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

Thu, May 14
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TGV
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
SNCB
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
TGV
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
SNCB
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne

Showing times and prices for May 14

Cheapest price

€38

Average price

€121

Fastest journey

4 h

Average duration

4 h 7 m

Trains per day

40

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 €121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €38.

Fast trains

Of the 40 trains that leave Munich for Cologne on Thu, May 14, 24 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 14 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .

On Thu, May 14 the slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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 990 · IC 60402
    8:45 PM9h12
    Munich Hbf
    5:57 AMCologne Hbf
    381One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 510
    7:28 PM4h42
    Munich Hbf
    12:10 AMCologne Hbf
    701One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 522
    7:45 PM4h57
    Munich Hbf
    12:42 AMCologne Hbf
    701One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 782 · ICE 1220
    6:11 PM6h15
    Munich Hbf
    12:26 AMCologne Hbf
    701One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 522 · ICE 920
    7:45 PM6h07
    Munich Hbf
    1:52 AMCologne Hbf
    701One-way
    1 transfer

Travel 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 €25. 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 €25, and a flight costs an average of €105.

Distance: 456 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€84

Average price

€42

Average price

Cheapest

€249

Average price

5h 28m

Average total duration

4h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 43m

Average total duration

10h 13m

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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 tomorrow, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 888 · ICE 1022
On time
3:42 AM Munich Hbf
6h24
10:06 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1014
On time
4:20 AM Munich Hbf
4h09
8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 822
On time
4:41 AM Munich Hbf
4h33
9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 614
On time
5:33 AM Munich Hbf
4h32
10:05 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 614 · ICE 1049
On time
5:33 AM Munich Hbf
5h32
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 612 · IC 1947
On time
7:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h37
1:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 726
On time
7:42 AM Munich Hbf
4h32
12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 882 · ICE 926
On time
8:05 AM Munich Hbf
6h00
2:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1010
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
4h10
12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 610
On time
9:28 AM Munich Hbf
4h37
2:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 610 · ICE 1645
On time
9:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h37
3:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 722
On time
9:46 AM Munich Hbf
4h28
2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 880 · ICE 1228
On time
10:12 AM Munich Hbf
5h54
4:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 918
On time
10:19 AM Munich Hbf
4h00
2:19 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 518 · IC 2012
On time
11:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h38
5:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 518
On time
11:28 AM Munich Hbf
4h37
4:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 628
On time
11:45 AM Munich Hbf
4h29
4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 916
On time
12:20 PM Munich Hbf
4h09
4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 916 · ICE 28
On time
12:20 PM Munich Hbf
5h46
6:06 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 516 · IC 1941
On time
1:28 PM Munich Hbf
5h37
7:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 516
On time
1:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h37
6:05 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 624
On time
1:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h29
6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 786 · ICE 1224
On time
2:06 PM Munich Hbf
5h59
8:05 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1254
On time
2:20 PM Munich Hbf
4h23
6:43 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 514 · ICE 1649
On time
3:28 PM Munich Hbf
5h38
9:06 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 620
On time
3:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h29
8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 912 · ICE 24
On time
4:20 PM Munich Hbf
5h45
10:05 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 512
On time
5:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h47
10:15 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 526
On time
5:46 PM Munich Hbf
4h40
10:26 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 782 · ICE 1220
On time
6:11 PM Munich Hbf
6h15
12:26 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 910
On time
6:19 PM Munich Hbf
4h21
10:40 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 524
On time
6:44 PM Munich Hbf
4h55
11:39 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 590 · ICE 100
On time
6:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h35
11:20 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 510
On time
7:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h42
12:10 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 522
On time
7:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h57
12:42 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 522 · ICE 920
On time
7:45 PM Munich Hbf
6h07
1:52 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 990 · IC 60402
On time
8:45 PM Munich Hbf
9h12
5:57 AM 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?

Deutsche Bahn as well as TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB and more offer trains services from Munich to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Munich 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 TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or SNCB 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Munich to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Munich to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option 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 84 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 17 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 if you book in advance.

There are 10 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 20m.

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 58m
Cheapest ticket price
€20
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
4h 20m
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
Sun
Best time to book
91 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB from Munich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB trains will get you between Munich and Cologne from €20. 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
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
€20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
17 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
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 9m
Cheapest Price
€80
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

SNCB

About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 43m
Cheapest Price
€55
SNCB frequency
1 a day

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 €20 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Munich to Cologne is €84; 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 4h 20m 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 10 direct trains a day from Munich to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Munich to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, TGV, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB 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 4h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Munich to Cologne is December.
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

Munich
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Munich is München Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at München Hbf for your trip from Munich to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
Lockers
Lockers
  • The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
Dining
  • Cantina Estación Mediterrano
  • Rischart Bakery
  • Ditsch Pretzels
  • backWERK
  • Cafe-Shop
  • Le Crobag
  • Yorma's
  • Coffee Fellows
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • McDonald's
  • & many more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • a&o München Hauptbahnhof
  • IntercityHotel München
  • Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
München-PasingWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
8 km
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • McDonald's
  • Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
  • Orexi Taverna
Hotel
Hotel
  • Guenstigwohnen24.de
  • Jagdschloss Residenz
  • Hotel Miano
München OstWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Haidhauser Augustiner
  • Burger King
  • Tassilogarten
  • Mitani
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton Munich City
  • MOMA1890
  • Mk Hotel
  • Hotel Pension Christl

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