The cheapest and fastest trains from Vienna to Cologne
Cheapest price
€110
Average price
€184
Fastest journey
7 h 52 m
Average duration
7 h 56 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
743 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Cologne will cost around €184 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €110.
Of the 13 trains that leave Vienna for Cologne on Wed, Dec 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Dec 31 the direct trains cover the 743 km distance in an average of 7 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 52 m .
On Wed, Dec 31 the slowest trains will take 8 h 1 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 26 · ICE 104
ICE 26
RJX 162 · ICE 118 · ICE 224
ICE 92 · ICE 628
ICE 28 · ICE 106
ICE 26 · ICE 104
ICE 28 · ICE 106
ICE 28 · ICE 106
ICE 92 · ICE 628
ICE 92 · ICE 628Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Vienna to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €40, and a flight costs an average of €89.
Distance: 743 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€165 Average price | €223 Average price | €74 Average price Cheapest |
10h 36m Average total duration 10h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 20m Average total duration 12h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Vienna to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, December 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 26 · ICE 104 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h52 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 26 · ICE 104 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h52 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 26 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h53 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 26 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h53 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 90 · ICE 620 | On time 11:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h01 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 90 · ICE 620 | On time 11:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h01 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 90 · ICE 620+ DB S6 | On time 11:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h10 | 7:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 24 · ICE 102 | On time 12:13 PM Vienna Hbf | 7h52 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 24 | On time 12:13 PM Vienna Hbf | 8h53 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 24 | On time 12:13 PM Vienna Hbf | 8h53 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 24 · ICE 102 | On time 12:13 PM Vienna Hbf | 7h52 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:30 PM Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) | 14h11 | 12:41 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 Vienna 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.
Dec 31
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Jan 05
Jan 06
Jan 07
Jan 08
Jan 09
Jan 10
Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
Jan 14
Jan 15
Jan 16
Jan 17
Jan 18
Jan 19
Jan 20
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Vienna to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Vienna to Cologne
Trains from Vienna to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 10h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €63 but you can travel from only €40 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 743 km distance in 7h 52m.
Distance 743 km |
Average train duration 10h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €63 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 52m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, EuroNight, FlixTrain, ÖBB from Vienna to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, EuroNight, FlixTrain, ÖBB trains will get you between Vienna and Cologne from €40. 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 | ICE
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | InterCity
FlixTrain
ÖBB
EuroNight
FAQs: Trains from Vienna to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna 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 Vienna, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Vienna Hbf, Vienna Airport and Vienna Westbahnhof. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your trip in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne/Bonn Flughafen and Cologne Messe/Deutz.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Vienna Hbf, which is located around 2.9 miles (4.6 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 Vienna to Cologne
- Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
- Sat: 09:00 - 18:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
- Burger King
- L’Osteria
- Akakiko
- McDonald’s
- Oberlaa
- Nordsee
- Som Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Admiral Sports Bar
- Asia Gourmet
- & many more
- Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
- Star Inn Hotel
- Quartier Belvedere
- AZIMUT Hotel Vienna
- Information desks are located at each end of the main level.
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via the A4 motorway.
- Café Restaurant Johann Strauss
- Zugvogel
- Outside the main terminal.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- NH Vienna Airport Conference Center
- Moxy Vienna Airport
- LifeHotel Vienna Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main terminal
- Located in the main terminal
- Green Motion
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main terminal
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: CAT connections
- S-Bahn: Line S7
- Bus: Several lines available
- CAT (City Airport Train) to Vienna city center
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Eichenstraße.
- Restaurant Meidlinger Markt
- Gasthaus Tirolergarten
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel Rainers
- Austria Trend Hotel Bosei
- Hotel Fabrik
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for trains to Austria, Germany, and Hungary
- Hall 2: S-Bahn and metro connections
- Metro: Line U6
- Tram: Line 62
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S60
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Vienna
More options for your journey from Vienna to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need




