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The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Showing times and prices for May 06
Cheapest price
€17
Average price
€71
Fastest journey
1 h 52 m
Average duration
1 h 52 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
238 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Cologne will cost around €71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €17.
Fast trains
Of the 36 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Cologne on Wed, May 06, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 06 the direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 m .
On Wed, May 06 the slowest trains will take 1 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 272 · ICE 9209:59 PM4h14Karlsruhe Hbf2:13 AMCologne Hbf€171One-way1 transfer- ICE 272 · ICE 5109:59 PM3h28Karlsruhe Hbf1:27 AMCologne Hbf€201One-way1 transfer
- ICE 274 · IC 23477:59 PM3h07Karlsruhe Hbf11:06 PMCologne Hbf€441One-way1 transfer
- ICE 378 · ICE 10225:59 AM4h07Karlsruhe Hbf10:06 AMCologne Hbf€501One-way1 transfer
- ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 282:59 PM3h07Karlsruhe Hbf6:06 PMCologne Hbf€601One-way2 transfers
- ICE 6 · ICE 91812:37 PM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf2:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€801One-way1 transfer
- ICE 72 · ICE 9162:37 PM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€801One-way1 transfer
- ICE 76 · ICE 10146:37 AM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf8:29 AMCologne Messe/Deutz€801One-way1 transfer
- ECE 8 · ICE 10128:37 AM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf10:29 AMCologne Messe/Deutz€801One-way1 transfer
- ICE 74 · ICE 101010:37 AM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf12:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€801One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Karlsruhe to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a train costs an average of €16.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€55 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest |
4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Karlsruhe to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 60402 | 1:24 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h38 | 6:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| S6 · 4550 · ICE 18 | On time 3:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h15 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 378 · ICE 616 | On time 5:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 378 · ICE 1022 | On time 5:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h07 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 76 · ICE 1014 | On time 6:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h52 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 204 | On time 6:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 376 · ICE 1049 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h06 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 376 · ICE 614 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 8:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h52 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 202 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 374 · IC 1947 | On time 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h06 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 10:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h52 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 200 | On time 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 372 · ICE 1645 | On time 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h06 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 12:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h52 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 108 | On time 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 370 · IC 2012 | On time 1:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h07 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 1:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 2:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h52 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h07 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 106 | On time 2:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 278 · IC 1941 | On time 3:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h06 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Cologne by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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 Karlsruhe to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as ÖBB | Nightjet offer trains services from Karlsruhe to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Karlsruhe to Cologne.
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 | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Karlsruhe to Cologne.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €16 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 1h 57m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €15
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €16 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €15
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet from Karlsruhe to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Cologne from €15. 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
1h 57m
Cheapest Price
€16
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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.
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.
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.
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 | Nightjet
About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
€145
ÖBB | Nightjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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.
Cheap train tickets from Karlsruhe to Cologne can start from as little as €16 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Karlsruhe to Cologne is €55; 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 Karlsruhe to Cologne is 1h 57m to travel the 238 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 Karlsruhe to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Karlsruhe to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Karlsruhe to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Karlsruhe to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Karlsruhe and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
Yes, you can take a night train from Karlsruhe to Cologne with ÖBB | Nightjet. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.
A day trip to Cologne from Karlsruhe is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 57m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Karlsruhe to Cologne is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Karlsruhe and Cologne including taking a train and bus.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Karlsruhe
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Karlsruhe is Karlsruhe Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Karlsruhe Hbf for your trip from Karlsruhe to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
Hotel
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
Karlsruhe-Durlach
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
Hotel
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
Karlsruhe West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Beim Schupi
- Rosenstüble 2.0
- Saloniki
- Rote Taube
Hotel
- Beim Schupi
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Karlsruhe.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Karlsruhe
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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