- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£36
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£143
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
11 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
11 h 51 m
Trains on 14 Oct
62
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 £143 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
To travel from Cologne to Budapest you need to make at least 2 changes.
ICE 515 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 4711
ICE 515 · RJX 69 · EC 341
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69
ICE 2013 · ICE 517 · RJX 261
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+
RJX19977+
EC 149
ICE 915+
EC 1217+
D 347Trains from Cologne to Budapest run on average 11 times per day, taking around 11h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 9h 46m.
Distance 956 km |
Average train duration 11h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 9h 46m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 617 · ICE 699 · ICE 1211 · RJX 19975 | Delayed 21:21 21:54Cologne Hbf | 17h25 | 15:19 Budapest-Deli | 5 changes | |
ICE 617 · ICE 699 · ICE 1211 · RJX 19975 | Delayed 21:21 21:54Cologne Hbf | 17h41 | 15:35 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 617 · ICE 699 · ICE 1211+ RJX19975 | Delayed 21:21 21:54Cologne Hbf | 17h41 | 15:35 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
RB26+ ICE 619+ RJX 63 | 23:56 Cologne Hbf | 16h39 | 16:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 14 October | |||||
33611 · ICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267 | 3:56 Cologne Hbf | 14h23 | 18:19 Budapest-Deli | 5 changes | |
ICE 911+ RJX 186+ EC 115 · EC 147 | 5:25 Cologne Hbf | 12h04 | 17:29 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 511+ RJX 65 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 18:29 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 511 · RJX 65 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 18:29 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 511 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 14h47 | 20:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 511 · RJX 65 · R 4643 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 12h31 | 18:19 Budapest-Deli | 2 changes | |
ICE 23 · ICE 711 · ICE 117 · RJX 19977 | On time 5:53 Cologne Hbf | 13h26 | 19:19 Budapest-Deli | 5 changes | |
ICE 23 · ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | On time 5:53 Cologne Hbf | 14h42 | 20:35 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 1511 · ICE 117+ RJX19977+ EC 149 | 6:27 Cologne Hbf | 13h02 | 19:29 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
RB48+ ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | 7:25 Cologne Hbf | 13h10 | 20:35 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
RB48+ ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX19977 | 7:25 Cologne Hbf | 12h04 | 19:29 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | On time 7:35 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 13h00 | 20:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149 | On time 7:35 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h44 | 19:19 Budapest-Deli | 4 changes | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215 · RJX 19977 · EC 149 | On time 7:35 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h54 | 19:29 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX19977+ EC 149 | On time 7:35 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h54 | 19:29 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 513 · RJX 67 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 20:35 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 513+ RJX 67 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 20:35 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
IC 1940 · ICE 515 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 13h26 | 22:19 Budapest-Deli | 4 changes | |
IC 1940+ ICE 515+ RJX 69+ IC 745 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 14h42 | 23:35 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 119+ RJX19915 | 8:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 21:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 | On time 8:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h37 | 21:35 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 119+ RJX19915 | On time 8:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h37 | 21:35 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631 | On time 8:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h21 | 21:19 Budapest-Deli | 2 changes | |
RB48+ ICE 915 · ICE 119+ RJX19915 | 9:25 Cologne Hbf | 12h10 | 21:35 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
RB48+ ICE 915+ EC 1217+ D 347 | 9:25 Cologne Hbf | 12h08 | 21:33 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631 | On time 9:34 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h45 | 21:19 Budapest-Deli | 3 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 | On time 9:34 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h01 | 21:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119+ RJX19915 | On time 9:34 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h01 | 21:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 915+ EC 1217+ D 347 | On time 9:34 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h59 | 21:33 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 211+ IC 747 | 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 14h36 | 0:29 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 211+ IC 747 | 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 14h36 | 0:29 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 515 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 4711 | On time 9:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h25 | 22:19 Budapest-Deli | 3 changes | |
ICE 515 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 9:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 22:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 515+ RJX 69+ IC 745+ EC 343 | On time 9:54 Cologne Hbf | 13h41 | 23:35 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 515+ RJX 69+ EC 341 | On time 9:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 22:35 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h21 | 22:19 Budapest-Deli | 5 changes | |
