Cologne to Budapest train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC)

Sat, 13 Dec
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Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | ICE
Intercity
Eurostar
Great Northern
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | ICE
Intercity
Eurostar
Great Northern
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Budapest

Showing times and prices for 18 Dec

Cheapest price

$165

Average price

$309

Fastest journey

11 h 21 m

Average duration

11 h 23 m

Trains per day

13

Distance

956 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Budapest will cost around $309 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $165.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne to Budapest you need to make at least 2 changes.

Deutsche BahnICE 119 · RJX 165
08:58AM12h21
Cologne Messe/Deutz
09:19PMBudapest Keleti
$1651One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · ICE 25 · RJX 67
08:54AM11h25
Cologne Hbf
08:19PMBudapest Keleti
$1921One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 105 · ICE 27 · EC 341
10:54AM11h25
Cologne Hbf
10:19PMBudapest Keleti
$1921One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 621 · ICE 91 · RJX 165
09:45AM11h34
Cologne Messe/Deutz
09:19PMBudapest Keleti
$1921One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 119 · ICE 25 · RJX 67
08:58AM11h21
Cologne Messe/Deutz
08:19PMBudapest Keleti
$1921One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Budapest

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $52.

Distance: 956 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

$202

Average Price

$333

Average Price

$102

Average Price

Cheapest

11h 29m

Average total duration

10h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 1m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

18h 10m

Average total duration

17h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.9 - 5.7kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Budapest train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest trains for today, Wednesday, 17 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:35 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn11:53 am Cologne
17h05
4:58 am Budapest0 changesdirect
Thursday, 18 December
obb_intercity_expressICE 103 · ICE 25+obbRJX 67
On time
7:54 am Cologne Hbf
11h25
7:19 pm Budapest Keleti
2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 103 · ICE 25 · RJX 67
On time
7:54 am Cologne Hbf
11h25
7:19 pm Budapest Keleti
2 changes
obb_intercity_expressICE 119+obbRJX 165
On time
7:58 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
12h21
8:19 pm Budapest Keleti
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 119 · RJX 165
On time
7:58 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
12h21
8:19 pm Budapest Keleti
1 change
obb_intercity_expressICE 119 · ICE 25+obbRJX 67
On time
7:58 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
11h21
7:19 pm Budapest Keleti
2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 119 · ICE 25 · RJX 67
On time
7:58 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
11h21
7:19 pm Budapest Keleti
2 changes
obb91460+obb_intercity_expressICE 621 · ICE 91+obbRJX 1658:31 am Cologne Hbf
11h48
8:19 pm Budapest Keleti3 changes
obb10615+obb_intercity_expressICE 27+obb_s-bahnS 80+obbD 3478:38 am Cologne Hbf
11h55
8:33 pm Budapest-Kelenfoeld3 changes
obb10615+obb_intercity_expressICE 27+obb_eurocityEC 3418:38 am Cologne Hbf
12h41
9:19 pm Budapest Keleti2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 621 · ICE 91 · RJX 165
On time
8:45 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
11h34
8:19 pm Budapest Keleti
2 changes
obb_intercity_expressICE 621 · ICE 91+obbRJX 165
On time
8:45 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
11h34
8:19 pm Budapest Keleti
2 changes
obb_intercity_expressICE 27+obb_s-bahnS 80+obbD 347
On time
8:49 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
11h44
8:33 pm Budapest-Kelenfoeld
2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 105 · ICE 27 · EC 341
On time
9:54 am Cologne Hbf
11h25
9:19 pm Budapest Keleti
2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Budapest by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Wed
17 Dec
Thu
18 Dec
Fri
19 Dec
Sat
20 Dec
Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
Sat
27 Dec
Sun
28 Dec
Mon
29 Dec
Tue
30 Dec
Wed
31 Dec
Thu
01 Jan
Fri
02 Jan
Sat
03 Jan
Sun
04 Jan
Mon
05 Jan
Tue
06 Jan

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Budapest?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Budapest is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Budapest route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Budapest per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Budapest.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Budapest

GermanyGermany
HungaryHungary
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Budapest run on average 11 times per day, taking around 10h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 but you can travel from only $52 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 11h 7m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $52
Distance
956 km
Average train duration
10h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
$67
Trains per day
11
Fastest train
11h 7m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $52

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, Intercity from Cologne to Budapest trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Budapest from $52. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 7m
Cheapest Price
$79
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

ÖBB | ICE

About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Intercity

About
Intercity is a widely recognized brand for express train services that connect cities over longer distances, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \Intercity\" originated in the United Kingdom in 1966 with British Rail's electrification of the West Coast Main Line, becoming a brand for their main-line passenger routes. Today, Intercity services vary across Europe, with some countries like Switzerland offering modern, high-standard trains, while in others, they may be older compared to newer high-speed options. Many European countries use \"InterCity\" as an official brand name for regular, long-distance train services meeting specific speed and comfort criteria. For example, PKP Intercity is a major Polish rail operator connecting cities and tourist resorts within Poland and across Europe. Trenitalia's Intercity trains in Italy offer an affordable and widespread means of rail transport, connecting various cities and towns. These trains typically offer Standard and First Class services, with amenities like power sockets and sometimes catering."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
16h 34m
Cheapest Price
$279
Intercity frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone

FAQs: Cologne to Budapest train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Budapest can start from as little as $61 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Budapest is $209; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cologne to Budapest train travel time is 11 h 24 min   for the 956 km long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Budapest leaves at 7: 44am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Budapest leaves at 10: 56pm.
There are 10 trains a day from Cologne to Budapest which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE or Intercity. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Budapest. Take the fast train with ÖBB | ICE from Cologne to Budapest.
For the best Cologne to Budapest train to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE or Intercity. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services from Cologne to Budapest to compare what amenities they may offer.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Budapest is September.
You have options as you can travel between Cologne and Budapest 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Budapest

Cologne
Budapest
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Budapest.
Köln HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/DeutzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Imbiss Athena
  • Arena Grill
  • Cafe Especial
  • Joe Champs
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Helenenwall
  • Zur guten Quelle
  • Zum Goldenen Hut
  • Merlin
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
  • Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps

Most popular train connections from Cologne

More options for your journey from Cologne to Budapest

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Budapest

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