4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Kraków
Cheapest price
€135
Average price
€142
Fastest journey
11 h 26 m
Average duration
12 h 56 m
Trains per day
3
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 €142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €135.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Kraków without transferring at least once.
ICE 857 · EC 231 · IC 8302ICE 1157 · EC 55ICE 559 · EC 249 · TLK 53170ICE 1157 · EC 55ICE 857 · EC 231 · IC 8302ICE 559 · EC 249 · TLK 53170
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Kraków
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kraków among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €39, and a flight costs an average of €125.
Distance: 923 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€120 Average price | €64 Average price Cheapest | €416 Average price |
12h 58m Average total duration 12h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 12m Average total duration 17h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 5.5kg 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
Cologne to Kraków train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kraków trains for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 857 · EC 231 · IC 8302 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h36 | 9:21 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 2204 · ICE 1547 · EC 231 · IC 8302 | On time 8:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h35 | 9:21 PM Kraków Główny | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 219 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h23 | 9:21 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 1157 · EC 55 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h26 | 10:44 PM Kraków Główny | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Kraków by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Jan 05
Jan 06
Jan 07
Jan 08
Jan 09
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Kraków?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Kraków
Germany
Poland
Trains from Cologne to Kraków run on average 8 times per day, taking around 12h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €39 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 923 km distance in 11h 27m.
Distance 923 km |
Average train duration 12h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €40 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 11h 27m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:55 |
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.
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
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- 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.
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Pawia Street.
- Restauracja Browar Lubicz
- Bistro Bene by Tomasz Leśniak
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- PLN 2
- Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto
- PURO Kraków Stare Miasto
- Vienna House Andel's Cracow
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for regional trains
- Hall 2: platforms 6-10 for long-distance and international trains
- Tram: Lines 3, 5, 19, 50
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Kraków
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kraków and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Kraków
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.
