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

Fri, Dec 19
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Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Regiojet
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 Stuttgart

Showing times and prices for Dec 31

Cheapest price

€57

Average price

€70

Fastest journey

2 h 2 m

Average duration

2 h 43 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

288 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Stuttgart will cost around €70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €57.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Stuttgart on Wed, Dec 31, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Dec 31 the direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 2 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 2 m .

On Wed, Dec 31 the slowest trains will take 3 h 40 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 2540 · ICE 515
08:53AM3h18
Cologne Hbf
12:11PMStuttgart Hbf
571One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225
09:53AM3h40
Cologne Hbf
01:33PMStuttgart Hbf
651One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · ICE 593
08:54AM2h17
Cologne Hbf
11:11AMStuttgart Hbf
731One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 915
09:31AM2h02
Cologne Messe/Deutz
11:33AMStuttgart Hbf
781One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 515
09:54AM2h17
Cologne Hbf
12:11PMStuttgart Hbf
781One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Stuttgart

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Stuttgart 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 2h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a flight costs an average of €335.

Distance: 288 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€91

Average price

€32

Average price

Cheapest

€422

Average price

3h 23m

Average total duration

2h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 27m

Average total duration

4h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.9 - 1.7kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

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 Stuttgart train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Stuttgart trains for today, Tuesday, December 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:38 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 27 · ICE 225
Delayed
8:59 AM 8:53 AMCologne Hbf
3h40
12:33 PM Stuttgart Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 515
On time
8:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h17
11:11 AM Stuttgart Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, December 31
deutsche_bahnIC 2540 · ICE 515
On time
7:53 AM Cologne Hbf
3h18
11:11 AM Stuttgart Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 103 · ICE 593
On time
7:54 AM Cologne Hbf
2h17
10:11 AM Stuttgart Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 915
On time
8:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h02
10:33 AM Stuttgart Hbf
0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Stuttgart 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.

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

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Stuttgart is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Stuttgart route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Stuttgart

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Stuttgart run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €17 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 288 km distance in 2h 12m.

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
288 km
Average train duration
2h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
€17
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
2h 12m
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Stuttgart trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Stuttgart from €17. 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
2h 12m
Cheapest Price
€17
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 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

Trains from Cologne to Stuttgart

Business and leisure travelers between the two major German cities can take frequent direct trains from Cologne to Stuttgart. With around 20 daily direct connections, passengers don't have to concern themselves with changes en route. Schedules begin in the early morning and offer trains roughly hourly until late at night. Journey times vary greatly depending on the service, but range from just over two hours to almost five hours .

Which train companies travel from Cologne to Stuttgart?

Germany's national rail company Deutsche Bahn operates all the services from Cologne to Stuttgart. Trains on this route include high-speed ICE departures, slower IC and EC express connections and a night ICE service, with routes operating from Cologne Hauptbahnhof and Messe/Deutz stations .

How long is the train from Cologne to Stuttgart?

The fastest options on the 204-mile route from Cologne to Stuttgart are ICE high-speed connections from Cologne Messe/Deutz station, taking two hours and three minutes to reach Stuttgart. Other ICE connections take up to 12 minutes longer. IC and EC express trains take around three hours and 30 minutes, while the late night departure takes four hours and 50 minutes to reach Stuttgart .

How many trains are there from Cologne to Stuttgart?

The Deutsche Bahn schedule offers around 20 daily direct connections to Stuttgart from Cologne. The timetable begins in the early morning and continues with roughly hourly services in the morning and afternoon. Evening trains are less frequent, with a final direct service providing an overnight connection to Stuttgart. 

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cologne to Stuttgart?

Departure train station: Passengers depart from either Cologne Hauptbahnhof or Messe/Deutz station. The city's main rail terminus is located in the heart of Cologne, close to the cathedral, with local S-Bahn rail connections across the city. Messe/Deutz station is a five-minute walk away, over the Rhine bridge, and is also served by S-Bahn trains. The main station has restaurants, left luggage storage facilities, a mini-market and free WiFi.

Arrival train station: Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof is where all trains will terminate. Located in the center of the city, Stuttgart's main station has connections on the S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines. Passenger facilities include a shopping mall, supermarket, fast-food diners, shower-rooms, left luggage lockers and bicycle and car rental desks.

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Stuttgart

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

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Stuttgart can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Stuttgart is €57; 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 Stuttgart train time is 2 h 40 min   covering the 287 km long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Stuttgart leaves at 00: 02. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Stuttgart leaves at 23: 58.
Yes, there are 4 direct trains a day from Cologne to Stuttgart with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the best Cologne to Stuttgart train to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Deutsche Bahn. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services between Cologne and Stuttgart to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 58.

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 Stuttgart Hbf, located 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Stuttgart from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 40 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cologne to Stuttgart by train is July.
You have options as you can travel from Cologne to Stuttgart 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Stuttgart

Cologne
Stuttgart
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 Stuttgart.
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
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
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
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

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