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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne
Showing times and prices for 19 Feb
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$201
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 11 m
Trains per day
41
Distance
456 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Cologne will cost around $201 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $80.
Fast trains
Of the 41 trains that leave Munich for Cologne every day 23 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 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 18 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.
ICE 618 · ICE 61611:51PM8h14
Munich Hbf08:05AMCologne Hbf
$801One-way
1 change
ICE 520 · ICE 22208:45PM9h58
Munich Hbf06:43AMCologne Hbf
$1171One-way
1 change
ICE 518 · IC 201211:28AM5h38
Munich Hbf05:06PMCologne Hbf
$1341One-way
1 change
ICE 522 · ICE 92007:45PM6h20
Munich Hbf02:05AMCologne Hbf
$1341One-way
1 change
ICE 610 · ICE 164509:28AM5h37
Munich Hbf03:05PMCologne Hbf
$1341One-way
1 change
ICE 91612:20PM4h09
Munich Hbf04:29PMCologne Messe/Deutz
$2011One-way
0 changes
ICE 91204:20PM4h09
Munich Hbf08:29PMCologne Messe/Deutz
$3001One-way
0 changes
ICE 101008:19AM4h10
Munich Hbf12:29PMCologne Messe/Deutz
$2241One-way
0 changes
ICE 91810:19AM4h10
Munich Hbf02:29PMCologne Messe/Deutz
$3001One-way
0 changes
ICE 101404:11AM4h18
Munich Hbf08:29AMCologne Messe/Deutz
$2241One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from $33. 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 coach costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 456 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average Price | $52 Average Price Cheapest | $267 Average Price |
5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration 6h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m 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
Munich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, 18 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:14 am
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 512 | On time 4:28 pm Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 9:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 4:28 pm Munich Hbf | 5h52 | 10:20 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 526 | On time 4:46 pm Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 9:16 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 910 | On time 5:19 pm Munich Hbf | 4h11 | 9:30 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 910 · ICE 1220 | On time 5:19 pm Munich Hbf | 6h02 | 11:21 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 522 | On time 6:45 pm Munich Hbf | 4h46 | 11:31 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 520 · ICE 222 | On time 7:45 pm Munich Hbf | 9h58 | 5:43 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| Thursday, 19 February | |||||
| ICE 1014 | On time 3:11 am Munich Hbf | 4h18 | 7:29 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | On time 3:11 am Munich Hbf | 5h55 | 9:06 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 822 | On time 3:41 am Munich Hbf | 4h33 | 8:14 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 614 · ICE 1049 | On time 4:33 am Munich Hbf | 5h32 | 10:05 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 614 | On time 4:33 am Munich Hbf | 4h32 | 9:05 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 726 | On time 6:42 am Munich Hbf | 4h32 | 11:14 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 7:19 am Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 1:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 1010 | On time 7:19 am Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 11:29 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 7:45 am Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 12:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 724 | On time 7:45 am Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 12:14 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 610 | On time 8:28 am Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 1:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 610 · ICE 1645 | On time 8:28 am Munich Hbf | 5h37 | 2:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 722 | On time 8:46 am Munich Hbf | 4h28 | 1:14 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 918 | 9:19 am Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 1:29 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 918 · ICE 1228 | On time 9:19 am Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 3:06 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 518 · IC 2012 | On time 10:28 am Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 4:06 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 518 | 10:28 am Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 3:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 628 | 10:45 am Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 3:14 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 618 · ICE 616 | On time 10:51 pm Munich Hbf | 8h14 | 7:05 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Munich to Cologne 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.
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Why should you book Munich to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as TGV offer trains services from Munich to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Munich to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of TGV to find the best option for your trip from Munich to Cologne.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Munich to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of TGV to find the best option for your trip from Munich to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Munich to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Cologne?
The best time to book your train from Munich to Cologne is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Munich to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Munich to Cologne 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 Munich to Cologne.
Trains
from $50Coaches
from $31Flights
from $121Journey information
Overview: Train from Munich to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Munich to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
There are 7 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 11m.
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
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 4h 11m |
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
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV, BlaBlaCar from Munich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV, BlaBlaCar trains will get you between Munich and Cologne from $25. 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
4h 11m
Cheapest Price
$25
Deutsche Bahn frequency
13 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.
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.
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.
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
TGV
About
TGV is a high-speed train company based in France. It operates a fleet of modern trains that can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. The TGV offers a variety of train types, including the TGV Duplex, TGV Lyria, TGV InOui, and TGV OuiGo. Each train type provides different amenities, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. Ticket options include Standard, Flexi, and Prem’s. Onboard facilities feature a bar, restaurant, and luggage storage. Popular TGV routes include Paris to Lyon, Paris to Marseille, and Paris to Lille.
Luggage & cancellation policy
TGV frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 suitcase included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions and ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full meals and bar service, at-seat dining in first class
Seat reservation
Included in first class, optional fee in second class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: \Bla\" for quiet, \"BlaBla\" for talkative, and \"BlaBlaBla\" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys."
FAQs: Munich to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap train tickets from Munich to Cologne can start from as little as $25 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Munich to Cologne is $82; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Munich to Cologne is 4h 11m to travel the 456 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Munich to Cologne leaves at 12:01 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Munich to Cologne leaves at 11:58 pm.
Yes, there are 7 direct trains a day from Munich to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Munich to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, TGV, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Munich and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Munich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 11m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Munich to Cologne is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich and Cologne including taking a train, coach and flight.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Munich and Cologne
Munich
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Munich is München Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at München Hbf for your trip from Munich to Cologne.
München Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
Lockers
- The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
Accessibility
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Information Desk
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
München-Pasing
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
8 kmDining
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
Hotel
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
München Ost
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
Hotel
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Munich.
Köln Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Munich
More options for your journey from Munich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Munich
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