- 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
$29
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
5 h 32 m
Average duration
6 h 32 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
434 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Cologne will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 7 trains that leave Kiel for Cologne on Sat, Jun 20, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 434 km distance in an average of 6 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 32 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 8 h 31 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $159.
Distance: 269 miles (434 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $593 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration 7h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg 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 Kiel to Cologne:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Cologne costing on average $82 (€67).
A bus is $548 (€449) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Cologne costing on average $593 (€486).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 35m.
Bus takes on average 7h 28m.
The journey is about 18m faster (5h 35m by train vs 5h 53m by car) and roughly $11 (€9) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($82 (€67) vs $93 (€76)). 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 Deutsche Bahn.
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 Kiel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11207 · ICE 107 | On time 6:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11209 · ICE 519 | On time 7:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11211 · ICE 109 | On time 8:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11213 · ICE 611 | On time 9:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 3:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11215 · ICE 201 | On time 10:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11217 · ICE 613 | On time 11:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 5:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11219 · ICE 203 | On time 12:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11221 · ICE 615 | On time 1:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11223 · ICE 205 | On time 2:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11225 · ICE 617 | On time 3:37 PM Kiel Hbf | 6h11 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:30 AM Kiel | 10h26 | 10:56 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:05 AM Kiel | 6h43 | 7:48 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 AM Kiel | 8h31 | 10:56 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:25 AM Kiel | 8h31 | 11:56 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Kiel to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 269 miles (434 km) distance in 5h 32m.
Distance 269 miles (434 km) |
Average train duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 32m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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 Kiel 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need