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

Thu, Feb 12
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Deutsche Bahn
TGV
Regionale
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Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
TGV
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Feb 13

Cheapest price

€78

Average price

€186

Fastest journey

4 h 9 m

Average duration

4 h 10 m

Trains per day

42

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 €186 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €78.

Fast trains

Of the 42 trains that leave Munich for Cologne on Fri, Feb 13, 23 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Feb 13 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .

On Fri, Feb 13 the slowest trains will take 4 h 11 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 698 · 15344 · ICE 826
10:46PM8h28
Munich Hbf
07:14AMCologne Messe/Deutz
€781One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 698 · 15344 · ICE 18
10:46PM8h54
Munich Hbf
07:40AMCologne Hbf
€1081One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 522 · ICE 920
07:45PM6h34
Munich Hbf
02:19AMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1301One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 522
07:45PM4h46
Munich Hbf
12:31AMCologne Hbf
€1301One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 910 · ICE 1220
06:19PM6h07
Munich Hbf
12:26AMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1381One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, 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 €26. 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 €26, and a flight costs an average of €66.

Distance: 456 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€67

Average price

€41

Average price

Cheapest

€208

Average price

5h 28m

Average total duration

4h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 17m

Average total duration

6h 47m

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 today, Thursday, February 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:39 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 620
Delayed
2:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h29
7:16 PM 7:16 PMCologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 912 · ICE 24
On time
3:20 PM Munich Hbf
5h55
9:15 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 912
On time
3:20 PM Munich Hbf
4h09
7:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 512 · IC 2347
On time
4:28 PM Munich Hbf
6h02
10:30 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 512
On time
4:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h37
9:05 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 526
On time
4:46 PM Munich Hbf
4h30
9:16 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 910
On time
5:19 PM Munich Hbf
4h11
9:30 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 524
On time
5:44 PM Munich Hbf
4h55
10:39 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 590 · ICE 100
On time
5:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h25
10:10 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 522 · ICE 920
On time
6:45 PM Munich Hbf
6h26
1:11 AM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 522
On time
6:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h46
11:31 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 2518 · ICE 616
On time
10:51 PM Munich Hbf
8h14
7:05 AM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 618 · ICE 616
On time
10:51 PM Munich Hbf
8h14
7:05 AM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
Friday, February 13
deutsche_bahnICE 1014
On time
2:45 AM Munich Hbf
4h44
7:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 888 · ICE 1022 · ICE 204
On time
2:55 AM Munich Hbf
5h10
8:05 AM Cologne Hbf		2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 888 · ICE 1022
On time
2:55 AM Munich Hbf
6h11
9:06 AM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 822
On time
3:41 AM Munich Hbf
4h33
8:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 614 · ICE 1049
On time
4:33 AM Munich Hbf
5h32
10:05 AM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 614
On time
4:33 AM Munich Hbf
4h32
9:05 AM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 612 · IC 1947
On time
6:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h37
12:05 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 612
On time
6:28 AM Munich Hbf
4h37
11:05 AM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 726
On time
6:42 AM Munich Hbf
4h32
11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1010 · ICE 926
On time
7:19 AM Munich Hbf
5h46
1:05 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 10107:19 AM Munich Hbf
4h10
11:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 610
On time
8:28 AM Munich Hbf
4h37
1:05 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 610 · ICE 1645
On time
8:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h37
2:05 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 722
On time
8:46 AM Munich Hbf
4h28
1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 918
On time
9:19 AM Munich Hbf
4h10
1:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 918 · ICE 1228
On time
9:19 AM Munich Hbf
5h47
3:06 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 518 · IC 2012
On time
10:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h38
4:06 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 518
On time
10:28 AM Munich Hbf
4h37
3:05 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 628
On time
10:45 AM Munich Hbf
4h29
3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 91611:20 AM Munich Hbf
4h09
3:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28
On time
11:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h21
5:06 PM Cologne Hbf		2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 596 · ICE 106
On time
11:45 AM Munich Hbf
4h20
4:05 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 626
On time
11:45 AM Munich Hbf
4h29
4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 516 · IC 194112:28 PM Munich Hbf
5h37
6:05 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 51612:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h37
5:05 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 624
On time
12:45 PM Munich Hbf
4h29
5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 224
On time
1:20 PM Munich Hbf
4h23
5:43 PM Cologne Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 224 · ICE 1224
On time
1:20 PM Munich Hbf
5h45
7:05 PM Cologne Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 5142:28 PM Munich Hbf
4h37
7:05 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 514 · ICE 16492:28 PM Munich Hbf
5h38
8:06 PM Cologne Hbf1 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 bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Thu
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Tue
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04

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 12 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 if you book in advance.

There are 7 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 18m.

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
12
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
4h 18m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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 €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 19m
Cheapest Price
€20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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
Learn more about 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.

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 €67; 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 18m 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 7 direct trains a day from Munich to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn. 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 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 18m 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 bus, train, 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.
München HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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
address
Address
Bayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany
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
address
Address
München-Pasing, Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz 7-9 6-10, 81241 München
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
address
Address
München Ost, Orleansplatz 11, 81667 München
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

More options for your journey from Munich to Cologne

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Tickets and more information for trains to Cologne

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