The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Cologne
Cheapest price
£117
Average price
£193
Fastest journey
11 h 25 m
Average duration
11 h 41 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
956 km
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 £193 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £117.
To travel from Budapest to Cologne you need to make at least 2 changes.
EC 140 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 912
EC 140 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 784
RJX 62 · ICE 592 · ICE 102
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · IC 2347
RJX 62 · ICE 512
RJX 62 · ICE 592 · ICE 102
RJX 62+
ICE 592 · ICE 102
EC 140 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 912
EC 140+
RJX 766+
ICE 116 · ICE 912
EC 140+
RJX 766+
ICE 116 · ICE 912Travel 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 £46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 27m. 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 £46, and a flight costs an average of £52.
Distance: 956 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£112 Average Price | £301 Average Price | £70 Average Price Cheapest |
13h 15m Average total duration 12h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 39m Average total duration 18h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg 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
Budapest to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Cologne trains for today, Sunday 22 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:40 Budapest | 11h47 | 23:27 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:40 Budapest | 13h46 | 09:26 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 23 February | |||||
EC 140+ RJX 766+ ICE 116 · ICE 912 | 07:40 Budapest Keleti | 11h59 | 19:39 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
EC 140 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 912 | 07:40 Budapest Keleti | 11h49 | 19:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 changes | |
EC 140+ IC 642+ RJX 62+ ICE 512 | 07:40 Budapest Keleti | 13h25 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
EC 140 · RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 784 | 07:40 Budapest Keleti | 13h25 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
EC 140+ IC 642+ RJX 62+ ICE 592 | 07:40 Budapest Keleti | 12h25 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
EC 140+ RJX 766+ ICE 116 · ICE 912 | 07:40 Budapest Keleti | 11h49 | 19:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 changes | |
RJX 62+ ICE 592 · ICE 102 | 08:40 Budapest Keleti | 11h25 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 592 · ICE 102 | 08:40 Budapest Keleti | 11h25 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · IC 2347 | 08:40 Budapest Keleti | 13h36 | 22:16 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 | 08:40 Budapest Keleti | 12h25 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RJX 62+ IC 644+ EC 114+ ICE 910 | 08:40 Budapest Keleti | 12h50 | 21:30 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 62+ ICE 512 | 08:40 Budapest Keleti | 12h25 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
22 Feb
23 Feb
24 Feb
25 Feb
26 Feb
27 Feb
28 Feb
01 Mar
02 Mar
03 Mar
04 Mar
05 Mar
06 Mar
07 Mar
08 Mar
09 Mar
10 Mar
11 Mar
12 Mar
13 Mar
14 Mar
Why should you book Budapest 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 EuroNight, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE or ÖBB to find the best option for your trip from Budapest 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Budapest to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Budapest to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Budapest to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Budapest to Cologne
Trains from Budapest to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 12h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 10h 55m.
Distance 956 km |
Average train duration 12h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 10h 55m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, EuroNight, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB from Budapest to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, EuroNight, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB trains will get you between Budapest and Cologne from £45. 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
ÖBB
EuroNight
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Budapest and Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Kerepesi út.
- Rosenstein Restaurant
- Huszar Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Hungaria City Center
- Baross City Hotel
- Royal Park Boutique Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- 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
- Metro: Line M2, Line M4
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 24
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
- Déli Terasz Söröző
- Ibrahim török büfé
- Vagon Etterem
- Fornetti
- Trio pizza
- Turkish Döner KEBAB
- Déli Mosoly
- Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi
- Club D One
- Lokomotív Falatozó
- There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
- Mercure Budapest Castle Hill
- Christina Residence Budapest
- ibis Budapest Castle Hill
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
- 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
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Etele tér.
- Restaurant Etele Plaza
- KFC Etele Plaza
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Griff
- Hotel Ventura
- Hotel Berlin
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- 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
- Metro: Line M4
- Tram: Line 1, Line 19, Line 49
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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 Budapest
More options for your journey from Budapest to Cologne
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