The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne
- Cheapest price on Nov 02
- €28
- Average ticket price on Nov 02
- €62
- Fastest journey on Nov 02
- 1 h 52 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 02
- 2 h 3 m
- Trains on Nov 02
- 21
- 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 €62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 21 trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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 372 · IC 204511:59 AM 3h07 Karlsruhe 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf €28 1 One-way 1 transfer
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 92610:37 AM 3h29 Karlsruhe 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf €28 1 One-way 2 transfers
ICE 374 · IC 20479:59 AM 3h07 Karlsruhe 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf €33 1 One-way 1 transfer
ICE 74 · ICE 101010:37 AM 1h52 Karlsruhe 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz €35 1 One-way 1 transfer
ICE 376 · IC 20497:59 AM 3h07 Karlsruhe 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf €36 1 One-way 1 transfer
ICE 74 · ICE 101010:37 AM 1h52 Karlsruhe 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz €35 1 One-way 1 transfer
STR 3 · ECE 8 · ICE 10128:24 AM 2h05 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz €88 1 One-way 2 transfers
STR 3 · ICE 6 · ICE 91812:24 PM 2h05 Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz €88 1 One-way 2 transfers
ICE 376 · ICE 6147:59 AM 2h06 Karlsruhe 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf €50 1 One-way 1 transfer
ICE 20010:59 AM 2h06 Karlsruhe 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf €40 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 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 1h 45m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 45m |
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 |
Live departures
Karlsruhe to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 376 · ICE 614 | 7:59 AM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 376 · IC 2049 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe | 3h07 | 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 3 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 8:24 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h05 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
STR 3 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 8:24 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 3h41 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
STR 3 · ICE 202 | On time 8:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h21 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 3 · ICE 374 · IC 2047 | On time 9:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 3h22 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 3 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 9:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h20 | 12:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
STR 3 · ICE 374 · ICE 126 | On time 9:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h59 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 374 · IC 2047 | On time 9:59 AM Karlsruhe | 3h07 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 374 · ICE 612 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 10:37 AM Karlsruhe | 1h52 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 10:37 AM Karlsruhe | 3h29 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 · IC 2045 | On time 11:59 AM Karlsruhe | 3h07 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | 11:59 AM Karlsruhe | 2h06 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 3 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 12:24 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 3h42 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
STR 3 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 12:24 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h05 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
STR 3 · ICE 108 | On time 12:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h21 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 3 · ICE 370 · ICE 122 | On time 1:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h59 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 3 · ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 1:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 3h22 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 3 · ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 1:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße) | 2h20 | 4:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 FlixTrain or TGV 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.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, TGV from Karlsruhe to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, TGV 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.
FlixTrain
TGV
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Karlsruhe and Cologne
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
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