The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Budapest
Cheapest price
£80
Average price
£106
Fastest journey
11 h 25 m
Average duration
11 h 42 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Budapest will cost around £106 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £80.
To travel from Cologne to Budapest you need to make at least one change.
ICE 119+
IC 743+
EC 341
ICE 103 · ICE 119+
IC 743+
EC 341
ICE 915 · ICE 119+
IC 743+
EC 341
RE9+
ICE 915 · ICE 119+
IC 743
ICE 103 · ICE 593+
RJX 67+
IC 741
ICE 103 · ICE 593+
RJX 67
ICE 529 · RJX 67
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 165
ICE 915 · ICE 119+
RJX 165
RE9+
ICE 915 · ICE 119+
RJX 165Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Budapest
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, and a flight costs an average of £51.
Distance: 956 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£117 Average Price | £338 Average Price | £70 Average Price Cheapest |
13h 23m Average total duration 12h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 12m Average total duration 17h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Budapest train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest trains for tomorrow, Monday 2 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 529 · RJX 67 | On time 07:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h34 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 103 · ICE 119+ IC 743+ EC 341 | 07:54 Cologne Hbf | 13h25 | 21:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593+ RJX 67 | 07:54 Cologne Hbf | 11h25 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593+ RJX 67+ IC 741 | 07:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h25 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 119+ IC 743+ EC 341 | On time 07:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 13h21 | 21:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 119+ RJX 165 | On time 07:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h21 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 119 · RJX 165 | On time 07:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h21 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
RE9+ ICE 915 · ICE 119+ RJX 165 | 08:22 Cologne Hbf | 11h57 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
RE9+ ICE 915 · ICE 119+ IC 743 | 08:22 Cologne Hbf | 12h57 | 21:19 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119+ RJX 165 | On time 08:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h48 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119+ IC 743+ EC 341 | On time 08:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h48 | 21:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 165 | On time 08:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h48 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 1225 · EC 343 | 08:53 Cologne Hbf | 13h26 | 22:19 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 1225 · EC 343 | 09:29 Cologne Hbf | 12h50 | 22:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 623 · ICE 1225 · EC 343 | 09:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h34 | 22:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
IC 2013 · ICE 517 · RJX 261 | On time 09:53 Cologne Hbf | 13h26 | 23:19 Budapest Keleti | 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 Budapest 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.
01 Mar
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06 Mar
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09 Mar
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Why should you book Cologne to Budapest trains with Omio?
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 ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, EuroNight or ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Budapest.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Budapest.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Budapest.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Budapest?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Budapest
Trains from Cologne to Budapest run on average 11 times per day, taking around 12h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £41 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 11h 5m.
Distance 956 km |
Average train duration 12h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 11h 5m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, EuroNight, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Intercity from Cologne to Budapest trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, EuroNight, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Budapest from £41. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Intercity
EuroNight
FAQs: Cologne to Budapest train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Budapest
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Kerepesi út.
- Rosenstein Restaurant
- Huszar Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Hungaria City Center
- Baross City Hotel
- Royal Park Boutique Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-13 for regional trains
- Hall 3: platforms 14-18 for suburban trains
- Metro: Line M2, Line M4
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 24
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Etele tér.
- Restaurant Etele Plaza
- KFC Etele Plaza
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Griff
- Hotel Ventura
- Hotel Berlin
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for international and domestic long-distance trains
- Hall 2: regional and suburban train platforms
- Hall 3: Metro and tram connections
- Metro: Line M4
- Tram: Line 1, Line 19, Line 49
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
- Déli Terasz Söröző
- Ibrahim török büfé
- Vagon Etterem
- Fornetti
- Trio pizza
- Turkish Döner KEBAB
- Déli Mosoly
- Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi
- Club D One
- Lokomotív Falatozó
- There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
- Mercure Budapest Castle Hill
- Christina Residence Budapest
- ibis Budapest Castle Hill
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
- Metro lines: M2 (red)
- Tram lines: 17, 56, 56A, 59, 59A, 59B, 61
- Bus lines: 21, 21A, 39, 102, 139, 140, 140A, N960, N990
- Train lines: IC, IR, S (10, 12, 30, 34, 35, 40, 42), Z30
More options for your journey from Cologne to Budapest
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