- 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.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leipzig to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leipzig to Cologne will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 83 trains from Leipzig to Cologne, including 6 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 4 h 25 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.
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S3 · ICE 273 · 29506 · IC 2441
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S3 · ICE 273 · ICE 18
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S3 · ICE 273 · 29506 · IC 2441
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ICE 693 · ICE 528
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ICE 599 · ICE 626
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ICE 595 · ICE 724
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ICE 597 · ICE 720
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ICE 693 · ICE 528
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Trains from Leipzig to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Leipzig to Cologne.
The table below shows live departures for Leipzig to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60408+ 15160+ ICE 618 | On time 11:49 PM Leipzig Hbf | 6h31 | 6:20 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, November 13 | |||||
S3 · ICE 273 · 29506 · IC 2441 | 12:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 8h57 | 9:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 273 · ICE 18 | On time 12:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 7h31 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 273 · 29506 · IC 2441 | 12:12 AM Leipzig Hbf (tief) | 8h54 | 9:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 273 · ICE 18 | On time 12:12 AM Leipzig Hbf (tief) | 7h28 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S1 · ICE 905 · ICE 822 | On time 12:24 AM Leipzig Markt | 8h50 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S3 · 16302 · ICE 956 | On time 3:33 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h39 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · 16302 · ICE 956 | On time 3:36 AM Leipzig Hbf (tief) | 6h36 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:05 AM Leipzig, Hbf | 9h40 | 1:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · ICE 1656 · ICE 614 | 5:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h50 | 10:04 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S4 · ICE 1656 · ICE 158 | On time 5:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 5h29 | 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1656 · ICE 614 | On time 5:28 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h36 | 10:04 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1656 · ICE 158 | On time 5:28 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h15 | 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · IC 2044 · ICE 954 | On time 6:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h03 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2044 · ICE 954 | On time 6:23 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h49 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 1748 | Delayed 6:39 AM Leipzig Markt | 5h59 | 11:40 AM 11:40 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1748 | Delayed 6:53 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h45 | 11:40 AM 11:40 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · ICE 1654 · ICE 156 | On time 7:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 5h29 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | 7:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h50 | 12:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | On time 7:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h37 | 12:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 156 | On time 7:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h16 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S5 · IC 2238 · ICE 652 | On time 7:29 AM Leipzig Markt | 5h46 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2238 · ICE 652 | On time 7:42 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h33 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · IC 2046 | 8:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h36 | 2:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · IC 2046 · ICE 952 | On time 8:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h03 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2046 | 8:23 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h22 | 2:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2046 · ICE 952 | On time 8:23 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h49 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 595 · ICE 724 | 8:39 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h35 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 595 · IC 2045 | On time 8:39 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h27 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 595 · ICE 1518 | 8:39 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h54 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:45 AM Leipzig Hbf | 8h58 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 595 · IC 2045 | On time 8:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h17 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 595 · ICE 1518 | On time 8:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h44 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 595 · ICE 724 | On time 8:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h25 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
S4 · ICE 1652 · ICE 154 | On time 9:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 5h29 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · ICE 1652 · ICE 610 | 9:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h50 | 2:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
16114 · ICE 650 | On time 9:21 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h54 | 3:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 610 | On time 9:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h37 | 2:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 154 | On time 9:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h16 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · IC 2048 · ICE 950 | On time 10:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h03 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · IC 2048 | 10:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h36 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2048 | 10:23 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h22 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2048 · ICE 950 | On time 10:23 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h49 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 10:39 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h54 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 597 · ICE 720 | 10:39 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h35 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 597 · ICE 2012 | 10:39 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h27 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 597 · ICE 2012 | On time 10:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h17 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 10:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h44 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 10:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h25 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
S3 · 16118 · ICE 558 | On time 11:09 AM Leipzig Markt | 6h06 | 5:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · ICE 1650 · ICE 1716 | 11:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 5h11 | 4:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 11:14 AM Leipzig Markt | 4h50 | 4:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
16118 · ICE 558 | On time 11:21 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h54 | 5:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 1716 | On time 11:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h58 | 4:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 11:27 AM Leipzig Hbf | 4h37 | 4:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:45 AM Leipzig, Hbf | 9h56 | 9:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2440 · ICE 858 | 12:23 PM Leipzig Hbf | 5h49 | 6:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 599 · ICE 626 | On time 12:49 PM Leipzig Hbf | 4h25 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 599 · ICE 1514 | On time 12:49 PM Leipzig Hbf | 4h44 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1744 | Delayed 12:53 PM Leipzig Hbf | 5h43 | 5:40 PM 5:40 PMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
16122 · ICE 556 | On time 1:21 PM Leipzig Hbf | 5h54 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1558 · ICE 516 | On time 1:27 PM Leipzig Hbf | 4h37 | 6:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1558 · ICE 1714 | On time 1:27 PM Leipzig Hbf | 4h58 | 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2442 | On time 2:23 PM Leipzig Hbf | 6h22 | 8:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2442 · ICE 856 | On time 2:23 PM Leipzig Hbf | 5h49 | 8:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 691 · IC 2349 | On time 2:48 PM Leipzig Hbf | 6h18 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 691 · ICE 1512 | On time 2:48 PM Leipzig Hbf | 4h45 | 7:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 691 · ICE 622 | On time 2:48 PM Leipzig Hbf | 4h26 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
S4 · ICE 1556 · ICE 1252 | On time 3:14 PM Leipzig Markt | 5h29 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · ICE 1556 · ICE 514 | On time 3:14 PM Leipzig Markt | 4h50 | 8:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1556 · ICE 1252 | On time 3:27 PM Leipzig Hbf | 5h16 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1556 · ICE 514 | On time 3:27 PM Leipzig Hbf | 4h37 | 8:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
S5 · IC 2234 · ICE 554 | On time 3:29 PM Leipzig Markt | 5h45 | 9:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2234 · ICE 554 | On time 3:42 PM Leipzig Hbf | 5h32 | 9:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · IC 2444 · ICE 854 | 4:09 PM Leipzig Markt | 6h03 | 10:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · IC 2444 | 4:09 PM Leipzig Markt | 6h36 | 10:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2444 · ICE 854 | 4:23 PM Leipzig Hbf | 5h49 | 10:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2444 | 4:23 PM Leipzig Hbf | 6h22 | 10:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 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.
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 Cologne.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leipzig 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 Leipzig to Cologne trains use the Leipzig Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Leipzig and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof 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 Zchocolat, Vapiano Leipzig
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Leipzig.
Leipzig Markt 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: China White, Cafe Barbakane, X-Maza, Vodkaria
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig Markt. ATMs are available at Leipzig Markt.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Markt. Information desks are available at Leipzig Markt.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Markt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Markt.
Nearby hotels include Seaside Park, Pentahotel Leipzig, Victors Residenzhotel, Marriott.
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.
Check train stations information for Leipzig and Cologne, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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