- Recommended
Historisches Museum Bamberg
City museum in the Alte Hofhaltung with collections on Bamberg’s art and history. Good for understanding the city beyond its postcard views.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bamberg
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£56
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£79
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
3 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
3 h 35 m
Trains on 30 Aug
12
Distance
303 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bamberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bamberg will cost around £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
Fast trains
To travel from Cologne to Bamberg you need to make at least one change.
ICE 921 · S9 · ICE 525 · 580213:496h27Cologne Hbf10:16Bamberg£561One-way3 changes- ICE 525 · 580216:453h31Cologne Messe/Deutz10:16Bamberg£611One-way1 change
- 10413 · ICE 27 · S9 · 328659:465h44Cologne Hbf15:30Bamberg£691One-way4 changes
- ICE 523 · 582595:353h41Cologne Hbf9:16Bamberg£701One-way1 change
- ICE 527 · 580237:453h31Cologne Messe/Deutz11:16Bamberg£701One-way1 change
- ICE 625 · 5804311:453h31Cologne Messe/Deutz15:16Bamberg£1111One-way1 change
- ICE 525 · 580216:453h31Cologne Messe/Deutz10:16Bamberg£611One-way1 change
- ICE 527 · 580237:453h31Cologne Messe/Deutz11:16Bamberg£701One-way1 change
- ICE 523 · 582595:353h41Cologne Hbf9:16Bamberg£701One-way1 change
- ICE 621 · 580379:343h42Cologne Hbf13:16Bamberg£1111One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cologne to Bamberg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bamberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 6m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 303 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Bamberg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bamberg trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 827 · 4984 | On time 3:21 Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 8:19 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| ICE 521 · 4601 | On time 4:28 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 8:32 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| ICE 523 · 58259 | On time 5:35 Cologne Hbf | 3h41 | 9:16 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| ICE 525 · 58021 | On time 6:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h31 | 10:16 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| ICE 527 · 58023 | On time 7:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h31 | 11:16 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| 10409 · ICE 25 · S5 · ICE 621 | 7:46 Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 13:16 Bamberg | 4 changes | |
| ICE 529 · 4609 | On time 8:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h47 | 12:32 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| ICE 621 · 58037 | On time 9:34 Cologne Hbf | 3h42 | 13:16 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| 10413 · ICE 27 · S9 · 32865 | 9:46 Cologne Hbf | 5h44 | 15:30 Bamberg | 4 changes | |
| ICE 623 · 4613 | On time 10:35 Cologne Hbf | 3h57 | 14:32 Bamberg | 1 change | |
| ICE 625 · 58043 | On time 11:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h31 | 15:16 Bamberg | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Bamberg by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Why should you book Cologne to Bamberg trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Bamberg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Bamberg.
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bamberg.
- 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 to Bamberg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Bamberg.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Bamberg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Bamberg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:36, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 303 km distance in 3h 31m.
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
Coach from £17
Distance 303 km |
Average train duration 3h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 0:36 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Coach from £17
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Bamberg trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Bamberg from £17. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£23
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.
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.
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.
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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£65
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Bamberg
Things to do in Bamberg
Discover the best of Bamberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bamberg trip today.
- Recommended
Sammlung Ludwig Bamberg
Art museum focused on modern and contemporary works in a former palace by the Regnitz. Compact, thoughtful and easy to combine with a walk nearby.
- Recommended
Diözesanmuseum Bamberg
Diocesan museum with sacred art, reliquaries, sculptures and treasures linked to Bamberg’s ecclesiastical past. Best for church art lovers.
- Must visit
Klein Venedig
Picturesque former fishermen’s district with half-timbered houses and canals. Ideal for strolling, photos and a quieter side of the old town.
- Recommended
Rosengarten der Neuen Residenz
Elegant rose garden beside the Neue Residenz with broad views across Bamberg’s rooftops. A favourite place for a calm break and city panorama.
- Recommended
Obere Sandstraße
Historic streetscape with baroque facades and local shops running through the old town. A rewarding route for architecture and everyday city life.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Rauchbier
Iconic dark lager smoked over beechwood, giving a bacon-like aroma. It is Bamberg’s signature drink and central to the city’s brewing tradition.
Bamberger Zwiebel
Onion stuffed with minced pork and bacon, then braised in beer or stock. A hearty Franconian inn classic closely associated with Bamberg.
- Gluten-free
Blaue Zipfel
Blue poached sausages gently cooked in a vinegar-onion broth. A traditional Franconian sausage dish commonly served in Bamberg taverns.
Restaurant Kachelofen
Long-established restaurant with refined Franconian and German cooking, known for seasonal menus and a formal but welcoming dining room.
Spezial-Keller
Traditional brewery inn serving Rauchbier and robust Franconian specialities in a rustic, local atmosphere.
Brauerei Gasthof Mahrs Bräu
Brewery restaurant by the river offering house beers and Franconian favourites in a polished historic setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are fairly priced, and local buses are reasonable. Tourist areas can cost more, but Bamberg is often cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-14 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.20 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.
VGN Fahrplan & Tickets
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.60
- Day pass
- €5.60
To the city centre
Bamberg Hauptbahnhof -> Maximiliansplatz, Bamberg
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 11 min
- Buy tickets in the VGN Fahrplan & Tickets app or from the driver. The VGN app also shows the cheapest valid fare.
- Bamberg city buses are run by Stadtwerke Bamberg within the VGN network. Check before boarding whether card or contactless payment is available on board.
FAQs: Cologne to Bamberg train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bamberg 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 Bamberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Bamberg can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £51.
The train journey from Cologne to Bamberg covers a distance of 303 km and takes approximately 3h 31m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Bamberg is 303 km.
The first train from Cologne to Bamberg leaves at 0:36.
The last train from Cologne to Bamberg departs at 23:55.
Trains from Cologne to Bamberg run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Bamberg.
To get from Cologne to Bamberg, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Bamberg.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Bamberg is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Bamberg.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Bamberg is by coach, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Cologne to Bamberg in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Bamberg offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque Rhine Valley and the rolling hills of Franconia, which are known for their charming landscapes and historic castles.
A day trip from Cologne to Bamberg is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 31m. However, there are 7 trains available per day. The distance is 303 km.
To fully experience Bamberg, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended. This allows you to explore its UNESCO-listed old town, visit its historic cathedrals, and enjoy the local breweries.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Bamberg.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Bamberg
Most Cologne to Bamberg trains use the Köln Hbf to Bamberg station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bamberg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Bamberg
Which Cologne station do trains to Bamberg leave from?
Trains from Cologne to Bamberg leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · every ~14 min
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.
Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRb26 · 12m · £3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · £2 · every ~52 min
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.
Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 Köln
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £4
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.
Which Bamberg station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Trains from Cologne to Bamberg arrive at Bamberg. Bamberg is from Bamberg city centre.
BambergLudwigstraße 6, 96052 Bamberg, Germany+49 951 980220
City-centre transport
Getting to Bamberg from Bamberg city centre
BusSeveral lines available
Regional trains to nearby cities
Bamberg train station facilities and services
Bamberg has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Kachelofen, Brauerei Spezial
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bamberg. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Bamberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bamberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bamberg: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bamberg: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Bamberg, Best Western Hotel Bamberg, Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Bamberg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bamberg and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Bamberg
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