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

Fri, 02 Jan
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 04 Jan

Cheapest price

$110

Average price

$158

Fastest journey

4 h 9 m

Average duration

4 h 10 m

Trains per day

38

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 $158 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $110.

Fast trains

Of the 38 trains that leave Munich for Cologne every day 22 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 10 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 11 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.

Deutsche BahnICE 522 · ICE 920
07:51PM6h14
Munich Hbf
02:05AMCologne Hbf
$1101One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 512 · IC 2347
05:28PM5h51
Munich Hbf
11:19PMCologne Hbf
$1101One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 614 · IC 2409
05:33AM5h33
Munich Hbf
11:06AMCologne Hbf
$1101One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 590 · ICE 100
06:45PM4h25
Munich Hbf
11:10PMCologne Hbf
$1191One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 510
07:28PM4h42
Munich Hbf
12:10AMCologne Hbf
$1191One-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 $30. 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 $30, and a flight costs an average of $137.

Distance: 456 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

$149

Average Price

$66

Average Price

Cheapest

$228

Average Price

5h 2m

Average total duration

4h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 20m

Average total duration

6h 50m

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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, Saturday, 3 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:06 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 610
On time
8:28 am Munich Hbf
4h37
1:05 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 610 · IC 2405
On time
8:28 am Munich Hbf
5h38
2:06 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 722
On time
8:54 am Munich Hbf
4h20
1:14 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 918
On time
9:19 am Munich Hbf
4h10
1:29 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 598 · ICE 108
On time
9:45 am Munich Hbf
4h20
2:05 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 518 · IC 2012
On time
10:28 am Munich Hbf
5h53
4:21 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 518
On time
10:28 am Munich Hbf
4h37
3:05 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 628
Delayed
10:54 am Munich Hbf
4h20
3:34 pm 3:34 pmCologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 916 · ICE 28
On time
11:20 am Munich Hbf
6h09
5:29 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 916
On time
11:20 am Munich Hbf
4h09
3:29 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 516 · IC 2041
On time
12:28 pm Munich Hbf
5h58
6:26 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 516
On time
12:28 pm Munich Hbf
4h37
5:05 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 624
On time
12:54 pm Munich Hbf
4h20
5:14 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1254
On time
1:20 pm Munich Hbf
4h23
5:43 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1254 · ICE 26
Delayed
1:20 pm Munich Hbf
6h02
7:33 pm 7:33 pmCologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 514
On time
2:28 pm Munich Hbf
4h37
7:05 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 514 · IC 2349
On time
2:28 pm Munich Hbf
5h55
8:23 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 620
On time
2:54 pm Munich Hbf
4h20
7:14 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 912
On time
3:20 pm Munich Hbf
4h09
7:29 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 592 · ICE 102 · ICE 24
On time
3:45 pm Munich Hbf
5h53
9:38 pm Cologne Hbf
2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 592 · ICE 102
On time
3:45 pm Munich Hbf
4h20
8:05 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 512
On time
4:28 pm Munich Hbf
4h37
9:05 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 512 · IC 2347
On time
4:28 pm Munich Hbf
5h51
10:19 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 526
On time
4:54 pm Munich Hbf
4h20
9:14 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 910
On time
5:19 pm Munich Hbf
4h11
9:30 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 590 · ICE 100
On time
5:45 pm Munich Hbf
4h25
10:10 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 522
On time
6:51 pm Munich Hbf
4h40
11:31 pm Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 522 · ICE 920
On time
6:51 pm Munich Hbf
6h29
1:20 am Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 698 · IC 60402
On time
9:46 pm Munich Hbf
7h11
4:57 am Cologne Hbf
1 change
Sunday, 4 January
deutsche_bahn57002 · 59110 · ICE 1022 · ICE 204
On time
12:59 am Munich Hbf
7h06
8:05 am Cologne Hbf
3 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 614
On time
4:33 am Munich Hbf
4h32
9:05 am Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 614 · IC 2409
On time
4:33 am Munich Hbf
5h33
10:06 am Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 820
On time
4:50 am Munich Hbf
4h24
9:14 am Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 692 · ICE 202
On time
5:42 am Munich Hbf
4h23
10:05 am Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 612 · IC 2407
On time
6:28 am Munich Hbf
5h38
12:06 pm Cologne Hbf
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 6126:28 am Munich Hbf
4h37
11:05 am Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 7266:54 am Munich Hbf
4h20
11:14 am Cologne Messe/Deutz0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 10107:19 am Munich Hbf
4h10
11:29 am Cologne Messe/Deutz0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1010 · ICE 926
On time
7:19 am Munich Hbf
6h02
1:21 pm 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.

Sun
04 Jan
Mon
05 Jan
Tue
06 Jan
Wed
07 Jan
Thu
08 Jan
Fri
09 Jan
Sat
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan
Wed
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan
Fri
16 Jan
Sat
17 Jan
Sun
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan

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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Munich to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Munich to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 but you can travel from only $30 by coach.

There are 5 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 19m.

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
Coach from $30
Distance
456 km
Average train duration
4h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$36
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
4h 19m
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
Coach from $30

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV from Munich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV trains will get you between Munich and Cologne from $30. 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 19m
Cheapest Price
$25
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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

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

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Munich to Cologne can start from as little as $27 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Munich to Cologne is $115; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Munich to Cologne train travel time is 4 h 24 min   for the 455 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Munich to Cologne leaves at 12: 01am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Munich to Cologne leaves at 11: 58pm.
Yes, there are 5 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 or FlixTrain for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service to Cologne from Munich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

When departing from Munich, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Munich Hbf and Munich Ost. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your route in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz, Cologne/Bonn Flughafen and Cologne-Ehrenfeld.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Munich Hbf, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located away from the city centre.

A trip to Cologne from Munich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 24 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Munich to Cologne by train is August.
You have options as you can travel between Munich and Cologne 3 different ways: train, coach or 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 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 - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
Lockers
Lockers
  • The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
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
  • Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • a&o München Hauptbahnhof
  • IntercityHotel München
  • Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
München-PasingWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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: 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
8 km
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • McDonald's
  • Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
  • Orexi Taverna
Hotel
Hotel
  • Guenstigwohnen24.de
  • Jagdschloss Residenz
  • Hotel Miano
München OstWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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: 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Haidhauser Augustiner
  • Burger King
  • Tassilogarten
  • Mitani
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton Munich City
  • MOMA1890
  • Mk Hotel
  • Hotel Pension Christl

More options for your journey from Munich to Cologne

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

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