The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Kraków
- Cheapest price on Nov 01
- €70
- Average ticket price on Nov 01
- €166
- Fastest journey on Nov 01
- 12 h 10 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 01
- 13 h 37 m
- Trains on Nov 01
- 4
- Distance
- 923 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Kraków is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Kraków will cost around €166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €70.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Kraków without transferring at least once.
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 1339:18 AM 12h50 Cologne Hbf 10:08 PM Kraków Główny €70 1 One-way 2 transfers
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 1339:58 AM 12h10 Cologne Messe/Deutz 10:08 PM Kraków Główny €160 1 One-way 2 transfers
ICE 557 · EC 5510:28 AM 13h11 Cologne Hbf 11:39 PM Kraków Główny €216 1 One-way 1 transfer
ICE 859 · S5 · EC 249 · TLK 5317111:15 AM 16h15 Cologne Hbf 3:30 AM Kraków Główny €218 1 One-way 3 transfers
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 1339:58 AM 12h10 Cologne Messe/Deutz 10:08 PM Kraków Główny €160 1 One-way 2 transfers
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 1339:18 AM 12h50 Cologne Hbf 10:08 PM Kraków Główny €70 1 One-way 2 transfers
ICE 557 · EC 5510:28 AM 13h11 Cologne Hbf 11:39 PM Kraków Główny €216 1 One-way 1 transfer
ICE 859 · S5 · EC 249 · TLK 5317111:15 AM 16h15 Cologne Hbf 3:30 AM Kraków Główny €218 1 One-way 3 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Kraków
Trains from Cologne to Kraków run on average 5 times per day, taking around 12h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €39 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 923 km distance in 10h 52m.
Distance 923 km |
Average train duration 12h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price €40 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 10h 52m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Live departures
Cologne to Kraków train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kraków trains for tomorrow, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | On time 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h50 | 10:08 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | On time 9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h10 | 10:08 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
ICE 557 · EC 55 | On time 10:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h11 | 11:39 PM Kraków Główny | 1 transfer | |
ICE 859 · S5 · EC 249 · TLK 53171 | On time 11:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 16h15 | 3:30 AM Kraków Główny | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cologne to Kraków trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Kraków.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Kraków.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Kraków trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Kraków from €39. 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Kraków
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Kraków
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Kraków 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 Kraków, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Kraków
Most Cologne to Kraków trains use the Köln Hbf to Kraków Główny station pair, with some services arriving at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kraków train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Kraków leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Which Kraków station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Kraków Główny from Kraków city centre
Kraków Główny is 1 km from Kraków city centre. Public transport options include:
Kraków Główny train station facilities and services
Kraków Główny has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restauracja Browar Lubicz, Bistro Bene by Tomasz Leśniak
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kraków Główny. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Kraków Główny. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kraków Główny: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kraków Główny: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kraków Główny: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto, PURO Kraków Stare Miasto, Vienna House Andel's Cracow.
Getting to Kraków Płaszów Railway Station from Kraków city centre
Kraków Płaszów Railway Station is 3 km from Kraków city centre. Public transport options include:
Kraków Płaszów Railway Station train station facilities and services
Kraków Płaszów Railway Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station. ATMs are located near the entrance hall.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station: Elevators and ramps available for wheelchairs.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Kraków
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