- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Birmingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Nov
- Cheapest price on 03 Nov
- £285
- Average ticket price on 03 Nov
- £317
- Fastest journey on 03 Nov
- 4 h 44 m
- Average journey duration on 03 Nov
- 4 h 47 m
- Trains on 03 Nov
- 8
- Distance
- 1152 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Birmingham will cost around £317 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £285.
Fast trains
To travel from Cologne to Birmingham you need to make at least 2 changes.
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9:43 5h44 Köln Hbf 15:27 Birmingham £285 1 One-way 2 changes15:41 4h46 Köln Hbf 20:27 Birmingham £285 1 One-way 2 changes21:02 13h25 Köln Hbf 10:27 Birmingham £285 1 One-way 2 changes
6:39 4h48 Köln Hbf 11:27 Birmingham £336 1 One-way 2 changes8:39 4h48 Köln Hbf 13:27 Birmingham £336 1 One-way 2 changes
16:43 4h44 Köln Hbf 21:27 Birmingham £336 1 One-way 2 changes15:41 4h46 Köln Hbf 20:27 Birmingham £285 1 One-way 2 changes6:39 4h48 Köln Hbf 11:27 Birmingham £336 1 One-way 2 changes8:39 4h48 Köln Hbf 13:27 Birmingham £336 1 One-way 2 changes12:39 4h48 Köln Hbf 17:27 Birmingham £336 1 One-way 2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Birmingham
Italy
United Kingdom
Take a train from Cologne to Birmingham and enjoy the approximately 1152 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 21:42.
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
Distance 1152 km |
First train 6:39 |
Last train 21:42 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Cologne to Birmingham trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Birmingham.
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.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Birmingham.
Live departures
Cologne to Birmingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Birmingham trains for today, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:39 Köln Hbf | 4h48 | 11:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 8:39 Köln Hbf | 4h48 | 13:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 10:39 Köln Hbf | 4h48 | 15:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 12:39 Köln Hbf | 4h48 | 17:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 13:42 Köln Hbf | 4h45 | 18:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 15:41 Köln Hbf | 4h46 | 20:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 16:43 Köln Hbf | 4h44 | 21:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 18:44 Köln Hbf | 5h49 | 0:33 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
| 21:02 Köln Hbf | 13h25 | 10:27 Birmingham | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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. 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 Eurostar Duration
4h 44m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£336
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
4h 43m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£259
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Birmingham
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cologne to Birmingham.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Birmingham.
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
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.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district with street art, independent shops and converted industrial buildings, popular for urban walks and photography.
- Must visit
Jewellery Quarter
Historic quarter known for jewellery workshops, heritage trails, museums and distinctive Georgian and Victorian streetscapes.
- Recommended
Brindleyplace
Waterside district of canals, bars and cultural venues, ideal for strolling, boat trips and seeing Birmingham's industrial past.
Balti
A Birmingham-born curry with spiced meat in rich tomato gravy. It reflects the city’s famed Balti Triangle and its South Asian culinary heritage.
Black Country faggots and peas
A slow-cooked stew of beef, vegetables and stock topped with sliced potatoes. A Black Country classic closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Faggots
Pork offal sausage traditionally served with peas, mash and gravy. It is a long-standing working-class dish from the Black Country near Birmingham.
Simpsons
Elegant modern dining in Edgbaston with refined tasting menus and polished service in a calm, intimate setting.
Anderson & Hill
Popular Jewish-style deli and restaurant famous for piled-high sandwiches, baked treats and relaxed daytime dining.
Shababs
Lively Indian restaurant in the Balti Triangle, known for Balti dishes cooked in pressed-steel bowls and a bustling local atmosphere.
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.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.60
To the city centre
Birmingham New Street -> Bullring, Birmingham
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless and Swift Go are accepted on West Midlands Metro and on almost all buses in the West Midlands.
- Birmingham New Street is already central; many city-centre places are walkable, so check before buying a day ticket.
Plan your visit to Birmingham
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Birmingham.
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.
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.
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.
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
Most popular trains to and from Birmingham and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Birmingham
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