Cologne to Darmstadt train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE)

Sat 29 Nov
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Intercity
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Intercity
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Darmstadt

Showing times and prices for 01 Dec

Cheapest price

£40

Average price

£44

Fastest journey

2 h 28 m

Average duration

2 h 43 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

169 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Darmstadt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Darmstadt will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Cologne for Darmstadt every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 169 km distance in an average of 2 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 28 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 57 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Deutsche Bahn
04:532h28
Cologne
07:21Darmstadt
£401One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:532h57
Cologne
09:50Darmstadt
£471One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Darmstadt

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Darmstadt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £21.

Distance: 169 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£44

Average Price

£10

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 42m

Average total duration

2h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Darmstadt train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Darmstadt trains for tomorrow, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 22:55
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn04:53 Cologne
2h28
07:21 Darmstadt0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn06:53 Cologne
2h57
09:50 Darmstadt0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Darmstadt 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.

Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Darmstadt

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconVery fast and reliable
Disadvantages
IconNone
The train connection from Cologne to Darmstadt was very pleasant and satisfactory. The punctuality of the train was excellent, the train arrived and departed on time. The cleanliness of the train was average, the floors and seats were very well maintained and clean, but the windows could do with some extra cleaning. The toilets were well equipped and well maintained. I reached my destination on time and was very happy with this train service, so I am happy to recommend it.
Advantages
IconPrice
IconComfortable
Disadvantages
IconSanitary facilities
I travelled from Cologne to Darmstadt by train. I had to change trains twice on my journey. All trains arrived on time, so there were no connection problems. There were also no delays or disruptions during the rest of the journey. The trains were in good general condition. The wifi provided worked very well and reliably, as did the power sockets, which were very handy for charging smartphones. Unfortunately, the sanitary facilities were not particularly clean.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Darmstadt

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Darmstadt run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:16, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 169 km distance in 1h 53m.

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
Coach from £8
Distance
169 km
Average train duration
2h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
£21
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
1h 53m
First train
00:16
Last train
23:57
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
Coach from £8

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Intercity from Cologne to Darmstadt trainsDeutsche Bahn, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Darmstadt from £8. 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 Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
£63
Deutsche Bahn frequency
3 a day
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

Intercity

About
Intercity is a widely recognized brand for express train services that connect cities over longer distances, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \Intercity\" originated in the United Kingdom in 1966 with British Rail's electrification of the West Coast Main Line, becoming a brand for their main-line passenger routes. Today, Intercity services vary across Europe, with some countries like Switzerland offering modern, high-standard trains, while in others, they may be older compared to newer high-speed options. Many European countries use \"InterCity\" as an official brand name for regular, long-distance train services meeting specific speed and comfort criteria. For example, PKP Intercity is a major Polish rail operator connecting cities and tourist resorts within Poland and across Europe. Trenitalia's Intercity trains in Italy offer an affordable and widespread means of rail transport, connecting various cities and towns. These trains typically offer Standard and First Class services, with amenities like power sockets and sometimes catering."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
£49
Intercity frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone

FAQs: Cologne to Darmstadt train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Darmstadt 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 Darmstadt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Cologne to Darmstadt is not feasible, as the journey takes 1h 53m and exceeds the 120-minute limit. Trains run 3 times per day.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Darmstadt is generally adequate to explore its main attractions, such as the Mathildenhöhe, the Hessisches Landesmuseum, and the Rosenhöhe Park.
The train journey from Cologne to Darmstadt offers a pleasant view, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhineland, with glimpses of charming towns and the scenic Rhine River along parts of the route.
Booking trains from Cologne to Darmstadt in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Darmstadt is by coach, costing approximately £8.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Darmstadt can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £44.
The train distance from Cologne to Darmstadt is 169 km.
The last train from Cologne to Darmstadt departs at 23:57.
The train journey from Cologne to Darmstadt covers a distance of 169 km and takes approximately 1h 53m. Trains run 3 per day.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Darmstadt.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Darmstadt is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Darmstadt Hbf.
The first train from Cologne to Darmstadt leaves at 0:16.
Trains from Cologne to Darmstadt run approximately 3 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Darmstadt.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Darmstadt.
To get from Cologne to Darmstadt, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Darmstadt

Cologne
Darmstadt
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Darmstadt.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-EhrenfeldWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
  • Burger King
  • Café Franck
  • Eichendorf
Hotel
Hotel
  • Kölnotel
  • Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps
Köln WestWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Couchsnacks
  • Secco
  • Bistro Lotus
  • Ganesha
Hotel
Hotel
  • Flandrischer Hof
  • Lasthaus am Ring
  • The Ascot Hotel
  • Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
Köln Messe/DeutzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Imbiss Athena
  • Arena Grill
  • Cafe Especial
  • Joe Champs
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Helenenwall
  • Zur guten Quelle
  • Zum Goldenen Hut
  • Merlin

More options for your journey from Cologne to Darmstadt

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone