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

Fri 21 Nov
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | ICE
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | ICE
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 22 Nov

Cheapest price

£122

Average price

£154

Fastest journey

11 h 26 m

Average duration

11 h 50 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

956 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Budapest to Cologne will cost around £154 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £122.

Fast trains

To travel from Budapest to Cologne you need to make at least one change.

Deutsche BahnRJX 64 · ICE 524
11:4011h56
Budapest Keleti
23:36Cologne Messe/Deutz
£1221One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnRJX 62 · ICE 90 · ICE 528
09:4011h34
Budapest Keleti
21:14Cologne Messe/Deutz
£1221One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnRJX 64 · ICE 590 · ICE 100
11:4011h26
Budapest Keleti
23:06Cologne Messe/Deutz
£1221One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnRJX 62 · ICE 512
09:4012h27
Budapest Keleti
22:07Cologne Messe/Deutz
£1431One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnEC 140 · RJX 766 · REX 5908 · RE 4075
08:4011h47
Budapest Keleti
20:27Cologne Messe/Deutz
£1531One-way
5 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Budapest to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £49, and a flight costs an average of £44.

Distance: 956 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£127

Average Price

£241

Average Price

£78

Average Price

Cheapest

12h 22m

Average total duration

11h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 13m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

18h 38m

Average total duration

18h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.9 - 5.7kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

FlixBus

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

Budapest to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Cologne trains for today, Friday 21 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 06:08
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnEC 140 · RJX 766 · REX 5908 · RE 4075
On time
07:40 Budapest Keleti
11h47
19:27 Cologne Messe/Deutz
5 changes
deutsche_bahnRJX 62 · ICE 512
On time
08:40 Budapest Keleti
12h27
21:07 Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 change
deutsche_bahnRJX 64 · ICE 510
On time
10:40 Budapest Keleti
12h31
23:11 Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 change
deutsche_bahnRJX 64 · ICE 2510
On time
10:40 Budapest Keleti
12h31
23:11 Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 change
deutsche_bahnRJX 64 · ICE 590 · ICE 100
On time
10:40 Budapest Keleti
11h26
22:06 Cologne Messe/Deutz
2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Budapest to Cologne by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, 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.

Fri
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
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01 Dec
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03 Dec
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05 Dec
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06 Dec
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07 Dec
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08 Dec
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09 Dec
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10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec

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

The best time to book your train from Budapest to Cologne is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Budapest to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Budapest 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 Budapest to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Budapest to Cologne

HungaryHungary
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Budapest to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 11h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £67 but you can travel from only £44 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 11h 34m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £44
Distance
956 km
Average train duration
11h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
£67
Trains per day
12
Fastest train
11h 34m
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £44

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE from Budapest to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE trains will get you between Budapest and Cologne from £44. 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
11h 34m
Cheapest Price
£56
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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

ÖBB | ICE

About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Budapest to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest 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
The train distance from Budapest to Cologne is 956 km.
The train journey from Budapest to Cologne covers a distance of 956 km and takes approximately 11h 34m. Trains run 12 per day.
The first train from Budapest to Cologne leaves at 0:01.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
A day trip from Budapest to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 11h 34m and covers a distance of 956 km. There are 12 trips per day by train.
The last train from Budapest to Cologne departs at 23:58.
The train journey from Budapest to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of Austria and southern Germany, including rolling hills, charming villages, and lush countryside.
Trains from Budapest to Cologne run approximately 12 times per day.
In Cologne, visitors can explore the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Gothic architecture, and visit the Museum Ludwig for modern art by artists like Picasso and Warhol. A Rhine River Cruise offers scenic views of the city's skyline and landmarks, while the Hohenzollern Bridge is known for love locks and panoramic river views. The Old Town (Altstadt) charms with historic streets and traditional beer halls. Families might enjoy the Cologne Zoo, which is rich in diverse animal species. For culture and entertainment, attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, or discover the Belgian Quarter’s trendy boutiques and cafes. The Cologne Chocolate Museum provides an interactive experience about chocolate history, and the Botanical Gardens Flora showcases beautiful plant species and floral displays.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Budapest to Cologne.
Booking trains from Budapest to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
There is no night train service from Budapest to Cologne.
To get from Budapest to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
The cost of a train ticket from Budapest to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £67, while the average price tends to be around £127.
The cheapest way to get from Budapest to Cologne is by flight, costing approximately £44.
The train station in Budapest that goes to Cologne is Budapest Keleti, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
Yes, you can take the train from Budapest to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Budapest and Cologne

Budapest
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Budapest is Budapest Keleti. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Budapest Keleti for your trip from Budapest to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
18
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Kerepesi út.
Dining
Dining
  • Rosenstein Restaurant
  • Huszar Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • HUF 200
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Hungaria City Center
  • Baross City Hotel
  • Royal Park Boutique Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
  • Hall 2: platforms 7-13 for regional trains
  • Hall 3: platforms 14-18 for suburban trains
Public transport options for Budapest Keleti
  • Metro: Line M2, Line M4
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Tram: Line 24
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
16
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Etele tér.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Etele Plaza
  • KFC Etele Plaza
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • HUF 200
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Griff
  • Hotel Ventura
  • Hotel Berlin
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for international and domestic long-distance trains
  • Hall 2: regional and suburban train platforms
  • Hall 3: Metro and tram connections
Public transport options for Budapest-Kelenföld
  • Metro: Line M4
  • Tram: Line 1, Line 19, Line 49
  • Bus: Several lines available
Budapest-NyugatiWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
17
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Nyugati tér.
Dining
Dining
  • Két Szerecsen
  • Menza Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • HUF 200
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Parlament
  • Radisson Blu Béke Hotel
  • Hilton Budapest City
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for international trains
  • Hall 2: domestic and regional train platforms
  • Hall 3: metro and tram connections
Public transport options for Budapest-Nyugati
  • Metro: Line M3
  • Tram: Line 4, Line 6
  • Bus: Several lines available
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Lockers
Lockers
  • Located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Dining
Dining
  • Déli Terasz Söröző
  • Ibrahim török büfé
  • Vagon Etterem
  • Fornetti
  • Trio pizza
  • Turkish Döner KEBAB
  • Déli Mosoly
  • Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi
  • Club D One
  • Lokomotív Falatozó
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Mercure Budapest Castle Hill
  • Christina Residence Budapest
  • ibis Budapest Castle Hill
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
Public transport options for Budapest-Déli
  • Metro lines: M2 (red)
  • Tram lines: 17, 56, 56A, 59, 59A, 59B, 61
  • Bus lines: 21, 21A, 39, 102, 139, 140, 140A, N960, N990
  • Train lines: IC, IR, S (10, 12, 30, 34, 35, 40, 42), Z30
Budapest-FerencvárosWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
4
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Access is available via Mester utca.
Dining
Dining
  • Nándori Cukrászda
  • Petrus Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • HUF 200
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ibis Styles Budapest City
  • Hotel Thomas Budapest
  • Leonardo Hotel Budapest
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for regional trains
  • Hall 2: freight services
Public transport options for Budapest-Ferencváros
  • Tram: Line 2, Line 24
  • Bus: Several lines available
Kőbánya felsőWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWC
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
FerihegyDiningAccessibilityWCBike Parking
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
15 km
Rákospalota-ÚjpestParkingDiningATMWCBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
WCWC
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
9 km
Budapest, Korponai utca
information

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