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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€28
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€76
Fastest journey on Sep 18
1 h 52 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
1 h 52 m
Trains on Sep 18
37
Distance
238 km
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 €76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 37 trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne, including 7 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 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 Fri, Sep 18 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.
IC 604021:24 AM4h20Karlsruhe Hbf5:44 AMCologne Hbf€281One-way0 transfers- S6 · ICE 7123:25 AM4h32Karlsruhe Hbf7:57 AMCologne Hbf€351One-way1 transfer
- S6 · 4550 · ICE 183:25 AM4h15Karlsruhe Hbf7:40 AMCologne Hbf€401One-way2 transfers
- ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · ICE 10226:37 AM3h29Karlsruhe Hbf10:06 AMCologne Hbf€451One-way2 transfers
- ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 282:59 PM3h07Karlsruhe6:06 PMCologne Hbf€501One-way2 transfers
- ICE 72 · ICE 9162:37 PM1h52Karlsruhe4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€701One-way1 transfer
- ICE 76 · ICE 10146:37 AM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf8:29 AMCologne Messe/Deutz€571One-way1 transfer
- ECE 8 · ICE 10128:37 AM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf10:29 AMCologne Messe/Deutz€1121One-way1 transfer
- ICE 74 · ICE 101010:37 AM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf12:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1001One-way1 transfer
- ICE 6 · ICE 91812:37 PM1h52Karlsruhe Hbf2:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1001One-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 an average ticket price of €22 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €22, while a train costs an average of €36.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€36 Average price | €22 Average price Cheapest | €46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Karlsruhe to Cologne:
A bus is €14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Cologne costing on average €36.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 43m.
Live departures
Karlsruhe to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 60402 | Delayed 11:24 PM 1:24 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 4h20 | 3:44 AM 3:44 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
| IC 60402 | 1:24 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h20 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| S6 · ICE 712 | On time 3:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h32 | 7:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| S6 · 33600 | 3:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h36 | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 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 76 · ICE 1014 | On time 6:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h52 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | On time 6:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h29 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 204 | On time 6:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 376 · IC 2049 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h07 | 11:06 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 · ICE 1020 | On time 8:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h28 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| 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 | |
 TGV 9561+ICE 126 | Delayed 8:12 AM 9:54 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h49 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| TGV 9561+IC 2047 | Delayed 8:12 AM 9:54 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h12 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 374 · IC 2047 | On time 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h07 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 12:05 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 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 10:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h29 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 200 | On time 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h06 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 372 · IC 2045 | On time 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h07 | 3:06 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 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 12:37 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h29 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 108 | 12:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 1:59 PM Karlsruhe | 3h07 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 1:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 2:37 PM Karlsruhe | 1h52 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 106 | 2:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | 2:59 PM Karlsruhe | 3h07 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 278 · IC 2041 | On time 3:59 PM Karlsruhe | 3h07 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 3:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 | On time 4:37 PM Karlsruhe | 3h29 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ECE 4 · ICE 224 | On time 4:37 PM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 104 | 4:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 276 · IC 2349 | On time 5:59 PM Karlsruhe | 3h07 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 276 · ICE 514 | On time 5:59 PM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Sep 18
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Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Why should you book Karlsruhe to Cologne 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) 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 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €14 if you book in advance.
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 2h 6m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €14 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Karlsruhe to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Cologne from €7. 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Most Karlsruhe to Cologne trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Karlsruhe station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Getting to Grötzingen Oberausstraße from Karlsruhe city centre
Grötzingen Oberausstraße is 8 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Grötzingen Oberausstraße train station facilities and services
Grötzingen Oberausstraße has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Grötzingen Oberausstraße.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Grötzingen Oberausstraße.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Grötzingen Oberausstraße: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Grötzingen Oberausstraße: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Grötzingen Oberausstraße.
Getting to Karlsruhe-Durlach from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Which Cologne station do trains from Karlsruhe arrive at?
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.
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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