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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Erfurt
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 59m. 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 $26, and a train costs an average of $31.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 11m Average total duration 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration Fastest 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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 Cologne to Erfurt:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Erfurt costing on average $80 (€65).
Other travel options to Erfurt take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 41m.
Travel optionsfrom Cologne to Erfurt
How to get from Cologne to Erfurt by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Cologne to Erfurt is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus · FlixBus10:20 PM6h25Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)4:45 AMErfurt, Busbahnhof 2$391One-way1 transfer
Cheapest
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:20 PM6h25Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)4:45 AMErfurt, Busbahnhof 2$391One-way1 transfer
Fastest
- ICE 727 · ICE 8325:45 PM3h23Cologne Messe/Deutz9:08 PMErfurt Hbf$1351One-way1 transfer
Other options
- ICE 929 · ICE 8895:53 PM5h48Cologne Hbf11:41 PMErfurt Hbf$811One-way1 transfer
- ICE 1613 · ICE 5926:29 PM3h58Cologne Hbf10:27 PMErfurt Hbf$981One-way1 transfer
- ICE 729 · ICE 5926:45 PM3h42Cologne Messe/Deutz10:27 PMErfurt Hbf$1231One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:20 AM6h50Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:10 AMErfurt, Busbahnhof 2$411One-way1 transfer
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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.
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FAQs: Travel from Cologne to Erfurt
Travel to Erfurt easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cologne to Erfurt.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Erfurt:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Erfurt costing on average $80 (€65).
Other travel options to Erfurt take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 41m.
- Around 8 trains per day.
- Around 4 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cologne and Erfurt as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Cologne Hbf and arrive in Erfurt Hbf.
- Buses mostly depart from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) and arrive in Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2.
- Travel with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to go to Erfurt by train.
- Travel with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, Wupsi to go to Erfurt by bus.
- 1 direct trains per day with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
- 2 direct buses per day with BlaBlaCar.
Travelling from Cologne to Erfurt: related information
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