The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Erfurt
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£84
Fastest journey
3 h 23 m
Average duration
3 h 23 m
Trains per day
32
Distance
286 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Erfurt will cost around £84 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Of the 32 trains that leave Cologne for Erfurt every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 3 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 23 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 23 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.
IC 2157
IC 2157 · ICE 594
ICE 927 · ICE 832
IC 1948 · ICE 592
ICE 1611 · ICE 594
ICE 727 · ICE 832
ICE 723 · ICE 834
ICE 625 · ICE 838
ICE 621 · ICE 930
ICE 629 · ICE 9591Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cologne to Erfurt
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 286 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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 Erfurt train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Erfurt trains for tomorrow, Sunday 15 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1513 · ICE 692 | On time 07:29 Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 11:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2155 | On time 08:17 Cologne Hbf | 5h25 | 13:42 Erfurt Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2155 · ICE 690 | On time 08:17 Cologne Hbf | 5h10 | 13:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 121 · ICE 930 | On time 08:28 Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 12:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 621 · ICE 930 | On time 08:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h23 | 12:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 838 | On time 08:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h15 | 14:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 690 | On time 09:29 Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 13:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 623 · ICE 690 | On time 09:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h42 | 13:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2013 · ICE 598 | On time 09:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 15:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 202 · IC 2049 · ICE 589 · 26111 | On time 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h39 | 15:50 Erfurt Hbf | 3 changes | |
28513 · 4261 · ICE 9591 | Delayed 10:32 Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 16:20 16:20Erfurt Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 625 · ICE 838 | On time 10:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h23 | 14:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1747 | On time 11:01 Cologne Hbf | 5h14 | 16:15 Erfurt Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 726 · ICE 1747 | On time 11:18 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h57 | 16:15 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1517 · ICE 598 | On time 11:29 Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 15:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 | On time 11:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h42 | 15:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1644 · ICE 596 | On time 11:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 17:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 123 · ICE 9591 | Delayed 12:28 Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 16:20 16:20Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 629 · ICE 9591 | Delayed 12:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h23 | 16:20 16:20Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1229 · ICE 834 | On time 12:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h15 | 18:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1519 · ICE 596 | On time 13:29 Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 17:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 721 · ICE 596 | On time 13:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h42 | 17:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2157 | On time 14:17 Cologne Hbf | 5h22 | 19:39 Erfurt Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2157 · ICE 594 | On time 14:17 Cologne Hbf | 5h10 | 19:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 125 · ICE 834 | On time 14:28 Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 18:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 723 · ICE 834 | On time 14:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h23 | 18:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 927 · ICE 832 | On time 14:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h15 | 20:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1611 · ICE 594 | On time 15:29 Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 19:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 725 · ICE 594 | On time 15:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h42 | 19:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1948 · ICE 592 | On time 15:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 21:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 127 · ICE 832 | On time 16:28 Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 20:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 727 · ICE 832 | On time 16:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h23 | 20:08 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Erfurt 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.
16 Mar
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18 Mar
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20 Mar
21 Mar
22 Mar
Why should you book Cologne to Erfurt 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 Österreichische Bundesbahnen or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Erfurt.
- 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 Erfurt.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Österreichische Bundesbahnen or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Erfurt.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Erfurt.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Erfurt

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Erfurt
Trains from Cologne to Erfurt run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 286 km distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 286 km |
Average train duration 4h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Intercity from Cologne to Erfurt trainsDeutsche Bahn, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Erfurt from £17. 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.
Intercity
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
FAQs: Cologne to Erfurt train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Erfurt
- 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
- Monday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Saturday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Sunday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Istanbul Grill
- McDonald's
- Masala
- Planet Comics
- Hotel Krämerbrücke
- Intercity Hotel
- Pension am Dom
- Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior
- Zur Schuhleiste
- Bachstelze
- McDonald's
- Bruzelkiste Tag & Nacht
- Pizzeria Vulcano
- Bagdad Döner
- Hotel Lindeneck
- Pension Feldschlößchen
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