- Must visit
Mozart's Birthplace
Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, displaying family items, instruments, and context on his early Salzburg years.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Salzburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Salzburg will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 24 trains from Cologne to Salzburg, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 562 km distance in an average of 6 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 24 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 6 h 41 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 911 · EC 115
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ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511+
79015
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ICE 619+
79007
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ICE 919 · EC 213
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ICE 913 · ICE 1215
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ICE 913 · ICE 1215
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ICE 915 · ICE 119
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ICE 919 · EC 213
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ICE 911 · EC 115
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ICE 1255 · ICE 211
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Trains from Cologne to Salzburg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 349 miles (562 km) distance in 5h 41m.
Distance 349 miles (562 km) |
Average train duration 6h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 41m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Salzburg.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Salzburg trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
33611 · ICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267 | On time 3:56 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h02 | 12:58 PM Salzburg Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ICE 911 · EC 115 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h34 | 11:59 AM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2348 · ICE 513+ 79021 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h53 | 2:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h24 | 1:55 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 513+ 79021 | Delayed 6:54 AM 7:47 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 6h59 | 2:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26806 · ICE 11 · ICE 593+ 79023 | 8:08 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h38 | 3:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2040 · ICE 515+ 79025 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h53 | 4:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593+ 79023 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h52 | 3:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 119 | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h01 | 3:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h28 | 3:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515+ 79025 | Delayed 8:54 AM 9:46 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 7h00 | 4:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27+ 24515+ ICE 211 | Delayed 8:54 AM 9:52 AMCologne Hbf | 8h07 | 5:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 | On time 9:59 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h59 | 4:58 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 2013 · ICE 517+ 79033 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h53 | 6:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1255 · ICE 211 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h41 | 5:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517+ 79033 | Delayed 10:54 AM 11:46 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 7h00 | 6:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 29 · ICE 919 · EC 213 | Delayed 10:56 AM 11:53 AMCologne Hbf | 8h06 | 7:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2044 · ICE 519+ 79039 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h53 | 8:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 919 · EC 213 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h29 | 7:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519+ 79039 | Delayed 12:54 PM 1:46 PMCologne Messe/Deutz | 7h00 | 8:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2046 · ICE 611+ 79045 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h52 | 11:45 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 109 · ICE 599+ 79041 | Delayed 1:56 PM 2:54 PMCologne Hbf | 6h48 | 9:42 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Salzburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salzburg trip today.
Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, displaying family items, instruments, and context on his early Salzburg years.
Science center with interactive exhibits on physics, biology, and technology; excellent for families and curious adults.
Historic residence rooms and state apartments illustrating the power and taste of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops.
Salzburg’s famous old shopping lane with wrought-iron guild signs, historic houses, and direct links to Mozart’s birthplace.
Formal gardens and walking area by Mirabell Palace, admired for baroque design, statues, and fortress views.
Tree-lined viewpoint hill with forest paths, old fortifications, and sweeping vistas over the Old Town and fortress.
Salzburg’s famous soufflé-like dessert of sweetened egg whites, baked and torn into pieces, then dusted with sugar. A classic from Hotel Sacher traditions.
A rustic farmer’s breakfast of pan-fried potatoes, onions, and meat, usually topped with a fried egg. Popular in Alpine inns across Salzburg state.
Thin slices of boiled beef in broth, usually served with horseradish, root vegetables, and potatoes. A classic Austrian dish common in Salzburg taverns.
Well-known fine dining restaurant focused on modern Austrian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Historic beer hall and monastery brewery known for Märzen beer, simple Austrian dishes, and lively communal tables in a classic Salzburg setting.
Traditional tavern near the old town serving schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and regional classics in elegant historic rooms with a refined local feel.
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels rise in peak season, dining is mid-priced, and public transport is reasonable for tourists.
Service is often included, but rounding up is customary. Tip restaurants about 5-10%, round up in cafes, and round up taxi fares.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Salzburg.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Salzburg 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 Salzburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Salzburg trains use the Köln Hbf to Salzburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Salzburg Aiglhof. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Salzburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Salzburg Hbf is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Hbf 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Imlauer, Stieglitz
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Salzburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Salzburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Hbf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Salzburg, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre, H+ Hotel Salzburg.
Salzburg Aiglhof is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Aiglhof has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
ATMs are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Salzburg Taxham Europark is 3 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Taxham Europark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
ATMs are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Available at Salzburg Taxham Europark: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salzburg Taxham Europark: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Check train stations information for Cologne and Salzburg, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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