- 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
$66
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 24 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
584 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zell am See to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zell am See to Cologne will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
It's difficult to get from Zell am See to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 1284 · ICE 514
IR 610 · RJ 286 · ICE 596 · IC 1941
IR 15511 · ICE 210 · ICE 1514
IR 718+
RJ 1288+
ICE 224
IR 718+
RJ 1288+
ICE 624
IR 610+
RJ 286+
ICE 596 · ICE 106
IR 610 · RJ 286 · ICE 596 · ICE 106
IR 518+
RJ 88+
ICE 594 · ICE 104
IR 718+
RJ 1288+
ICE 624
IR 718 · RJ 1288 · ICE 624Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zell am See to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $98.
Distance: 362 miles (584 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$119 Average price | $356 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $154 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 3m Average total duration 7h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 9m Average total duration 11h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.8 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Zell am See to Cologne:
A bus is $66 (€54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zell am See to Cologne costing on average $119 (€97).
A bus is $304 (€249) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zell am See to Cologne costing on average $356 (€292).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 33m.
Bus takes on average 11h 39m.
The journey is about 53m faster (7h 33m by train vs 8h 26m by car) and roughly $35 (€29) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($119 (€97) vs $154 (€126)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Nachtzug.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Zell am See to Cologne trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:03 PM Zell am See | 13h03 | 9:06 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
IR 15511+ ICE 210 · ICE 916 | On time 8:15 AM Zell am See station | 8h14 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IR 15511 · ICE 210 · ICE 1514 | On time 8:15 AM Zell am See station | 9h18 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 15511+ ICE 210 · ICE 916+ DB S19 | 8:15 AM Zell am See station | 8h24 | 4:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 15511+ ICE 210 · ICE 916 · ICE 28 | On time 8:15 AM Zell am See station | 10h05 | 6:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 15511+ ICE 210 · ICE 1514 | On time 8:15 AM Zell am See station | 9h18 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 15511 · ICE 210 · ICE 916 | On time 8:15 AM Zell am See station | 8h14 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IR 15511 · ICE 210 · ICE 916 · ICE 28 | On time 8:15 AM Zell am See station | 10h05 | 6:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 610+ RJ 286+ ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 9:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h20 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 610 · RJ 286 · ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 9:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h20 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 610 · RJ 286 · ICE 516 | On time 9:45 AM Zell am See station | 8h20 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 610 · RJ 286 · ICE 596 · IC 1941 | On time 9:45 AM Zell am See station | 9h20 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 610+ RJ 286+ ICE 516 | On time 9:45 AM Zell am See station | 8h20 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 610+ RJ 286+ ICE 596+ IC 1941 | On time 9:45 AM Zell am See station | 9h20 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 513+ ICE 118 · ICE 26 | On time 10:15 AM Zell am See station | 10h05 | 8:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 718 · RJ 1288 · ICE 624 · ICE 26 | On time 10:45 AM Zell am See station | 9h35 | 8:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 718+ RJ 1288+ ICE 224 | On time 10:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h58 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 718+ RJ 1288+ ICE 624 | On time 10:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h29 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IR 718 · RJ 1288 · ICE 624 | On time 10:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h29 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IR 718+ RJ 1288+ ICE 624 · ICE 26 | On time 10:45 AM Zell am See station | 9h35 | 8:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 718 · RJ 1288 · ICE 224 | On time 10:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h58 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 718+ RJ 1288+ ICE 624+ DB S6 | 10:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h38 | 6:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1284 · ICE 514 | 11:29 AM Zell am See station | 8h36 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IR 518+ RJ 88+ ICE 594 · ICE 104 | 11:45 AM Zell am See station | 7h20 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Zell am See to Cologne run on average 16 times per day, taking around 7h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 362 miles (584 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 362 miles (584 km) |
Average train duration 7h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 7h 20m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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.
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 Zell am See 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.

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