Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Karlsruhe to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $21.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$69 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest |
4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Travel optionsfrom Karlsruhe to Cologne
How to get from Karlsruhe to Cologne by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Karlsruhe to Cologne is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus8:25 AM4h35Karlsruhe Hbf1:00 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$231One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
ICE 272 · ICE 9209:59 PM4h14Karlsruhe Hbf2:13 AMCologne Hbf$221One-way1 transfer
Fastest
ICE 74 · ICE 101010:37 AM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf12:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz$1001One-way1 transfer
Other options
ICE 272 · ICE 5109:59 PM3h28Karlsruhe Hbf1:27 AMCologne Hbf$251One-way1 transfer
ICE 374 · IC 19479:59 AM3h06Karlsruhe Hbf1:05 PMCologne Hbf$751One-way1 transfer
ICE 376 · ICE 10497:59 AM3h06Karlsruhe Hbf11:05 AMCologne Hbf$751One-way1 transfer
FlixBus10:55 AM4h40Karlsruhe Hbf3:35 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$241One-way0 transfers
FlixBus12:20 PM4h25Karlsruhe Hbf4:45 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$241One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain+
FlixBus10:26 AM5h09Karlsruhe Hbf3:35 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$321One-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
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FAQs: Travel from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Travel to Cologne 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 Karlsruhe to Cologne.

This is compared to other travel options from Karlsruhe to Cologne:
A bus is $1 (€1) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Cologne costing on average $21 (€16).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 57m.
- Around 11 buses per day.
- Around 9 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Karlsruhe and Cologne as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Karlsruhe Hbf and arrive in Cologne Hbf.
- Buses mostly depart from Karlsruhe Hbf and arrive in Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen).
- Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar to go to Cologne by bus.
- Travel with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet to go to Cologne by train.
- 10 direct buses per day with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
- 2 direct trains per day with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet.
Travelling from Karlsruhe to Cologne: related information
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