price Cheapest | $516 Average price | $250 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 31m Average total duration 12h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 46m Average total duration 16h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 2.9 - 5.9kg 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 Warsaw to Cologne:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Warsaw to Cologne costing on average $114 (€91).
A bus is $431 (€346) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Warsaw to Cologne costing on average $516 (€415).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 1m.
Bus takes on average 16h 16m.
Tickets start at around $114 (€91) compared to roughly $250 (€201) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $136 (€109). The journey takes 12h 1m versus 10h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Warsaw to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 48 · 3121 · ICE 556 | On time 9:00 AM Warsaw Central | 11h08 | 8:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 48 · S15 · ICE 546 · 17429 | On time 9:00 AM Warsaw Central | 10h38 | 7:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 46 · S15 · ICE 544 · 17433 | On time 11:00 AM Warsaw Central | 10h38 | 9:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 46 · 3125 · ICE 554 | On time 11:00 AM Warsaw Central | 11h08 | 10:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 44 · 3129 · ICE 552 | Delayed 11:02 AM 1:00 PMWarsaw Central | 11h25 | 12:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 42 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 3:00 PM Warsaw Central | 14h44 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 40 · ICE 905 · ICE 822 | On time 5:00 PM Warsaw Central | 16h23 | 9:23 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 40 · ICE 905 · ICE 273 · 4151 | On time 5:00 PM Warsaw Central | 14h40 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 40 · ICE 905 · ICE 273 · ICE 616 | On time 5:00 PM Warsaw Central | 15h05 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 440 · S5 · ICE 654 | On time 10:16 PM Warsaw Central | 14h01 | 12:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 16170+ KD 69151+ 5672+ IC 2048 | On time 11:44 PM Warsaw Central | 15h38 | 3:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 16170+ KD 69151+ 5672+ ICE 1650 | On time 11:44 PM Warsaw Central | 16h21 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| Thursday, August 27 | |||||
EC 248 · 3113 · ICE 650 | On time 5:00 AM Warsaw Central | 10h38 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 246 · 3117 · ICE 558 | Delayed 7:00 AM Warsaw Central | 10h38 | 4:08 PM 4:08 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Warsaw to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 12h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 609 miles (981 km) distance in 10h 33m.
Distance 609 miles (981 km) |
Average train duration 12h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€42) |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 10h 33m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Warsaw 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 Warsaw to Cologne trains use the Warszawa Centralna to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Warsaw and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Warszawa Centralna 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: Strefa Centralna, Restauracja Halka
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Warszawa Centralna. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Warszawa Centralna. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Warszawa Centralna: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Warszawa Centralna: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Warszawa Centralna: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Warsaw Marriott Hotel, InterContinental Warsaw, Novotel Warszawa Centrum.
Warszawa Gdańska is 3 km from Warsaw city centre. Public transport options include:
Warszawa Gdańska 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: Restauracja Polska Różana, Kawiarnia Kafka
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Warszawa Gdańska. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Warszawa Gdańska. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Warszawa Gdańska: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Warszawa Gdańska: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Warszawa Gdańska: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Warszawa Stare Miasto, Hotel Hetman, Hotel Maria.
Warszawa Zachodnia is 3 km from Warsaw city centre. Public transport options include:
Warszawa Zachodnia 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 Warszawski Lukier, Bistro Trojka
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Warszawa Zachodnia. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Warszawa Zachodnia. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Warszawa Zachodnia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Warszawa Zachodnia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Warszawa Zachodnia: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel, Campanile Varsovie, Golden Tulip Warsaw Centre.
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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