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

Mon, Aug 03
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Hessische Landesbahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Hessische Landesbahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Kassel

Showing times and prices for Aug 03

Cheapest price

€36

Average price

€66

Fastest journey

2 h 48 m

Average duration

2 h 54 m

Trains per day

27

Distance

183 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Kassel will cost around €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €36.

Fast trains

Of the 27 trains that leave Cologne for Kassel on Mon, Aug 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 48 m .

On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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 BahnIC 2155
    9:17 AM3h38
    Cologne Hbf
    12:55 PMKassel-Wilhelmshöhe
    361One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 621 · 4156
    9:45 AM3h49
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    1:34 PMKassel Hbf
    401One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 555 · 17408 · 26711
    8:25 AM3h31
    Cologne Hbf
    11:56 AMKassel-Wilhelmshöhe
    441One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn17410 · IC 2155
    9:21 AM3h34
    Cologne Hbf
    12:55 PMKassel-Wilhelmshöhe
    441One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 629 · 4160
    1:45 PM3h47
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    5:32 PMKassel Hbf
    471One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Kassel

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kassel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a flight costs an average of €697.

Distance: 183 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€60

Average price

€22

Average price

Cheapest

€783

Average price

4h 9m

Average total duration

3h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 18m

Average total duration

6h 18m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Kassel train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kassel trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn17404 · 267076:21 AM Cologne Hbf
3h35
9:56 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 543 · ECE 5
On time
6:25 AM Cologne Hbf
4h21
10:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 525 · S6 · ICE 994
On time
6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3h01
9:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn17406 · 267097:21 AM Cologne Hbf
3h35
10:56 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 855 · ICE 577
On time
7:26 AM Cologne Hbf
4h20
11:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 845 · ICE 577
On time
7:26 AM Cologne Hbf
4h20
11:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 527 · 4154
On time
7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3h49
11:34 AM Kassel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 527 · ICE 376
On time
7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h59
10:44 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 555 · 17408 · 26711
On time
8:25 AM Cologne Hbf
3h31
11:56 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · ICE 992
On time
8:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h52
11:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 119 · ICE 992
On time
8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h48
11:46 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2155
On time
9:17 AM Cologne Hbf
3h38
12:55 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 121 · ICE 772
On time
9:18 AM Cologne Hbf
2h53
12:11 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn17410 · IC 2155
On time
9:21 AM Cologne Hbf
3h34
12:55 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 857 · ICE 579
On time
9:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4h01
1:46 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 621 · ICE 374
On time
9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h59
12:44 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 621 · 4156
On time
9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3h49
1:34 PM Kassel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · S9 · ICE 74
On time
9:54 AM Cologne Hbf
3h17
1:11 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 217 · S9 · ICE 74
On time
9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3h13
1:11 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 629 · ICE 370
On time
1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h59
4:44 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 629 · 4160
On time
1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3h47
5:32 PM Kassel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 951 · ICE 773
On time
1:45 PM Cologne Hbf
4h01
5:46 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 519 · S9 · ICE 72
On time
1:54 PM Cologne Hbf
3h17
5:11 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn17420 · 267232:21 PM Cologne Hbf
3h35
5:56 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 315 · ICE 596 · ICE 794
On time
2:35 PM Cologne Hbf
3h11
5:46 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 315+Hessische Landesbahn15016
On time
2:35 PM Cologne Hbf
4h21
6:56 PM Kassel Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 721 · ICE 596 · ICE 794
On time
2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
3h01
5:46 PM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Kassel by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09

Why should you book Cologne to Kassel trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Hessische Landesbahn or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Kassel.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Kassel.

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 Hessische Landesbahn or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Kassel.
  • 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 Cologne to Kassel.

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 Cologne to Kassel.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Kassel

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Kassel run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 3h 32m.

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 €14
Distance
183 km
Average train duration
3h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
€20
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 32m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
7 days
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 €14

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Kassel trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Kassel from €14. 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
3h 32m
Cheapest Price
€20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 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
2 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 37m
Cheapest Price
€72
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Kassel

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Kassel 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 Kassel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Kassel can start from as little as €20 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Kassel is €60; 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 Kassel is 3h 32m to travel the 183 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 Kassel leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Kassel leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes,there are 1 direct trains a day from Cologne to Kassel with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Kassel, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Kassel. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Kassel and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Kassel from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 32m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Kassel is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Kassel including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Kassel

Most Cologne to Kassel trains use the Köln Hbf to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe station pair, with some services arriving at Kassel Hbf. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kassel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Kassel

Which Cologne station do trains to Kassel leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Kassel leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · €3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · €2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · €4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · €5

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Kassel

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

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone