The cheapest and fastest trains from Salzburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
79S$
Average price
188S$
Fastest journey
6 h 29 m
Average duration
6 h 49 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
562 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salzburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Cologne will cost around 188S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 79S$.
Of the 26 trains that leave Salzburg for Cologne every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 562 km distance in an average of 6 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 29 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 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 594 · ICE 104+
7902612:05 PM7h00Salzburg Hbf7:05 PMCologne Hbf79 S$1One-way2 changes
ICE 618+
790469:07 PM8h57Salzburg Hbf6:04 AMCologne Hbf93 S$1One-way1 change
ICE 1014+
7904810:55 PM9h34Salzburg Hbf8:29 AMCologne Messe/Deutz119 S$1One-way1 change
ICE 514+
790301:05 PM7h00Salzburg Hbf8:05 PMCologne Hbf133 S$1One-way1 change
ICE 118 · ICE 22412:00 PM6h43Salzburg Hbf6:43 PMCologne Hbf136 S$1One-way1 change
ICE 210 · ICE 91610:00 AM6h29Salzburg Hbf4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz150 S$1One-way1 change
ICE 118 · ICE 22412:00 PM6h43Salzburg Hbf6:43 PMCologne Hbf136 S$1One-way1 change
ICE 11812:00 PM6h54Salzburg Hbf6:54 PMCologne Messe/Deutz136 S$1One-way0 changes
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ICE 6906:08 AM6h57Salzburg Hbf1:05 PMCologne Hbf228 S$1One-way4 changes
ICE 514+
790301:05 PM7h00Salzburg Hbf8:05 PMCologne Hbf133 S$1One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Salzburg to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salzburg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 30S$. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 30S$, and a flight costs an average of 136S$.
Distance: 562 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
130S$ Average Price | 46S$ Average Price Cheapest | 502S$ Average Price |
8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 6m Average total duration 11h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.4kg 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
Salzburg to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Salzburg to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday, 26 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 690 · ICE 200+ 79010 | Delayed 6:45 AM 6:05 AMSalzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 724+ 79010 | Delayed 6:45 AM 6:05 AMSalzburg Hbf | 7h09 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ICE 690 | On time 6:08 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h57 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ICE 724 | On time 6:08 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h06 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 changes | |
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ICE 690 | On time 6:08 AM Salzburg Hbf | 9h21 | 3:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
ICE 568 · ICE 770 · ICE 1645+ 79012 | Delayed 7:02 AM 6:46 AMSalzburg Hbf | 8h43 | 3:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 610+ 79012 | Delayed 7:28 AM 6:46 AMSalzburg Hbf | 7h19 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
R 25798 · ICE 610+ 79014 | On time 6:54 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h11 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 260 · ICE 566 · ICE 578 · IC 2012 | On time 9:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 518+ 79020 | Delayed 9:28 AM 9:05 AMSalzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 210 · ICE 916 | On time 10:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h29 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 210 · ICE 1514 | On time 10:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h33 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 576 · IC 1941 | Delayed 11:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h05 | 5:23 PM 5:23 PMCologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 516+ 79024 | Delayed 11:28 AM 11:05 AMSalzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 118 · ICE 224 | On time 12:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 6h43 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 118 · ICE 26 | Delayed 12:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 6:26 PM 6:26 PMCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 118 | On time 12:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 6h54 | 6:54 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
RE5+ ICE 622 | On time 12:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h09 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 594 · ICE 104+ 79026 | Delayed 12:45 PM 12:05 PMSalzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
79026+ ICE 622 | On time 12:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h09 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
RJX 60 · ICE 562 · ICE 574 · ICE 1649 | Delayed 1:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 7:27 PM 7:27 PMCologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 514+ 79030 | Delayed 1:28 PM 1:05 PMSalzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1014+ 79048 | On time 10:55 PM Salzburg Hbf | 9h34 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 614+ 79048 | On time 10:55 PM Salzburg Hbf | 11h10 | 10:05 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 Salzburg 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.
26 Jun
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28 Jun
29 Jun
30 Jun
01 Jul
02 Jul
Why should you book Salzburg to Cologne trains with Omio?
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 ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Salzburg 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 Salzburg to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Salzburg to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Salzburg to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Salzburg to Cologne
Trains from Salzburg to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 40S$ but you can travel from only 30S$ by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 562 km distance in 6h 5m.
Distance 562 km |
Average train duration 7h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price 40S$ |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 5m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Salzburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Salzburg and Cologne from 30S$. 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.
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | ICE
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Salzburg to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salzburg 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Salzburg and Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Südtiroler Platz
- Restaurant Imlauer
- Stieglitz
- Outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms
- €1
- Hotel Europa Salzburg
- Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
- H+ Hotel Salzburg
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for ÖBB and Westbahn trains
- Hall 2: platforms 6-11 for regional and international trains
- Bus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 25
- S-Bahn: Line S3
- Trolleybus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
- 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
Most popular train connections from Salzburg
More options for your journey from Salzburg to Cologne
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