Cologne to Munich train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB)

Fri, Dec 19
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Northern Rail (3)
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Munich

Showing times and prices for Dec 25

Cheapest price

€49

Average price

€106

Fastest journey

4 h 8 m

Average duration

4 h 12 m

Trains per day

31

Distance

456 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Munich will cost around €106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.

Fast trains

Of the 31 trains that leave Cologne for Munich on Thu, Dec 25, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Dec 25 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 8 m .

On Thu, Dec 25 the slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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 60403 · ICE 699
11:42PM7h45
Cologne Hbf
07:27AMMunich Hbf
€491One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 619
11:54PM6h09
Cologne Hbf
06:03AMMunich Hbf
€661One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 929 · ICE 1015
05:53PM5h48
Cologne Hbf
11:41PMMunich Hbf
€661One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511
03:49AM6h43
Cologne Hbf
10:32AMMunich Hbf
€751One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 615
07:54PM4h35
Cologne Hbf
12:29AMMunich Hbf
€771One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Munich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a flight costs an average of €110.

Distance: 456 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€120

Average price

€47

Average price

Cheapest

€198

Average price

5h 21m

Average total duration

4h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 42m

Average total duration

7h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.4 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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 Munich train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Munich trains for today, Wednesday, December 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:49 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 229 · ICE 723
Delayed
1:06 PM 12:53 PMCologne Hbf
6h13
7:06 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 519
Delayed
1:02 PM 12:54 PMCologne Hbf
4h35
5:29 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 721
Delayed
1:46 PM 1:45 PMCologne Messe/Deutz
4h22
6:07 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnIC 2406 · ICE 611
On time
1:53 PM Cologne Hbf
5h39
7:32 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 109 · ICE 599
Delayed
1:55 PM 1:54 PMCologne Hbf
4h18
6:25 PM 6:25 PMMunich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 1011
Delayed
2:31 PM 2:30 PMCologne Messe/Deutz
4h11
6:41 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 723
On time
2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h21
7:06 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 927 · ICE 1013
Delayed
2:59 PM 2:53 PMCologne Hbf
5h47
8:40 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 611
Delayed
3:02 PM 2:54 PMCologne Hbf
4h38
7:32 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 725
On time
3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h22
8:07 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1013
On time
4:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h08
8:40 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 727
On time
4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h26
9:11 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 929 · ICE 1015
On time
4:53 PM Cologne Hbf
5h48
10:41 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 613
Delayed
5:00 PM 4:54 PMCologne Hbf
4h35
9:29 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 729
On time
5:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h22
10:07 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1015
On time
6:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h11
10:41 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 821
On time
6:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h24
11:09 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 615
On time
6:54 PM Cologne Hbf
4h35
11:29 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnIC 60403 · ICE 699
On time
10:42 PM Cologne Hbf
7h45
6:27 AM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 619
On time
10:54 PM Cologne Hbf
6h09
5:03 AM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 827
On time
2:21 AM Cologne Hbf
4h45
7:06 AM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511
On time
2:49 AM Cologne Hbf
6h43
9:32 AM Munich Hbf		2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 521
On time
3:28 AM Cologne Hbf
4h37
8:05 AM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 523
On time
4:20 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h47
9:07 AM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 511
On time
4:48 AM Cologne Hbf
4h44
9:32 AM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 527
On time
6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h21
11:06 AM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 25 · ICE 915
On time
6:53 AM Cologne Hbf
5h47
12:40 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 513
On time
6:54 AM Cologne Hbf
4h35
11:29 AM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 529
On time
7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h22
12:07 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnIC 2040 · ICE 515
On time
7:53 AM Cologne Hbf
5h36
1:29 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 103 · ICE 593
On time
7:54 AM Cologne Hbf
4h21
12:15 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 915
On time
8:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h09
12:40 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 621
On time
8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h21
1:06 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 27 · ICE 225
On time
8:53 AM Cologne Hbf
5h47
2:40 PM Munich Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 515
On time
8:54 AM Cologne Hbf
4h35
1:29 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 219 · ICE 575 · ICE 565
On time
8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h51
1:49 PM Munich Hbf		2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 919
On time
12:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h10
4:40 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 629
On time
12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h21
5:06 PM Munich Hbf		0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Munich 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.

Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29
Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
Jan 01
Fri
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Mon
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Tue
Jan 13

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Munich?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Munich is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Munich route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Munich per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Munich.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Munich

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Munich run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €28 but you can travel from only €21 by bus.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 4h 18m.

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 €21
Distance
456 km
Average train duration
4h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
€28
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
4h 18m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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 €21

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Munich trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Munich from €21. 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
4h 17m
Cheapest Price
€28
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Munich

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

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Munich can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Munich is €80; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cologne to Munich train time is 4 h 21 min   covering the 455 km long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Munich leaves at 00: 01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Munich leaves at 23: 57.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cologne to Munich without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn. There are 7 direct trains from Cologne to Munich each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the route from Cologne to Munich you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services to Munich from Cologne on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 57.

When departing from Cologne, you have various train station options to start your route from including Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne/Bonn Flughafen. When arriving in Munich, you can end your trip in train stations like Munich Hbf and Munich Ost.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Munich Hbf, located 1.3 miles (2.1 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Munich from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 21 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cologne to Munich by train is December.
You have options as you can travel between Cologne and Munich 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Munich

Cologne
Munich
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 Munich.
Köln HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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
address
Address
Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany
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
address
Address
Köln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln
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
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Köln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 Köln
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps

More options for your journey from Cologne to Munich

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