- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
247 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Würzburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Würzburg to Cologne will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 5 trains that leave Würzburg for Cologne on Fri, Jun 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 247 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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 1020
ICE 1020 · ICE 202
ICE 728
ICE 726
ICE 728 · 4493 · IC 1947
ICE 728
ICE 726
ICE 1020 · ICE 202
ICE 1020
ICE 728 · 4493 · IC 1947Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Würzburg 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 train which can get you there in 2h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $24.
Distance: 153 miles (247 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Würzburg to Cologne:
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Würzburg to Cologne costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 46m.
You'll arrive about 13m sooner (2h 58m by train vs 3h 11m by car). Tickets start at around $73 (€60) compared to roughly $54 (€44) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Würzburg to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1020 | On time 8:24 AM Würzburg Hbf | 3h41 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 · ICE 202 | On time 8:24 AM Würzburg Hbf | 2h41 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 728 | On time 8:55 AM Würzburg Hbf | 2h19 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 728 · 4493 · IC 1947 | On time 8:55 AM Würzburg Hbf | 4h10 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 726 | On time 9:55 AM Würzburg Hbf | 2h19 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Würzburg to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 153 miles (247 km) distance in 2h 19m.
Distance 153 miles (247 km) |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 19m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Würzburg 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 Würzburg to Cologne trains use the Würzburg Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Würzburg and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Würzburg Hbf is 1 km from Würzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Würzburg 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: McDonald's, Anatolia Kebap Haus, Schönborn, Cafe am Dom
Wi-Fi is available at Würzburg Hbf. ATMs are available at Würzburg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Würzburg Hbf. Information desks are available at Würzburg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Würzburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Würzburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Würzburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Würzburg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Schönleber, Hotel Amberger, Pension Siegel, Dorint Hotel Würzburg.
Würzburg Süd 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: Casa, Bei Peppino, Karthäuser
Wi-Fi is available at Würzburg Süd. ATMs are available at Würzburg Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Würzburg Süd. Information desks are available at Würzburg Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Würzburg Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Würzburg Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Würzburg Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Würzburg Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Amberger, Dorint Hotel Würzburg, Till Eulenspiegel, Franziskaner.
Würzburg-Zell is 4 km from Würzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Würzburg-Zell 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: AN20 Lounge, Gasthaus Rose
Wi-Fi is available at Würzburg-Zell. ATMs are available at Würzburg-Zell.
Ticket office support is available at Würzburg-Zell. Information desks are available at Würzburg-Zell.
Luggage storage is available at Würzburg-Zell. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Würzburg-Zell: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Würzburg-Zell: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Würzburg-Zell.
Nearby hotels include Gasthaus Rose.
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