Business Premier
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Free drinks
- Wide seats
- Newspapers and magazines
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
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Travel Information
Compare train for Cologne to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £324 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £324, while a train costs an average of £324.
Distance: 1152 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£324 Average Price Cheapest | £61 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 36m Average total duration Fastest 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Birmingham is a train with an average price of £324.
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 6h 6m.
Yes, you can take a train between Cologne and Birmingham.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 10h 32m sooner (6h 6m by train vs 16h 38m by car). Tickets start at around £324 compared to roughly £61 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Birmingham by train
Compare train 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.
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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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Birmingham
Italy
United Kingdom
Trains from Cologne to Birmingham run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £266 if you book in advance.
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
Distance 1152 km |
Average train duration 6h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £266 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 4h 43m |
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
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 £266. 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
£345
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
£266
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day
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 £266. 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
£345
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
What's included in each class
Compare Eurostar classes and the amenities included in each one.
Eurostar Plus
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Free drinks
- Wide seats
- Newspapers and magazines
- Free meal
Eurostar Premier
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Free drinks
- Wide seats
- Newspapers and magazines
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Eurostar Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Snacks to buy
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Snacks to buy
Standard Premier
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Free drinks
- Wide seats
- Newspapers and magazines
- Free meal
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
4h 43m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£266
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.
- 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.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £266, while the average price tends to be around £324.
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 travel from Cologne to Birmingham, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Birmingham.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Birmingham is by train, costing approximately £266.
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
Most popular trains to and from Birmingham and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Birmingham
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