The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Munich
Cheapest price
$138
Average price
$188
Fastest journey
4 h 18 m
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Trains per day
40
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Munich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Munich will cost around $188 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $138.
Of the 40 trains that leave Cologne for Munich every day 25 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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.
IC 1948 · ICE 6134:15 PM6h14Cologne Hbf10:29 PMMunich Hbf$1381One-way1 change
ICE 1640 · ICE 6156:09 PM6h20Cologne Hbf12:29 AMMunich Hbf$1381One-way1 change
ICE 1229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 12911:05 PM7h05Cologne Hbf8:10 PMMunich Hbf$1381One-way2 changes
ICE 19 · ICE 590 · ICE 11078:18 PM6h15Cologne Hbf2:33 AMMunich Hbf$1431One-way2 changes
ICE 61911:55 PM6h08Cologne Hbf6:03 AMMunich Hbf$1431One-way0 changes
ICE 109 · ICE 5992:54 PM4h18Cologne Hbf7:12 PMMunich Hbf$1931One-way1 change
ICE 105 · ICE 59510:54 AM4h20Cologne Hbf3:14 PMMunich Hbf$2131One-way1 change
ICE 203 · ICE 6936:54 PM4h21Cologne Hbf11:15 PMMunich Hbf$1931One-way1 change
ICE 103 · ICE 5938:54 AM4h21Cologne Hbf1:15 PMMunich Hbf$2131One-way1 change
ICE 201 · ICE 6914:54 PM4h21Cologne Hbf9:15 PMMunich Hbf$2131One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Cologne to Munich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. 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 coach costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $48.
Distance: 456 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average Price | $51 Average Price Cheapest | $255 Average Price |
3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 0m Average total duration 7h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Munich train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Munich trains for today, Friday, 10 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 721 | Delayed 12:51 PM 12:45 PMCologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 6:12 PM 6:12 PMMunich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 109 · ICE 599 | Delayed 1:02 PM 12:54 PMCologne Hbf | 4h18 | 6:32 PM 6:32 PMMunich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 599 | Delayed 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h42 | 6:32 PM 6:32 PMMunich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 1291 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h40 | 6:10 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 611 | Delayed 2:05 PM 1:54 PMCologne Hbf | 4h38 | 6:32 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 1948 · ICE 613 | On time 2:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h47 | 8:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 725 | Delayed 2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h31 | 8:16 PM 8:16 PMMunich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 201 · ICE 691 | Delayed 2:56 PM 2:54 PMCologne Hbf | 4h21 | 7:15 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 727 | On time 3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h31 | 8:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 613 | On time 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 8:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1640 · ICE 615 | On time 4:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h48 | 10:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 729 | On time 4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h34 | 9:19 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 203 · ICE 693 | Delayed 4:56 PM 4:54 PMCologne Hbf | 4h21 | 9:15 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 821 | On time 5:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h43 | 10:28 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 615 | On time 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 10:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 619 | On time 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 4:03 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday, 11 April | |||||
ICE 827 | On time 1:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h01 | 6:22 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 521 | On time 2:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h45 | 7:13 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 523 | On time 3:20 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h52 | 8:12 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 911 · ICE 523 | On time 3:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h47 | 8:12 AM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 511 | On time 3:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h44 | 8:32 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 527 | On time 5:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 10:12 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 513 | On time 5:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 10:29 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 1940 · ICE 515 | On time 6:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h15 | 12:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 529 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 11:12 AM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 11:15 AM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 621 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 12:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 515 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 12:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 1147 · IC 2013 · ICE 517 | On time 8:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h12 | 2:29 PM Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 623 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 1:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 105 · ICE 595 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 1:14 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 625 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h28 | 2:13 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 2:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 627 | On time 10:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h28 | 3:13 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 107 · ICE 597 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h22 | 3:16 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 1291 | On time 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h05 | 6:10 PM Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 629 | 11:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 4:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 519 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 4:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 1946 · ICE 611 | On time 12:13 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h19 | 6:32 PM Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Munich by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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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Why should you book Cologne to Munich trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Munich.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Munich.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Munich?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Munich
Trains from Cologne to Munich run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Munich trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Munich from $25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Cologne to Munich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Munich 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 Munich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Munich
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- 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
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
Most popular train connections from Cologne
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