The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Cheapest price
€14
Average price
€34
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
92
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne will cost around €34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €14.
Of the 92 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Cologne on Wed, Dec 31, 80 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 153 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
On Wed, Dec 31 the slowest trains will take 48 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 920
ICE 510
ICE 524
ICE 522
ICE 524
ICE 912
ICE 1014
ICE 1012
ICE 916
ICE 1010Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a flight costs an average of €451.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€46 Average price | €21 Average price Cheapest | €463 Average price |
2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Frankfurt am Main to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, December 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 618 | 3:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 5:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 618 | 3:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h05 | 5:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 222 | On time 4:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 5:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 826 | On time 4:41 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 6:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 222 | On time 4:47 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h56 | 5:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 826 | On time 4:56 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h18 | 6:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 18 | On time 5:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 18 | On time 5:48 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 824 | On time 6:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 7:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
29508 · ICE 1014 | On time 6:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 7:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 616 | 6:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 7:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 824 | On time 6:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 7:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 220 | 6:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 7:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1014 | On time 6:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 7:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1022 · ICE 204 | On time 6:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1022 | On time 6:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 9:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 220 | 6:46 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 7:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1022 | On time 6:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 9:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 204 | On time 7:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 8:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
4254 · ICE 1012 | On time 8:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 9:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 | 8:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 8:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 8:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 9:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1012 | On time 8:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 9:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 · ICE 202 | On time 8:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1020 | On time 8:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 8:46 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 9:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 | On time 8:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h06 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 9:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 126 | On time 10:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 11:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 10:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 11:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 926 · ICE 200 | On time 10:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 926 | On time 10:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 126 | On time 10:46 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 11:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 926 | On time 10:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 11:07 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 11:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1518 | 11:11 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 11:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 124 | 12:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 1:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 12:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 1:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 797 · ICE 108 | On time 12:41 PM Frankfurt South station | 1h24 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 124 | 12:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 1:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 720 | On time 1:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1516 | On time 1:11 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 2:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 108 | On time 1:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 720 | On time 1:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1516 | On time 1:26 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h07 | 2:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 14 | On time 1:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h05 | 2:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 122 | On time 2:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 3:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 · ICE 106 | On time 2:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 916 | On time 2:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 3:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 | 2:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 122 | On time 2:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 3:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 | 2:59 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 3:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 | On time 3:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1514 | On time 3:11 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 4:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 3:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 26 · ICE 104 | On time 4:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 26 | 4:41 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 224 | On time 4:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 118 | On time 4:53 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 5:54 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 26 | 4:59 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 5:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 104 | On time 5:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1512 | On time 5:11 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 6:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 5:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 10 | On time 5:33 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 6:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 120 | On time 6:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 912 | On time 6:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 7:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 24 | 6:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 24 · ICE 102 | On time 6:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 120 | On time 6:48 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 24 | 6:59 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 7:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 102 | On time 7:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 318 | On time 7:14 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h25 | 8:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 7:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
S9 · ICE 100 | 8:32 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h38 | 10:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 910 | On time 8:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h49 | 9:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 524 | On time 9:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 10:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 100 | 9:11 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h59 | 10:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 524 | On time 9:22 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h18 | 10:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 522 | On time 10:11 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 11:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 920 | On time 10:22 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h43 | 1:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 522 | On time 10:25 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h06 | 11:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 510 | On time 10:41 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h59 | 11:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, December 31 | |||||
S8 · IC 60402 | 1:47 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h10 | 4:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main to Cologne 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €17 but you can travel from only €8 by bus.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 51m.
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price €17 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Cologne from €8. 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.
Hessische Landesbahn
FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen, which is located around 9.2 miles (14.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- 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
Most popular train connections from Frankfurt am Main
More options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
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