Munich to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Sun, Sep 27
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 27

Cheapest price on Sep 27

€106

Average ticket price on Sep 27

€201

Fastest journey on Sep 27

4 h 10 m

Average journey duration on Sep 27

4 h 21 m

Trains on Sep 27

11

Distance

456 km

Cheap tickets

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 €201 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €106.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 27, we found 11 trains from Munich to Cologne, including 5 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 27 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .

On Sun, Sep 27 the slowest trains will take 4 h 32 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 618
    12:01 AM6h03
    Munich Hbf
    6:04 AMCologne Hbf
    €1061One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 614 · IC 2049
    5:33 AM5h33
    Munich Hbf
    11:06 AMCologne Hbf
    €1251One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 614
    5:33 AM4h32
    Munich Hbf
    10:05 AMCologne Hbf
    €1401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 692 · ICE 202
    6:42 AM4h23
    Munich Hbf
    11:05 AMCologne Hbf
    €1401One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 612
    7:28 AM4h37
    Munich Hbf
    12:05 PMCologne Hbf
    €1921One-way
    0 transfers

Live departures

Munich to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Munich to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, September 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 916 · ICE 28
On time
12:20 PM Munich Hbf
5h46
6:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 916
On time
12:20 PM Munich Hbf
4h09
4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 596 · ICE 106
On time
12:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h20
5:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12
On time
1:02 PM Munich Hbf
4h38
5:40 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 516
On time
1:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h37
6:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 516 · IC 2041
On time
1:28 PM Munich Hbf
5h38
7:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 224
On time
2:20 PM Munich Hbf
4h23
6:43 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 224 · ICE 26
On time
2:20 PM Munich Hbf
5h46
8:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 594 · ICE 104
On time
2:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h20
7:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 514
On time
3:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h37
8:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 514 · IC 2349
On time
3:28 PM Munich Hbf
5h38
9:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 912
On time
4:20 PM Munich Hbf
4h09
8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 592 · ICE 102
On time
4:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h20
9:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 512
On time
5:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h37
10:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 910
On time
6:19 PM Munich Hbf
4h11
10:30 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 590 · ICE 100
On time
6:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h25
11:10 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 522 · ICE 920
On time
7:08 PM Munich Hbf
6h54
2:02 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 510
On time
7:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h46
12:14 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 698 · IC 60402
On time
10:46 PM Munich Hbf
7h28
6:14 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Sunday, September 27
Deutsche BahnICE 618
On time
12:01 AM Munich Hbf
6h03
6:04 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 614
On time
5:33 AM Munich Hbf
4h32
10:05 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 614 · IC 2049
On time
5:33 AM Munich Hbf
5h33
11:06 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 692 · ICE 202
On time
6:42 AM Munich Hbf
4h23
11:05 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 612
On time
7:28 AM Munich Hbf
4h37
12:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1010
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
4h10
12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · ICE 926
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
5h47
2:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 690 · ICE 200
On time
8:45 AM Munich Hbf
4h20
1:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 610 · IC 2045
On time
9:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h38
3:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 610
On time
9:28 AM Munich Hbf
4h37
2:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 598 · ICE 108
On time
10:45 AM Munich Hbf
4h20
3:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer

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.

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Why should you book Munich to Cologne trains with Omio?

TGV as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains services from Munich to Cologne.
Omio is the only official third party seller for TGV tickets.

Why book with Omio vs TGV?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for TGV, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Munich 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 TGV with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Munich to Cologne.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Munich to Cologne is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Munich to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Munich to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Munich to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Munich to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Munich to Cologne run on average 26 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.

There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 3h 59m.

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
Distance
456 km
Average train duration
4h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
€7
Trains per day
26
Direct trains
16
Fastest train
3h 59m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
63 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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV from Munich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV trains will get you between Munich 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

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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€7
Deutsche Bahn frequency
39 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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

TGV

About
TGV is a high-speed train company based in France. It operates a fleet of modern trains that can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. The TGV offers a variety of train types, including the TGV Duplex, TGV Lyria, TGV InOui, and TGV OuiGo. Each train type provides different amenities, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. Ticket options include Standard, Flexi, and Prem’s. Onboard facilities feature a bar, restaurant, and luggage storage. Popular TGV routes include Paris to Lyon, Paris to Marseille, and Paris to Lille.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TGV Duration
4h 14m
Cheapest TGV Price
€48
TGV frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 suitcase included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions and ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full meals and bar service, at-seat dining in first class
Seat reservation
Included in first class, optional fee in second class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Munich to Cologne can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Munich to Cologne is €76; 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 Munich to Cologne is 3h 59m to travel the 456 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 Munich to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Munich to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes,there are 16 direct trains a day from Munich to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there are multiple high-speed train options for your journey from Munich to Cologne. You can choose between TGV. TGV trains take around 4h 14m
When taking a train from Munich to Cologne, you can count on TGV, Deutsche Bahn for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Munich and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Munich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 59m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Munich to Cologne

Most Munich to Cologne trains use the München Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Munich and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Munich
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Munich station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Munich to Cologne leave from München Hbf. The station is 1 km from Munich city centre at Bayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany.
München HbfBayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München Hbf from Munich city centre

München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus100 · 15m · every ~11 min
Tram21 · 12m · €2 · every ~12 min

München Hbf train station facilities and services

München 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: Cantina Estación Mediterrano, Rischart Bakery, Ditsch Pretzels, backWERK, Cafe-Shop, Le Crobag, Yorma's, Coffee Fellows, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München Hbf. Information desks are there is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.

München-PasingMünchen-Pasing, Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz 7-9 6-10, 81241 MünchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München-Pasing from Munich city centre

München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe72, Re96 · 5m · €2 · every ~2 min
Rb · 7m · €2
S3, S8, S6, S5, S4, S2 · 13m · €2 · every ~37 min
Tram19, N19 · 33m · €3 · every ~13 min

München-Pasing train station facilities and services

München-Pasing 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: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.

München OstMünchen Ost, Orleansplatz 11, 81667 MünchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München Ost from Munich city centre

München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS8, S1, S2, S3, S6, S4, S5 · 5m · €1 · every ~61 min
Drf, 961, 963, 965, 967, 969 · 8m · €2 · every ~1 min
Bus62 · 11m · every ~15 min
N45 · 22m · €3
Tram21, N19 · 17m · €3 · every ~13 min
SubwayU5 · 4m · €3 · every ~20 min

München Ost train station facilities and services

München Ost 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: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.

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