The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Budapest
Cheapest price
£152
Average price
£182
Fastest journey
11 h 24 m
Average duration
11 h 26 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 £182 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £152.
To travel from Cologne to Budapest you need to make at least 2 changes.
EC 9 · RE 29515 · ICE 29 · RJX 261
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91+
RJX 67
S 19+
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91
RE 5+
ICE 529 · ICE 91+
RJX 67
ICE 529 · ICE 91+
RJX 67
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91+
RJX 67
ICE 105 · ICE 27 · EC 40347
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91 · RJX 67
ICE 103 · ICE 593+
RJX 67
ICE 529 · ICE 91+
RJX 67Travel 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 £44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. 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 £44, and a flight costs an average of £39.
Distance: 956 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£149 Average Price | £246 Average Price | £75 Average Price Cheapest |
11h 29m Average total duration 10h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 10m Average total duration 17h 40m 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 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RE 5+ ICE 529+ RJX 67 | On time 07:31 Cologne Hbf | 11h48 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
RE 5+ ICE 529 · ICE 91+ RJX 67 | On time 07:31 Cologne Hbf | 11h48 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
S 19+ ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91 | On time 07:41 Cologne Hbf | 11h38 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
S 19+ ICE 103 · ICE 593+ RJX 67 | On time 07:41 Cologne Hbf | 11h38 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 529+ RJX 67 | On time 07:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h35 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 529 · RJX 67 | On time 07:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h35 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 529 · ICE 91+ RJX 67 | On time 07:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h35 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91+ RJX 67 | On time 07:55 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h24 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593+ RJX 67 | On time 07:55 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h24 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 91 · RJX 67 | On time 07:55 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h24 | 19:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
RE 5+ ICE 621 · ICE 93+ RJX 165 | 08:31 Cologne Hbf | 11h48 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 621 · ICE 93+ RJX 165 | On time 08:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h35 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 621 · ICE 93 · RJX 165 | On time 08:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h35 | 20:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · EC 40347 | On time 08:53 Cologne Hbf | 12h26 | 21:19 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
EC 9 · RE 29515 · ICE 29 · RJX 261 | On time 09:53 Cologne Hbf | 13h37 | 23:30 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 105 · ICE 27 · EC 40347 | On time 09:55 Cologne Hbf | 11h24 | 21:19 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 Dec
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
05 Dec
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
09 Dec
10 Dec
11 Dec
12 Dec
13 Dec
14 Dec
15 Dec
16 Dec
17 Dec
18 Dec
19 Dec
20 Dec
21 Dec
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 10h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £39 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 11h 7m.
Distance 956 km |
Average train duration 10h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 11h 7m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, Intercity from Cologne to Budapest trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Budapest from £39. 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
Intercity
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.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- 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
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- 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
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Nyugati tér.
- Két Szerecsen
- Menza Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Parlament
- Radisson Blu Béke Hotel
- Hilton Budapest City
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for international trains
- Hall 2: domestic and regional train platforms
- Hall 3: metro and tram connections
- Metro: Line M3
- Tram: Line 4, Line 6
- 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
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Budapest
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


