Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Tue, Feb 17
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Deutsche Bahn
Hessische Landesbahn
Intercity
ÖBB Nightjet
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Hessische Landesbahn
Intercity
ÖBB Nightjet
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Showing times and prices for Feb 18

Cheapest price

€24

Average price

€61

Fastest journey

1 h 6 m

Average duration

1 h 6 m

Trains per day

46

Distance

152 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf will cost around €61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.

Fast trains

Of the 46 trains that leave Cologne for Frankfurt (Main) Hbf on Wed, Feb 18, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Feb 18 the direct trains cover the 152 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 6 m .

On Wed, Feb 18 the slowest trains will take 1 h 6 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 921
03:49AM3h14
Cologne Hbf
07:03AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf
241One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 617 · IC 2242
09:54PM1h19
Cologne Hbf
11:13PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf
241One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 319
10:18PM1h25
Cologne Hbf
11:43PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf
271One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1021
07:53PM2h23
Cologne Hbf
10:16PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf
311One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 929
05:53PM2h20
Cologne Hbf
08:13PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf
361One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, and a train costs an average of €7.

Distance: 152 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€24

Average price

€10

Average price

Cheapest

6h 30m

Average total duration

6h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf trains for today, Tuesday, February 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:47 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn7:53 PM Cologne
2h37
10:30 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn8:48 PM Cologne
1h25
10:13 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn10:12 PM Cologne
3h08
1:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn10:54 PM Cologne
1h12
12:06 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn10:55 PM Cologne
1h17
12:12 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 827
On time
2:21 AM Cologne Hbf
1h27
3:48 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 9212:49 AM Cologne Hbf
3h14
6:03 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 521
On time
3:28 AM Cologne Hbf
1h20
4:48 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 523
On time
4:23 AM Cologne Hbf
1h28
5:51 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 911 · S84:25 AM Cologne Hbf
1h18
5:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 511 · ICE 15554:48 AM Cologne Hbf
1h25
6:13 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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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Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €7 by bus.

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:21, the last at 22:57. The fastest train covers the 152 km distance in 1h 2m.

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
Bus from €7
Distance
152 km
Average train duration
6h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
€7
Trains per day
16
Direct trains
12
Fastest train
1h 2m
First train
02:21
Last train
22:57
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
Bus from €7

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Intercity, ÖBB Nightjet from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Intercity, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from €7. 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
1h 2m
Cheapest Price
€7
Deutsche Bahn frequency
16 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

Hessische Landesbahn

About
Hessische Landesbahn (HLB) is a regional transport company owned by the German state of Hesse, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. It provides extensive bus and rail passenger transport services within Hesse and extends its operations into neighboring states like Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia. HLB operates as a holding company with subsidiaries managing rail services (HLB Hessenbahn GmbH), bus services (HLB Hessenbus GmbH), and infrastructure/vehicle resources (HLB Basis AG). Their diverse fleet includes modern train types such as Stadler FLIRT, Alstom LINT, and Coradia Continental trains. Tickets from Deutsche Bahn are also valid on HLB trains.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Hessische Landesbahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require a ticket and must be leashed
Quiet zone

Intercity

About
Intercity is a widely recognized brand for express train services that connect cities over longer distances, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \Intercity\" originated in the United Kingdom in 1966 with British Rail's electrification of the West Coast Main Line, becoming a brand for their main-line passenger routes. Today, Intercity services vary across Europe, with some countries like Switzerland offering modern, high-standard trains, while in others, they may be older compared to newer high-speed options. Many European countries use \"InterCity\" as an official brand name for regular, long-distance train services meeting specific speed and comfort criteria. For example, PKP Intercity is a major Polish rail operator connecting cities and tourist resorts within Poland and across Europe. Trenitalia's Intercity trains in Italy offer an affordable and widespread means of rail transport, connecting various cities and towns. These trains typically offer Standard and First Class services, with amenities like power sockets and sometimes catering."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Price
€40
Intercity frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone

ÖBB Nightjet

About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 27m
Cheapest Price
€143
ÖBB Nightjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is €24; 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 Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1h 2m to travel the 152 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 Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 2:21 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 10:57 PM.
Yes,there are 12 direct trains a day from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf with Deutsche Bahn, Intercity, ÖBB Nightjet. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Intercity, ÖBB Nightjet for the best way to get you to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
Yes, you can take a night train from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf with ÖBB Nightjet. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.
A day trip to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Cologne is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 2m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Cologne
Frankfurt am Main
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main.
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 - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
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 - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/DeutzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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: 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Imbiss Athena
  • Arena Grill
  • Cafe Especial
  • Joe Champs
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Helenenwall
  • Zur guten Quelle
  • Zum Goldenen Hut
  • Merlin

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