The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne
Cheapest price
€120
Average price
€120
Fastest journey
4 h 18 m
Average duration
4 h 30 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Cologne will cost around €120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €120.
Of the 4 trains that leave Munich for Cologne on Sat, Nov 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 15 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 18 m .
On Sat, Nov 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 41 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 1010
ICE 2520 · ICE 200
ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314
ICE 610
ICE 2520 · ICE 200
ICE 1010
ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314
ICE 610Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €110.
Distance: 456 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€119 Average price | €53 Average price Cheapest | €182 Average price |
5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Munich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Cologne trains for today, Friday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1010 | On time 7:27 AM Munich Hbf | 4h21 | 11:48 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2520 · ICE 200 | On time 7:47 AM Munich Hbf | 4h18 | 12:05 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 · IC 2545 · RE 28522 | On time 8:27 AM Munich Hbf | 6h01 | 2:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 610 | On time 8:27 AM Munich Hbf | 4h41 | 1:08 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 9:29 AM Munich Hbf | 4h19 | 1:48 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1210 · ICE 108 | On time 9:47 AM Munich Hbf | 4h15 | 2:02 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1210 · ICE 14 | On time 9:47 AM Munich Hbf | 4h46 | 2:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 566 · ICE 576 · ICE 14 | On time 10:02 AM Munich Hbf | 4h31 | 2:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 566 · IC 2012 | On time 10:02 AM Munich Hbf | 5h42 | 3:44 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 Munich 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.
Nov 14
Nov 15
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Munich to Cologne
Trains from Munich to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €29 but you can travel from only €24 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 4h 19m.
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 4h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 19m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV from Munich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV trains will get you between Munich and Cologne from €24. 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.
TGV
FAQs: Trains from Munich to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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.

When departing from Munich, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Munich Hbf and Munich Ost. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your journey in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz, Cologne/Bonn Flughafen and Cologne-Ehrenfeld.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Munich Hbf, which is located around 1.3 miles (2.1 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 Munich to Cologne
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Peaches
- Subway
- Café Arnulfpark
- Hahn
- Citadines Arnulfpark
- Ibis München City Arnulfpark
- Novotel München City Arnulfpark
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Lenz
- Das Bad
- Subway
- Theresienhöhe
- Hotel Schweiz
- Hotel Uhland
- Germania
- Mykonos
- ÖEins
- Mehfil
- Wirtshaus Valley’s
- Carmen
- K+k Hotel
- Hotel Ambassador
- Rivoli Ambience
- Ratskeller
- Speiserei Volksbad
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Novotel München City
- Hilton Munich City
- Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Zum Brünnstein
- Satyam
- Tout oder Sie
- Ristorante il Padrino
- Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring
- Holiday Inn München City Ost
- Holiday Inn Express München City Ost
- Hyperion
- Ratskeller
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Burger King
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Hotel Domus
- Hotel Mercure München Altstadt
- Hotel Herzog Wilhelm Tannenbaum Nebengebäude
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Tassilogarten
- Speiserei Volksbad
- Mitani
- Novotel München City
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum
- Asam-Schlössl
- L’Incontro Ristorante Pizzeria
- Santorini
- Cooking Yu Restaurant
- GS Hotel
- Life Style
- La Capannina
- Tre Scalini
- Antica Tropea
- Croatia Grill
- Augustiner Schützengarten
- Mykonos
- Kyprios
- Myra
- Hotel Ambassador
- Hotel Amenity München
- GS Hotel
- Hotel CREO MUNICH City
- Monday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Wednesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Thursday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Friday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Saturday: 07:30 - 14:15
- Sunday: 08:00 - 13:45
- Bella Italia
- Hot Wok
- Dillinger Chicago Bar'n Grill
- Osteria Il Gambero
- Moosbichl
- Leonardo Hotel
- Harry's home Hotel
- BonApartHotel
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
- 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.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- Café Lichtblick
- Gaststätte zum Krug
- Italienisches Eiscafé
- Steak- und Grillstube Richartz
- Blauer König
- DAG Döner
- Sahra-Pizza
- Casablanca
- Hotel Arcaden
- Maugeri Ital. Hotel
- Hotel Rahmani
- 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
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Burger King
- Localino
- Hotel Geisler
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- 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
- Da Dillon
- Bistro Mélange
- Imbiss Kreta Pizza
- Taverna Mythos
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
Most popular train connections from Munich
More options for your journey from Munich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


