The cheapest and fastest trains from Salzburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
$170
Average price
$193
Fastest journey
6 h 5 m
Average duration
6 h 57 m
Trains per day
4
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 $193 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $170.
To travel from Salzburg to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
RJX 260 · ICE 1218 · ICE 108
RJX 260 · ICE 1218 · IC 2012
RB 27970+
BRB 79020+
ICE 518
BRB 79020+
ICE 518
RJX 260 · ICE 1218 · ICE 108
RB 27970+
BRB 79020+
ICE 518
BRB 79020+
ICE 518
RJX 260 · ICE 1218 · IC 2012Travel 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 $33. 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 $33, and a flight costs an average of $160.
Distance: 562 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$178 Average Price | $68 Average Price Cheapest | $610 Average Price |
8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 7m Average total duration 11h 37m 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, Wednesday, 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX 260 · ICE 1218 · ICE 108 | On time 8:00 am Salzburg Hbf | 6h05 | 2:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 260 · ICE 1218 · IC 2012 | On time 8:00 am Salzburg Hbf | 7h44 | 3:44 pm Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
BRB 79020+ ICE 518 | On time 8:05 am Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 3:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RB 27970+ BRB 79020+ ICE 518 | On time 8:08 am Salzburg Hbf | 6h57 | 3:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
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.
12 Nov
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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 8 times per day, taking around 8h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 but you can travel from only $33 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 8h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 6h 5m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Meridian, BOB & BRB, Hungarian Railways (MÁV), Transdev GmbH, ÖBB | Railjet, Westbahn from Salzburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Meridian, BOB & BRB, Hungarian Railways (MÁV), Transdev GmbH, ÖBB | Railjet, Westbahn trains will get you between Salzburg and Cologne from $33. 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 | ICE
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | Railjet
Westbahn
Meridian, BOB & BRB
Hungarian Railways (MÁV)
Transdev GmbH
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.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Salzburg 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.
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
- Parking is available near the station, with several public parking options in the vicinity.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free of charge
- Hotel Schloss Mönchstein
- Hotel Villa Carlton
- Hotel & Villa Auersperg
- The station is a small local station with basic facilities, primarily serving local and regional routes.
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Line S3
- 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.
- 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 long-distance trains
- Hall 2: regional and S-Bahn platforms
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, 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.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- 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
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- 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
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
Most popular train connections from Salzburg
More options for your journey from Salzburg to Cologne
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