Cologne to Salzburg train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Tue, Oct 06
+ Add return
VIAS Rail GmbH
ÖBB | ICE
Deutsche Bahn
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
VIAS Rail GmbH
ÖBB | ICE
Deutsche Bahn
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Salzburg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 06

Cheapest price on Oct 06

€100

Average ticket price on Oct 06

€140

Fastest journey on Oct 06

6 h 25 m

Average journey duration on Oct 06

6 h 48 m

Trains on Oct 06

17

Distance

562 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Salzburg will cost around €140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €100.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cologne to Salzburg without transferring at least once.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 211
    9:53 AM8h06
    Cologne Hbf
    5:59 PMSalzburg Hbf
    €1001One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 515+Bayerische Regiobahn79025
    9:54 AM6h52
    Cologne Hbf
    4:46 PMSalzburg Hbf
    €1031One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJX 69
    8:53 AM8h05
    Cologne Hbf
    4:58 PMSalzburg Hbf
    €1161One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 119
    7:53 AM8h06
    Cologne Hbf
    3:59 PMSalzburg Hbf
    €1161One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 621+Westbahn967
    9:45 AM7h36
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    5:21 PMSalzburg Hbf
    €1291One-way
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Salzburg

GermanyGermany
AustriaAustria
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Salzburg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €9 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 562 km distance in 5h 41m.

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
Distance
562 km
Average train duration
6h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
€9
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
5h 41m
First train
12:04 AM
Last train
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
4 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

Live departures

Cologne to Salzburg train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Salzburg trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 913 · ICE 1215
On time
7:30 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
6h25
1:55 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 913+Westbahn967
On time
7:30 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
9h51
5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS6 · ICE 25 · ICE 915+Westbahn9677:41 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
9h40
5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 527+Bayerische Regiobahn79021
On time
7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
7h01
2:46 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 527+Westbahn967
On time
7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
9h36
5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 119
On time
7:53 AM Cologne Hbf
8h06
3:59 PM Salzburg Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 513 · RJX 67
On time
7:54 AM Cologne Hbf
7h04
2:58 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 513+Bayerische Regiobahn79021
On time
7:54 AM Cologne Hbf
6h52
2:46 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS6 · IC 2040 · ICE 515+Westbahn9678:41 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
8h40
5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 529+Westbahn967
On time
8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
8h36
5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJX 69
On time
8:53 AM Cologne Hbf
8h05
4:58 PM Salzburg Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 515+Bayerische Regiobahn79025
On time
8:53 AM Cologne Hbf
7h53
4:46 PM Salzburg Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · ICE 593+Bayerische Regiobahn79023
On time
8:54 AM Cologne Hbf
6h52
3:46 PM Salzburg Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 915+Westbahn967
On time
9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
7h50
5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 621+Westbahn967
On time
9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
7h36
5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 211
On time
9:53 AM Cologne Hbf
8h06
5:59 PM Salzburg Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 515+Bayerische Regiobahn79025
On time
9:54 AM Cologne Hbf
6h52
4:46 PM Salzburg Hbf
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne to Salzburg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as ÖBB | ICE or VIAS Rail GmbH offer trains services from Cologne to Salzburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Salzburg.

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 ÖBB | ICE or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Salzburg.
  • 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 Salzburg.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Salzburg.
  • 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 Salzburg.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, VIAS Rail GmbH from Cologne to Salzburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Cologne and Salzburg from €9. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 41m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€9
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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

ÖBB | ICE

About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ÖBB | ICE Duration
7h 32m
Cheapest ÖBB | ICE Price
€106
ÖBB | ICE frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average VIAS Rail GmbH Duration
8h 7m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
€82
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Salzburg

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

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Salzburg can start from as little as €9 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Salzburg is €87; 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 Salzburg is 5h 41m to travel the 562 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 Salzburg leaves at 12:04 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Salzburg leaves at 11:57 PM.
Yes,there are 1 direct trains a day from Cologne to Salzburg with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there are multiple high-speed train options for your journey from Cologne to Salzburg. You can choose between ÖBB | ICE. ÖBB | ICE trains take around 7h 32m
When taking a train from Cologne to Salzburg, you can count on VIAS Rail GmbH, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn for the best way to get you to Salzburg. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Salzburg and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Salzburg from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 41m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Salzburg including taking a bus, train, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Salzburg

Most Cologne to Salzburg trains use the Köln Messe/Deutz to Salzburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Salzburg Aiglhof. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Salzburg 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 Salzburg

Which Cologne station do trains to Salzburg leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Salzburg leave from Köln Messe/Deutz. The station is 2 km from Cologne city centre at Köln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln.
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 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/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.

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