The cheapest and fastest trains from Salzburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
€22
Average price
€68
Fastest journey
6 h 25 m
Average duration
6 h 31 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
562 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salzburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Cologne will cost around €68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €22.
Of the 35 trains that leave Salzburg for Cologne on Mon, Aug 10, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 10 the direct trains cover the 562 km distance in an average of 6 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 25 m .
On Mon, Aug 10 the slowest trains will take 6 h 40 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 1214 · ICE 784 · ICE 242:04 PM8h02Salzburg Hbf10:06 PMCologne Hbf€221One-way2 transfers
ICE 510+
790385:05 PM7h05Salzburg Hbf12:10 AMCologne Hbf€251One-way1 transfer
ICE 1014+
7904810:55 PM9h34Salzburg Hbf8:29 AMCologne Messe/Deutz€261One-way1 transfer
ICE 524+
790364:05 PM7h34Salzburg Hbf11:39 PMCologne Hbf€261One-way1 transfer
ICE 590 · ICE 100+
790364:05 PM7h05Salzburg Hbf11:10 PMCologne Hbf€261One-way2 transfers
ICE 1214 · ICE 9122:04 PM6h25Salzburg Hbf8:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€291One-way1 transfer
EC 212 · ICE 9188:00 AM6h29Salzburg Hbf2:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1161One-way1 transfer
ICE 210 · ICE 91610:00 AM6h29Salzburg Hbf4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€431One-way1 transfer
EC 114 · ICE 9104:00 PM6h30Salzburg Hbf10:30 PMCologne Hbf€371One-way1 transfer
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 1211:00 AM6h40Salzburg Hbf5:40 PMCologne Hbf€431One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Salzburg to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salzburg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €136.
Distance: 562 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€130 Average price | €46 Average price Cheapest | €502 Average price |
8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 6m Average total duration 11h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.4kg 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
Salzburg to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Salzburg to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S 3+ 79008+ ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 5:47 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h19 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
79012+ ICE 610 | 6:46 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h19 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
R 25798+ 79014+ ICE 610 | On time 6:54 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h11 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 212 · ICE 880 · ICE 228 | On time 8:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 212 · ICE 918 | On time 8:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h29 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
RJX 260 · ICE 518 | On time 9:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h05 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 260 · ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | On time 9:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79020+ ICE 518 | On time 9:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
79020+ ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | On time 9:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h01 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 210 · ICE 1514 | On time 10:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h33 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 210 · ICE 916 | On time 10:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h29 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 11:00 AM Salzburg Hbf | 6h40 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
79024+ ICE 516 | On time 11:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
79024+ ICE 516 · IC 2041 | On time 11:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 8h01 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 118 | On time 12:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 6h54 | 6:54 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 118 · ICE 26 | On time 12:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 118 · ICE 224 | On time 12:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 6h43 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
79030+ ICE 514 · IC 2349 | On time 1:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h01 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79030+ ICE 514 | On time 1:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 116 · ICE 318 | On time 2:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h39 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 784 · ICE 24 | On time 2:04 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h02 | 10:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 2:04 PM Salzburg Hbf | 6h25 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
79032+ ICE 592 · ICE 102 | 2:07 PM Salzburg Hbf | 6h58 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79034+ ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 3:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h01 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79034+ ICE 512 | On time 3:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h00 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 114 · ICE 910 | On time 4:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 6h30 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 114 · ICE 782 · ICE 22 | 4:00 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h06 | 12:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79036+ ICE 524 | On time 4:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h34 | 11:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
79036+ ICE 590 · ICE 100 | 4:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h05 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79038+ ICE 510 | On time 5:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 7h05 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
79038+ ICE 522 · ICE 920 | On time 5:05 PM Salzburg Hbf | 9h00 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
79046+ ICE 618 | 9:07 PM Salzburg Hbf | 8h57 | 6:04 AM 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Salzburg 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 Salzburg to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Salzburg to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Salzburg to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Salzburg to Cologne
Trains from Salzburg to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €30 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 562 km distance in 6h 5m.
Distance 562 km |
Average train duration 7h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price €40 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 5m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Salzburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Salzburg and Cologne from €30. 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.
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | ICE
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Salzburg to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salzburg 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 Salzburg to Cologne
Most Salzburg to Cologne trains use the Salzburg Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Salzburg and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Salzburg station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Salzburg Hbf from Salzburg city centre
Salzburg Hbf is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Hbf train station facilities and services
Salzburg Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Imlauer, Stieglitz
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Salzburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Salzburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Hbf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Salzburg, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre, H+ Hotel Salzburg.
Getting to Salzburg Aiglhof from Salzburg city centre
Salzburg Aiglhof is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Aiglhof train station facilities and services
Salzburg Aiglhof has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salzburg Aiglhof: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Aiglhof.
Getting to Salzburg Taxham Europark from Salzburg city centre
Salzburg Taxham Europark is 3 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Taxham Europark train station facilities and services
Salzburg Taxham Europark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salzburg Taxham Europark: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salzburg Taxham Europark: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Taxham Europark.
Which Cologne station do trains from Salzburg 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 Salzburg
More options for your journey from Salzburg to Cologne
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