Cologne to Bratislava train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC)

Fri 18 Sept
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bratislava

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne to Bratislava you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus
    16:1415h56
    Cologne Hbf
    8:10Bratislava, Bus Station Nivy
    £521One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 629 · EC 1219 · REX 2538
    13:4510h25
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    0:10Bratislava hlavná stanica
    £541One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 919 · EC 213 · RJX 19919 · REX 7773
    13:3010h14
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    23:44Bratislava-Petržalka
    £631One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69
    9:5810h46
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    20:44Bratislava-Petržalka
    £631One-way
    4 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 119 · RJX 19915 · Os 7629
    8:5810h46
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    19:44Bratislava-Petržalka
    £631One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cologne to Bratislava

Omio 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

Compare train with

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Bratislava is a coach with an average price of £54.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Bratislava is by train with an average journey time of 10h 19m.

Other travel options to Bratislava take longer:

Coach takes on average 13h 44m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Bratislava including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Live departures

Cologne to Bratislava train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267 · RJX 65
Delayed
1:50 3:49Cologne Hbf
12h55
16:44 Bratislava-Petržalka
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 915 · EC 1217 · REX 2530
Delayed
7:42 9:32Cologne Messe/Deutz
10h38
20:10 Bratislava hlavná stanica
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · RJX 69 · REX 2532
Delayed
7:59 9:54Cologne Hbf
11h16
21:10 Bratislava hlavná stanica
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 211 · RJX 19917+Hessische Landesbahn24515
Delayed
8:07 9:55Cologne Hbf
11h56
21:51 Bratislava hlavná stanica
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 517 · RJX 261 · REX 2536
On time
10:53 Cologne Hbf
12h19
23:12 Bratislava hlavná stanica
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 2543 · ICE 517 · RJX 261 · REX 2536
On time
10:53 Cologne Hbf
12h19
23:12 Bratislava hlavná stanica
3 changes
FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus16:14 Cologne Hbf
15h56
8:10 Bratislava, Bus Station Nivy1 change
Friday 18 September
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJX 69 · Os 7631
On time
8:53 Cologne Hbf
11h51
20:44 Bratislava-Petržalka
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 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 prices and tickets Cologne to Bratislava by train or coach

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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Cologne to Bratislava trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Bratislava.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Bratislava.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

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

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Bratislava.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Bratislava

GermanyGermany
SlovakiaSlovakia
Icon of train

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.

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
Flight from £17
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
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
Flight from £17

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Bratislava trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Bratislava from £35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
10h 13m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£39
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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

What's included in each class

Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
  • WC
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • WC

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
14h 41m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£162
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day

Complete guide to Bratislava

Things to do in Bratislava

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

  • Must visit

Slovenská národná galéria

Leading modern and contemporary art gallery with Slovak and international works in a restored riverfront complex.

  • Recommended

Múzeum mesta Bratislavy

City museum in the Old Town Hall presenting Bratislava’s history through period rooms, artefacts, and tower views.

  • Recommended

Historické múzeum

Specialist museum inside the castle complex covering Slovak history, archaeology, and decorative arts in a major setting.

Euro (€)

Moderate for a capital city: hotels, meals and public transport usually cost less than in Vienna or Prague, though Old Town prices are higher.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is not always included. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up in cafés, and round up taxi fares slightly.

FAQs: Cologne to Bratislava train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Bratislava can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £101.
The train journey from Cologne to Bratislava covers a distance of 795 km and takes approximately 8h 3m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Bratislava is 795 km.
The first train from Cologne to Bratislava leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Cologne to Bratislava departs at 23:56.
Trains from Cologne to Bratislava run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Bratislava.
To get from Cologne to Bratislava, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Bratislava.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Bratislava is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Bratislava-Petržalka.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Bratislava is by coach, costing approximately £35.
Booking trains from Cologne to Bratislava 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 Bratislava offers scenic views, particularly through the Rhine Valley with its vineyards and castles, and the picturesque landscapes of Austria and Slovakia, making it an enjoyable trip for those who appreciate natural beauty.
A day trip from Cologne to Bratislava is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 3m. However, there are 8 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 795 km.
In Bratislava, visitors can explore the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, or enjoy the stunning views from the UFO Observation Deck. A relaxing Danube River Cruise offers scenic vistas of the city and surrounding landscapes. Families will enjoy the Bratislava Zoo, which features a variety of animals and interactive exhibits. For those interested in culture, the Slovak Philharmonic presents classical music concerts, and the Slovak National Theatre hosts opera, ballet, and drama performances. Key sights include the historic Bratislava Castle and St. Martin's Cathedral, while the Old Town Hall and Devin Castle provide insights into the city's rich history.
To fully experience Bratislava, including its historic Old Town, vibrant cultural scene, and nearby attractions, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Bratislava.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Bratislava

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.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Bratislava

Which Cologne station do trains to Bratislava leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Bratislava leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · £3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · £2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £4

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Bratislava

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