Cologne to Birmingham train with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Tue 04 Aug
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Eurostar
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Eurostar
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    9:435h44
    Köln Hbf
    15:27Birmingham
    £2921One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    15:414h46
    Köln Hbf
    20:27Birmingham
    £2921One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    21:0213h25
    Köln Hbf
    10:27Birmingham
    £2921One-way
    2 changes
  • Eurostar
    6:394h48
    Köln Hbf
    11:27Birmingham
    £3441One-way
    2 changes
  • Eurostar
    8:394h48
    Köln Hbf
    13:27Birmingham
    £3441One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £65, and a train costs an average of £265.

Distance: 1152 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£323

Average Price

£67

Average Price

Cheapest

£129

Average Price

6h 36m

Average total duration

6h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

34h 40m

Average total duration

34h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 18m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 18m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cologne to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Birmingham trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Eurostar6:39 Köln Hbf
4h48
11:27 Birmingham2 changes
Eurostar8:39 Köln Hbf
4h48
13:27 Birmingham2 changes
Eurostar10:39 Köln Hbf
4h48
15:27 Birmingham2 changes
Eurostar12:39 Köln Hbf
4h48
17:27 Birmingham2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)13:42 Köln Hbf
4h45
18:27 Birmingham2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)15:41 Köln Hbf
4h46
20:27 Birmingham2 changes
Eurostar16:43 Köln Hbf
4h44
21:27 Birmingham2 changes
Eurostar18:44 Köln Hbf
5h49
0:33 Birmingham2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)21:02 Köln Hbf
13h25
10:27 Birmingham2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare train, coach 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.

Tue
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug
Mon
10 Aug

Why should you book Cologne to Birmingham trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) as well as Eurostar offer trains services from Cologne to Birmingham.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Birmingham.
  • 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 Intercity (DB IC) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Birmingham

ItalyItaly
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Birmingham run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £265 but you can travel from only £65 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 21:42. The fastest train covers the 1152 km distance in 4h 43m.

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 £65
Distance
1152 km
Average train duration
6h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
£265
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
4h 43m
First train
6:39
Last train
21:42
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
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 £65

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar from Cologne to Birmingham trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Birmingham from £65. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Eurostar

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 44m
Cheapest Price
£344
Eurostar frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 43m
Cheapest Price
£265
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.

  • Recommended

Pen Museum

Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Cologne to Birmingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £265, while the average price tends to be around £323.
The train journey from Cologne to Birmingham covers a distance of 1152 km and takes approximately 4h 43m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Birmingham is 1152 km.
The first train from Cologne to Birmingham leaves at 6:39.
The last train from Cologne to Birmingham departs at 21:42.
Trains from Cologne to Birmingham run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cologne to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Birmingham.
To get from Cologne to Birmingham, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Birmingham.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Birmingham is by coach, costing approximately £65.
Booking trains from Cologne to Birmingham 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 Birmingham offers varied scenery including the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley, charming German countryside, and glimpses of the Belgian and French countryside. While some sections are more industrial, the overall journey provides a diverse visual experience.
A day trip from Cologne to Birmingham is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 43m. However, there are 8 trains per day covering the 1152 km distance.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, and enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Discover the city's history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Don't miss the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring for shopping and dining.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Birmingham.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Birmingham

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Birmingham Cologne to Birmingham train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone