How to travel from Munich to Cologne

Sat, Aug 22
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Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. 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 $29, and a flight costs an average of $126.

Distance: 283 miles (456 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$90

Average price

$51

Average price

Cheapest

$242

Average price

$56

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 27m

Average total duration

4h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 42m

Average total duration

10h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 7m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 14m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.4 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Munich to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $51 (€41).

This is compared to other travel options from Munich to Cologne:

A bus is $38 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Cologne costing on average $90 (€72).

A bus is $190 (€153) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Cologne costing on average $242 (€194).

The fastest way to travel from Munich to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 7m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 57m.

Bus takes on average 10h 12m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Munich to Cologne among Omio's users.

Travel options
from Munich to Cologne

How to get from Munich to Cologne by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Munich to Cologne is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    10:05 PM7h45
    München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz
    5:50 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $601One-way
    0 transfers

Cheapest

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    10:05 PM7h45
    München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz
    5:50 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $601One-way
    0 transfers

Fastest

  • LufthansaLH1972
    6:35 AM1h10
    Munich Airport
    7:45 AMCologne Bonn Airport
    $2131One-way
    0 transfers

Other options

  • Deutsche BahnICE 510
    7:28 PM6h51
    Munich Hbf
    2:19 AMCologne Hbf
    $711One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 698 · IC 60402
    10:35 PM7h40
    Munich Hbf
    6:15 AMCologne Hbf
    $751One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 590 · ICE 100
    6:45 PM6h23
    Munich Hbf
    1:08 AMCologne Hbf
    $951One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    2:00 AM8h00
    Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)
    10:00 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $601One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    9:40 PM8h10
    Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)
    5:50 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $601One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    8:15 AM8h30
    Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)
    4:45 PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $601One-way
    0 transfers
  • LufthansaLH1982
    4:30 PM1h10
    Munich Airport
    5:40 PMCologne Bonn Airport
    $3921One-way
    0 transfers
  • LufthansaLH1976
    11:15 AM1h10
    Munich Airport
    12:25 PMCologne Bonn Airport
    $5411One-way
    0 transfers

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, 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.

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How to get from Munich to Cologne

The Best Way According to our Users

Whether it is for business or leisure, in order to travel from Munich to Cologne, 84,26% of our customers choose the train as their preferred mode of transportation. By traveling by train on this route, you can enjoy the comfort of spacious seats, spectacular views—and in some cases free Wi-Fi—in both second and first class. Our customers have decided that the train is the best way to get from Munich to Cologne and have chosen to enjoy this fast, safe and efficient way to arrive at their destination. Taking the train also avoids long lines or potential expenses for transfers to/from the station—especially since most main railway stations are located in the city center. Train companies in Europe vary from country to country, but most of them offer high-speed train routes, therefore when you add up at the end-to-end journey time, the train is often also the fastest way to get to your destination.

Search on Omio to find cheap tickets from Munich to Cologne. It’s easy to find the most attractive prices and choose your preferred route for your journey. Book on web or app, and travel with your mobile ticket —without the stress of printing your ticket.

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Trenitalia
Easyjet
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF

FAQs: Travel from Munich 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 Munich to Cologne.

FAQs
There are 3 options to travel between Munich and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Munich to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $51 (€41).

This is compared to other travel options from Munich to Cologne:

A bus is $38 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Cologne costing on average $90 (€72).

A bus is $190 (€153) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Cologne costing on average $242 (€194).

The fastest way to travel from Munich to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 7m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 57m.

Bus takes on average 10h 12m.

The distance from Munich to Cologne is approximately 283 miles (456 km).
The average frequency per day from Munich to Cologne is:
  • Around 22 trains per day.
  • Around 12 buses per day.
  • Around 6 flights per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Munich and Cologne as scheduled services by train, bus, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Munich to Cologne:
  • Flights mostly depart from Munich Airport and arrive in Cologne Bonn Airport.
  • Trains mostly depart from Munich Hbf and arrive in Cologne Hbf.
  • Buses mostly depart from Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) and arrive in Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Munich to Cologne, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus to go to Cologne by bus.
  • Travel with Deutsche Bahn, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB to go to Cologne by train.
  • Travel with Lufthansa, Eurowings, Lufthansa Cityline, Lufthansa City Airlines, Smartwings, Air Baltic to go to Cologne by flight.
Yes, there are direct services available from Munich to Cologne with the following travel companies:
  • 9 direct buses per day with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
  • 12 direct trains per day with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB.
  • 6 direct flights per day with Lufthansa, Eurowings, Lufthansa Cityline, Lufthansa City Airlines, Smartwings, Air Baltic.
Omio customers who travel from Munich to Cologne often also extend their vacation to go to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, London. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Cologne and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Cologne to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
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