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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for 21 Dec
Cheapest price
£0
Average price
£282
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
5 h 5 m
Trains per day
5
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.
Fast trains
To travel from Cologne to Birmingham you need to make at least 2 changes.
17:425h58
Köln Hbf23:40Birmingham
Find prices
2 changes
17:425h33
Köln Hbf23:15Birmingham
£2601One-way
3 changes
09:414h46
Köln Hbf14:27Birmingham
£2901One-way
2 changes
15:414h46
Köln Hbf20:27Birmingham
£2901One-way
2 changes
21:4212h45
Köln Hbf10:27Birmingham
£2901One-way
2 changes
09:414h46
Köln Hbf14:27Birmingham
£2901One-way
2 changes
15:414h46
Köln Hbf20:27Birmingham
£2901One-way
2 changes
08:445h12
Koeln Hbf13:56Birmingham
£3401One-way
2 changes
12:425h14
Koeln Hbf17:56Birmingham
£3401One-way
2 changes
16:445h25
Koeln Hbf22:09Birmingham
£3401One-way
2 changes
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.
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21 Dec
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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 5h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £262 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:44, 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 5h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £262 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 4h 43m |
First train 06:44 |
Last train 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
Train companies: Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Birmingham trainsEurostar, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Birmingham from £262. 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 43m
Cheapest Price
£340
Eurostar frequency
4 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
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 Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
£260
Deutsche Bahn frequency
4 a day
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
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.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
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.
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.
The train distance from Cologne to Birmingham is 1152 km.
To get from Cologne to Birmingham, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The train journey from Cologne to Birmingham covers a distance of 1152 km and takes approximately 4h 43m. Trains run 8 per day.
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.
The first train from Cologne to Birmingham leaves at 6:44.
The last train from Cologne to Birmingham departs at 21:42.
Trains from Cologne to Birmingham run approximately 8 times per day.
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, there is a high-speed train service from Cologne to Birmingham.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £262, while the average price tends to be around £317.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Birmingham is by train, costing approximately £262.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Birmingham.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Birmingham.
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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