1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£52
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£73
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
10 h 13 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
10 h 27 m
Trains on 18 Sept
12
Distance
795 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bratislava is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bratislava will cost around £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
To travel from Cologne to Bratislava you need to make at least 2 changes.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 629 · EC 1219 · REX 2538
ICE 919 · EC 213 · RJX 19919 · REX 7773
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · Os 7629
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · Os 7629
ICE 919 · EC 213 · RJX 19919 · REX 7773
ICE 629 · EC 1219 · REX 2538
ICE 915 · EC 1217 · REX 2530
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bratislava among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £33 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 32m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £33, while a train costs an average of £101.
Distance: 795 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£101 Average Price | £69 Average Price | £33 Average Price Cheapest | £23 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 10m Average total duration 9h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 25m Average total duration 14h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 4h 32m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Bratislava:
A coach is £24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bratislava costing on average £79.
Other travel options to Bratislava take longer:
Coach takes on average 13h 44m.
Tickets start at around £79 compared to roughly £23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-55.26. The journey takes 10h 19m versus 9h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bratislava trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267 · RJX 65 | Delayed 1:50 3:49Cologne Hbf | 12h55 | 16:44 Bratislava-Petržalka | 4 changes | |
ICE 915 · EC 1217 · REX 2530 | Delayed 7:42 9:32Cologne Messe/Deutz | 10h38 | 20:10 Bratislava hlavná stanica | 2 changes | |
ICE 515 · RJX 69 · REX 2532 | Delayed 7:59 9:54Cologne Hbf | 11h16 | 21:10 Bratislava hlavná stanica | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · ICE 211 · RJX 19917+ 24515 | Delayed 8:07 9:55Cologne Hbf | 11h56 | 21:51 Bratislava hlavná stanica | 3 changes | |
ICE 2013 · ICE 517 · RJX 261 · REX 2536 | On time 10:53 Cologne Hbf | 12h19 | 23:12 Bratislava hlavná stanica | 3 changes | |
ICE 2543 · ICE 517 · RJX 261 · REX 2536 | On time 10:53 Cologne Hbf | 12h19 | 23:12 Bratislava hlavná stanica | 3 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 15h56 | 8:10 Bratislava, Bus Station Nivy | 1 change | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
IC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJX 69 · Os 7631 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 11h51 | 20:44 Bratislava-Petržalka | 3 changes | |
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · Os 7629 | Delayed 7:00 8:58Cologne Messe/Deutz | 10h46 | 19:44 Bratislava-Petržalka | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Bratislava run on average 9 times per day, taking around 10h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £17 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 795 km distance in 10h 13m.
Distance 795 km |
Average train duration 10h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 10h 13m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Bratislava — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bratislava trip today.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery with Slovak and international works in a restored riverfront complex.
City museum in the Old Town Hall presenting Bratislava’s history through period rooms, artefacts, and tower views.
Specialist museum inside the castle complex covering Slovak history, archaeology, and decorative arts in a major setting.
Main square of the old town, lined with historic façades, fountains, civic buildings, and frequent seasonal events.
Popular pedestrian street through the old town, ideal for architecture, street life, and easy access to major sights.
Large hilltop war memorial and park with sweeping city views, broad steps, and a striking ceremonial atmosphere.
Potato dumplings mixed with soft sheep’s cheese and topped with bacon. It is Slovakia’s best-known national dish and a staple in traditional eateries.
Small potato dumplings served with tangy sheep’s cheese, often without bacon in some homes. It highlights bryndza, a defining Slovak mountain ingredient.
Large hand-pinched dumplings filled with bryndza cheese. A beloved rustic dish from Slovak home cooking, usually served with butter or fried bacon.
Established restaurant near the old town focused on Slovak and Central European cooking, with game, duck and local wine in a polished interior.
Refined Slovak restaurant in the old town serving seasonal local dishes and wines in an elegant but approachable setting.
Traditional Slovak pub-style restaurant known for bryndzové halušky, soups and hearty classics in a lively, casual atmosphere.
Moderate for a capital city: hotels, meals and public transport usually cost less than in Vienna or Prague, though Old Town prices are higher.
Service is not always included. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up in cafés, and round up taxi fares slightly.
Official public transport app
Bratislava hlavná stanica -> Hodžovo námestie, Bratislava
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bratislava 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 Bratislava, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Bratislava trains use the Köln Hbf to Bratislava-Petržalka station pair, with some services arriving at Bratislava Hlavná Stanica. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bratislava train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Bratislava-Petržalka is 3 km from Bratislava city centre. Public transport options include:
Bratislava-Petržalka has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Petržalka, Pizzeria La Mamma
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bratislava-Petržalka. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bratislava-Petržalka. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bratislava-Petržalka: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bratislava-Petržalka: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bratislava-Petržalka: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Viktor, Hotel Dominika, Hotel Expo.
Bratislava Hlavná Stanica is 1 km from Bratislava city centre. Public transport options include:
Bratislava Hlavná Stanica has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Fach Restaurant, Savoy Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bratislava Hlavná Stanica. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bratislava Hlavná Stanica. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bratislava Hlavná Stanica: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bratislava Hlavná Stanica: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bratislava Hlavná Stanica: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Matyšák, Mercure Bratislava Centrum Hotel, Loft Hotel Bratislava.
Bratislava-Nové Mesto is 3 km from Bratislava city centre. Public transport options include:
Bratislava-Nové Mesto has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bratislava-Nové Mesto.
ATMs are available at Bratislava-Nové Mesto.
Available at Bratislava-Nové Mesto: Parking, WC.
Available at Bratislava-Nové Mesto: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bratislava-Nové Mesto.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need