The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
- Cheapest price on 03 Nov
- £26
- Average ticket price on 03 Nov
- £46
- Fastest journey on 03 Nov
- 3 h 37 m
- Average journey duration on 03 Nov
- 3 h 46 m
- Trains on 03 Nov
- 14
- Distance
- 286 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.
On Tue 03 Nov, we found 14 trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 37 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 52 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.
FlixTrain · FlixTrain8:14 9h31 Cologne Hbf 17:45 Erfurt Hbf £26 1 One-way 1 change
ICE 911 · ICE 523 · ICE 9345:25 3h43 Cologne Hbf 9:08 Erfurt Hbf £36 1 One-way 2 changes
ICE 521 · ICE 6964:28 3h59 Cologne Hbf 8:27 Erfurt Hbf £36 1 One-way 1 change
ICE 511 · ICE 15555:48 3h52 Cologne Hbf 9:40 Erfurt Hbf £36 1 One-way 1 change
ICE 17459:17 4h58 Cologne Hbf 14:15 Erfurt Hbf £39 1 One-way 0 changes
28518 · ICE 629 · ICE 75113:31 3h37 Cologne Hbf 17:08 Erfurt Hbf £46 1 One-way 2 changes
ICE 911 · ICE 523 · ICE 9345:25 3h43 Cologne Hbf 9:08 Erfurt Hbf £36 1 One-way 2 changes
ICE 121 · ICE 9309:18 3h50 Cologne Hbf 13:08 Erfurt Hbf £43 1 One-way 1 change
ICE 123 · ICE 75113:18 3h50 Cologne Hbf 17:08 Erfurt Hbf £43 1 One-way 1 change
ICE 511 · ICE 15555:48 3h52 Cologne Hbf 9:40 Erfurt Hbf £36 1 One-way 1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 16:53. The fastest train covers the 286 km distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 286 km |
Average train duration 4h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 16:53 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Frequently asked questions about your Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trains for today, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 9h31 | 17:45 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 692 | On time 8:29 Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 12:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1745 | On time 9:17 Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 14:15 Erfurt Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1517 · ICE 598 | On time 12:29 Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 16:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
28516 · ICE 627 · ICE 598 | On time 12:31 Cologne Hbf | 3h56 | 16:27 Erfurt Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2044 · ICE 596 | On time 12:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 18:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 123 · ICE 751 | On time 13:18 Cologne Hbf | 3h50 | 17:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
28518 · ICE 629 · ICE 751 | On time 13:31 Cologne Hbf | 3h37 | 17:08 Erfurt Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf 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 FlixTrain or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, VIAS Rail GmbH from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Erfurt Hbf from £13. 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.
FlixTrain
VIAS Rail GmbH
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne Hbf and Erfurt Hbf
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf 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 Erfurt Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Erfurt Hbf
Most Cologne Hbf to Erfurt Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Erfurt Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Erfurt Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 Erfurt Hbf from Erfurt city centre
Erfurt Hbf train station facilities and services
Erfurt 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: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.
