The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Salzburg
Cheapest price
€28
Average price
€64
Fastest journey
6 h 28 m
Average duration
6 h 38 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
562 km
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 €64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
Of the 15 trains that leave Cologne for Salzburg on Wed, Jul 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 the direct trains cover the 562 km distance in an average of 6 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 28 m .
On Wed, Jul 08 the slowest trains will take 6 h 52 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.
ICE 629 · IC 4061:45 PM6h41Cologne Messe/Deutz8:26 PMSalzburg Hbf€281One-way1 transfer
ICE 1015 · 27077 · 27081 · S 27:30 PM10h58Cologne Messe/Deutz6:28 AMSalzburg Hbf€281One-way4 transfers
ICE 1015+
79569 · 790017:30 PM11h03Cologne Messe/Deutz6:33 AMSalzburg Hbf€281One-way2 transfers
ICE 1644 · ICE 579 · ICE 569 · RJ 129312:53 PM8h08Cologne Hbf9:01 PMSalzburg Hbf€361One-way3 transfers
ICE 919 · EC 2131:30 PM6h29Cologne Messe/Deutz7:59 PMSalzburg Hbf€461One-way1 transfer
ICE 915 · ICE 1199:31 AM6h28Cologne Messe/Deutz3:59 PMSalzburg Hbf€701One-way1 transfer
ICE 919 · EC 2131:30 PM6h29Cologne Messe/Deutz7:59 PMSalzburg Hbf€461One-way1 transfer
ICE 629 · IC 4061:45 PM6h41Cologne Messe/Deutz8:26 PMSalzburg Hbf€281One-way1 transfer
ICE 225 · ICE 21111:18 AM6h41Cologne Hbf5:59 PMSalzburg Hbf€801One-way1 transfer
ICE 515+
790259:54 AM6h52Cologne Hbf4:46 PMSalzburg Hbf€731One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Salzburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Salzburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €28, and a flight costs an average of €142.
Distance: 562 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€118 Average price | €46 Average price Cheapest | €409 Average price |
8h 49m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration 8h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.4kg 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 Salzburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Salzburg trains for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 915 · ICE 119 | Delayed 7:34 AM 9:31 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 6h28 | 3:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27 · ICE 517+ 79033 | On time 9:40 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h06 | 6:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515+ 79025 | Delayed 7:58 AM 9:54 AMCologne Hbf | 6h52 | 4:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 623+ 967 | On time 10:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h36 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1644 · ICE 579 · ICE 569 · RJ 1293 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h08 | 9:01 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 919 · EC 213 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h29 | 7:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 629 · IC 406 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h41 | 8:26 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519+ 79039 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h52 | 8:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 8 | |||||
IC 1940 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h05 | 4:58 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 103 · ICE 2583+ 79023 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h52 | 3:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 119 | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h01 | 3:59 PM Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Salzburg trains with Omio?
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 ÖBB | Nightjet 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 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 Salzburg.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Salzburg?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Salzburg
Trains from Cologne to Salzburg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €39 but you can travel from only €28 by bus.
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 6h 13m.
Distance 562 km |
Average train duration 8h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €39 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 13m |
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 Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet from Cologne to Salzburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Salzburg from €28. 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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Nightjet
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Salzburg
Most Cologne to Salzburg trains use the Köln Hbf 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.
Which Cologne station do trains to Salzburg 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 Salzburg station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Salzburg Hbf from Salzburg city centre
Salzburg Hbf is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Hbf train station facilities and services
Salzburg Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Imlauer, Stieglitz
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Salzburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Salzburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Hbf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Salzburg, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre, H+ Hotel Salzburg.
Getting to Salzburg Taxham Europark from Salzburg city centre
Salzburg Taxham Europark is 3 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Taxham Europark train station facilities and services
Salzburg Taxham Europark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salzburg Taxham Europark: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salzburg Taxham Europark: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Getting to Salzburg Aiglhof from Salzburg city centre
Salzburg Aiglhof is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Aiglhof train station facilities and services
Salzburg Aiglhof has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Salzburg
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