- 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
$71
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
3 h 14 m
Average duration
3 h 14 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
336 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nuremberg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nuremberg to Cologne will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Of the 16 trains that leave Nuremberg for Cologne on Sat, Jun 20, 11 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 336 km distance in an average of 3 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 14 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 28
ICE 228
ICE 926
ICE 728 · IC 1947+
24512
ICE 626
ICE 726
ICE 728
ICE 724
ICE 722
ICE 720Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nuremberg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 208 miles (336 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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 Nuremberg to Cologne:
A bus is $72 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nuremberg to Cologne costing on average $105 (€86).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 6m.
Tickets start at around $105 (€86) compared to roughly $74 (€61) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-31.41 (€-25.74). The journey takes 4h 51m versus 4h 18m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Nuremberg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 820 | On time 7:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 · ICE 202 | On time 7:28 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h37 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1020 | On time 7:28 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 4h37 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 728 · 4493 · IC 1947 | Delayed 6:05 AM 8:00 AMNuremberg Hbf | 5h05 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 728 | Delayed 6:05 AM 8:00 AMNuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 726 | On time 9:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 926 · ICE 200 | On time 9:31 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h34 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 926 | On time 9:31 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 4h34 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 10:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 · 4495 · ICE 1645 | On time 10:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 5h05 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 722 · ICE 228 | On time 11:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 5h06 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 722 | On time 11:00 AM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 720 | On time 12:00 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 720 · 4497 · IC 2012 | On time 12:00 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 5h06 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 628 | On time 1:00 PM Nuremberg Hbf | 3h14 | 4:14 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 Nuremberg to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 208 miles (336 km) distance in 3h 14m.
Distance 208 miles (336 km) |
Average train duration 4h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 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 Nuremberg 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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