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h37 | 22:35 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+ RJX 69 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h37 | 22:35 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 217 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+ RJX 69 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 13h37 | 23:35 Budapest Keleti | 5 changes | |
ICE 2013 · ICE 517 · RJX 261 | On time 10:53 Cologne Hbf | 13h36 | 0:29 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 225 · ICE 211+ IC 747+ RJX 261 | 11:28 Cologne Hbf | 13h01 | 0:29 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 517+ RJX 261 | On time 11:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h35 | 0:29 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 559+ EN 40457 | 12:44 Cologne Hbf | 19h45 | 8:29 Budapest-Nyugati | 1 change | |
ICE 519 · RJX 13483 · REX 7638 · R 9919 | On time 13:54 Cologne Hbf | 17h10 | 7:04 Budapest-Deli | 5 changes | |
ICE 651+ IC 2233+ ICE 1655+ EN 40457 | 14:44 Cologne Hbf | 17h45 | 8:29 Budapest-Nyugati | 3 changes | |
ICE 611 · ICE 1655+ EN 40457 | 15:54 Cologne Hbf | 16h35 | 8:29 Budapest-Nyugati | 2 changes | |
IC 1948+ ICE 613+ EN 50237 | 16:53 Cologne Hbf | 16h36 | 9:29 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
IC 1948+ ICE 613+ EN 50237 · EN 40467 | 16:53 Cologne Hbf | 16h26 | 9:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 613+ EN 50237 | 17:54 Cologne Hbf | 15h35 | 9:29 Budapest Keleti | 1 change | |
ICE 613+ EN 50237 · EN 40467 | 17:54 Cologne Hbf | 15h25 | 9:19 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 203 · ICE 693+ EN 50237 · EN 40467 | 18:54 Cologne Hbf | 14h25 | 9:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 203 · ICE 693+ EN 50237 | 18:54 Cologne Hbf | 14h35 | 9:29 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
ICE 19 · ICE 1021+ RJX19949+ NJ 493 | 20:18 Cologne Hbf | 16h17 | 12:35 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 19 · ICE 1021+ NJ 493+ RJX19949 | 20:18 Cologne Hbf | 16h01 | 12:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
RB48+ ICE 823+ RE54 · RJX19949 | 20:25 Cologne Hbf | 16h10 | 12:35 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
RB48+ ICE 823+ RE54+ NJ 493 | 20:25 Cologne Hbf | 15h54 | 12:19 Budapest Keleti | 4 changes | |
ICE 823+ RE54 · RJX19949+ NJ 493 | 20:34 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 16h01 | 12:35 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
ICE 823+ RE54+ NJ 493+ RJX19949 | 20:34 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 15h45 | 12:19 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
NJ 469+ EC 143 | 21:51 Cologne Hbf | 15h11 | 13:02 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 change | |
NJ 469+ EC 143+ R 3335 | 21:51 Cologne Hbf | 15h54 | 13:45 Budapest Keleti | 2 changes | |
RE5+ NJ 469+ EC 143 | 22:33 Cologne Hbf | 14h29 | 13:02 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 changes | |
RE5+ NJ 469+ EC 143+ R 3335 | 22:33 Cologne Hbf | 15h12 | 13:45 Budapest Keleti | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
Museum inside Buda Castle covering Budapest’s past from medieval remains to modern urban history, with notable views from the building.
Major collection of Hungarian art from medieval works to the 20th century, set in palace wings with a calm atmosphere and city views.
Long avenue linking the centre with City Park. Grand facades, embassies and historic mansions make it one of Budapest’s classic walks.
Popular lookout terrace in the Castle District with neo-Romanesque towers and memorable panoramas over the Danube and Pest skyline.
Leafy island park in the Danube with running paths, gardens, fountains and ruins. A relaxing break from the busy centre.
Rich beef soup with paprika, onion and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a classic on Budapest menus.
Slow-cooked beef stew heavy with sweet paprika and onions, traditionally served with nokedli. A cornerstone of Hungarian home cooking.
Deep-fried flatbread, often topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It is one of Budapest’s most familiar street foods.
Long-running Jewish-Hungarian restaurant serving hearty local dishes in a warm, nostalgic dining room.
Traditional restaurant near the Great Market Hall specialising in paprika-rich Hungarian classics in a cosy, old-style setting.
Elegant riverside restaurant serving classic Hungarian dishes with polished service and grand Danube views.
Budget to moderate for Europe. Public transport is cheap, meals are reasonable, and hotels often cost less than in Vienna or Prague, though central stays and nightlife can add up.
Service may be included, so check the bill first. If not, tip around 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up slightly; cafés often get small change.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti railway station -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
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.

Most Cologne to Budapest trains use the Köln Hbf to Budapest Keleti station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest-Déli. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Budapest 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.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest Keleti 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: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Déli has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Déli Terasz Söröző, Ibrahim török büfé, Vagon Etterem, Fornetti, Trio pizza, Turkish Döner KEBAB, Déli Mosoly, Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi, Club D One, Lokomotív Falatozó
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35. Information desks are located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
Luggage storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Kelenföld 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 Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need