The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Salzburg
Cheapest price
€70
Average price
€96
Fastest journey
6 h 14 m
Average duration
6 h 38 m
Trains per day
5
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 €96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €70.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Salzburg on Thu, Jan 08, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jan 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 14 m .
On Thu, Jan 08 the slowest trains will take 7 h 30 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.










Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 34m. 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 €30, and a flight costs an average of €115.
Distance: 562 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€116 Average price | €416 Average price | €52 Average price Cheapest |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 59m Average total duration 9h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.7 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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, Wednesday, January 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S6 · IC 2040 · ICE 515+![]() | 7:41 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 10h40 | 6:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 529+![]() | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 10h36 | 6:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2040 · ICE 515+ 79025 | Delayed 7:56 AM 7:53 AMCologne Hbf | 7h53 | 3:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 119 | On time 7:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h01 | 2:59 PM Salzburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915+ 79023 | On time 8:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h15 | 2:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915+![]() | On time 8:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h50 | 6:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621+![]() | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h36 | 6:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27 · ICE 1009+ 79033 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h53 | 5:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515+ 79025 | Delayed 8:57 AM 8:54 AMCologne Hbf | 6h52 | 3:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 219 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+![]() | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h23 | 6:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1015+ 79049 | On time 6:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h17 | 12:47 AM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 615+ 79569 · 79001 | Delayed 6:57 PM 6:54 PMCologne Hbf | 10h39 | 5:33 AM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 615 · 27077 · 27081 · S 2 | Delayed 6:57 PM 6:54 PMCologne Hbf | 10h34 | 5:28 AM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 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.
Jan 07
Jan 08
Jan 09
Jan 10
Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
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 9 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 but you can travel from only €30 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 562 km distance in 6h 12m.
Distance 562 km |
Average train duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 12m |
First train 00:23 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity from Cologne to Salzburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Salzburg from €30. 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
Intercity
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.

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 Salzburg Hbf, located 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Salzburg
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Südtiroler Platz.
- Restaurant Imlauer
- Stieglitz
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europa Salzburg
- Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
- H+ Hotel Salzburg
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for ÖBB and Westbahn trains
- Hall 2: platforms 6-11 for regional and international trains
- Bus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 25
- S-Bahn: Line S3
- Trolleybus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Südtiroler Platz.
- Restaurant Imlauer
- Stieglitz
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europa Salzburg
- Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
- H+ Hotel Salzburg
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: regional and S-Bahn platforms
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3
- Trolleybus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Salzburg
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