The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main
Cheapest price
£14
Average price
£29
Fastest journey
47 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
89
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.
Of the 89 trains that leave Cologne for Frankfurt am Main every day 74 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 49 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.
ICE 617
ICE 617 · IC 2242
ICE 1021
ICE 921
ICE 219 · ICE 1559
ICE 1013
ICE 915
ICE 1015
ICE 919
ICE 1011Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Frankfurt am Main
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 2h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, and a flight costs an average of £446.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £10 Average Price Cheapest | £571 Average Price |
2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 36m Average total duration 3h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Frankfurt am Main train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Tuesday 13 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 913 | Delayed 07:03 06:30Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h49 | 07:55 07:55Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 527 | Delayed 06:59 06:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 08:12 08:12Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 527 | Delayed 06:59 06:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 07:59 07:59Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 513 · ICE 1557 | Delayed 07:09 06:54Cologne Hbf | 1h19 | 08:13 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 513 | Delayed 07:09 06:54Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 08:03 08:03Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 11 | Delayed 07:29 07:19Cologne Hbf | 1h08 | 08:36 08:36Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 11 | Delayed 07:29 07:19Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 08:22 08:22Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1513 | On time 07:29 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 08:49 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 121 | Delayed 08:35 08:28Cologne Hbf | 1h17 | 09:50 09:50Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 121 | Delayed 08:35 08:28Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 09:37 09:37Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 915 | Delayed 08:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h48 | 09:23 09:23Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 915 · ICE 25 | On time 08:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h08 | 09:39 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 621 | On time 08:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 09:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 621 | On time 08:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 09:39 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 27 | 08:53 Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 11:29 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 515 | Delayed 08:58 08:54Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 09:52 09:52Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 219 · ICE 1559 | On time 08:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h15 | 10:13 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 219 | 08:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h57 | 09:55 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 225 | On time 10:28 Cologne Hbf | 0h51 | 11:19 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 625 | On time 10:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 11:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 625 | On time 10:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 11:39 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 517+ 15169 | Delayed 10:58 10:54Cologne Hbf | 1h24 | 12:18 Frankfurt South station | 1 change | |
ICE 517 | Delayed 10:58 10:54Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 11:51 11:51Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 15 | On time 11:18 Cologne Hbf | 1h09 | 12:27 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 15 | On time 11:18 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 12:13 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1517 | On time 11:29 Cologne Hbf | 1h05 | 12:34 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1517 | On time 11:29 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 12:49 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 123 | On time 12:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 13:29 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 123 | On time 12:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h17 | 13:45 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 919 | On time 12:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h49 | 13:19 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 919 · ICE 123 | On time 12:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h15 | 13:45 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 629 | On time 12:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 13:39 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 629 | On time 12:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 13:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 229 | On time 12:53 Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 15:29 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 519+ 15171 | On time 12:54 Cologne Hbf | 1h24 | 14:18 Frankfurt South station | 1 change | |
ICE 519 | On time 12:54 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 13:49 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 315 | On time 13:18 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 14:13 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 125 | On time 14:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h17 | 15:45 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 125 | On time 14:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 15:29 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1011 | On time 14:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h49 | 15:19 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 125 | On time 14:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h15 | 15:45 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 723 | On time 14:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 15:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 723 | On time 14:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 15:39 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 927 | On time 14:53 Cologne Hbf | 2h35 | 17:28 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 611+ 15173 | 14:54 Cologne Hbf | 1h24 | 16:18 Frankfurt South station | 1 change | |
ICE 611 | 14:54 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 15:49 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 17 | On time 15:18 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 16:13 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 127 | On time 16:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 17:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 127 | On time 16:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 17:29 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1013 · ICE 127 | On time 16:32 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h16 | 17:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1013 | On time 16:32 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h47 | 17:19 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 929 | On time 16:53 Cologne Hbf | 2h37 | 19:30 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 613+ 15175 | 16:54 Cologne Hbf | 1h24 | 18:18 Frankfurt South station | 1 change | |
ICE 613 | 16:54 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 17:49 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 317 | On time 17:18 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 18:13 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 129 | On time 18:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 19:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 129 | On time 18:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 19:29 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1015 | On time 18:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h49 | 19:19 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1015 · ICE 129 | On time 18:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h18 | 19:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 821 | On time 18:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 19:39 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 821 | On time 18:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 19:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1021 | On time 18:53 Cologne Hbf | 2h31 | 21:24 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 615+ 15177 | 18:54 Cologne Hbf | 1h24 | 20:18 Frankfurt South station | 1 change | |
ICE 615 | 18:54 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 19:49 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 19 | On time 19:18 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 20:13 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 221 | On time 20:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 21:29 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 221 | On time 20:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h17 | 21:45 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 617 | 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 21:49 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 617 · S9 | 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 1h34 | 22:28 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 319 | On time 21:18 Cologne Hbf | 1h11 | 22:29 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 319 | On time 21:18 Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 22:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 619 | 22:54 Cologne Hbf | 1h12 | 00:06 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 619 | 22:54 Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 23:53 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 14 January | |||||
ICE 827 | On time 02:21 Cologne Hbf | 1h27 | 03:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 827 | On time 02:21 Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 03:36 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
25407 · ICE 921 | Delayed 02:56 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 06:03 06:03Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 521 | On time 03:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h08 | 04:36 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 521 | On time 03:28 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 04:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 523 | On time 04:20 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h31 | 05:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 911 · ICE 523 | On time 04:25 Cologne Hbf | 1h26 | 05:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 911 | On time 04:25 Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 05:19 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 511 | On time 04:48 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 05:49 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1511 | 05:27 Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 06:34 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 913 | On time 06:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h49 | 07:19 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1713 | 06:33 Cologne Hbf | 1h16 | 07:49 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1713 | 06:33 Cologne Hbf | 1h02 | 07:35 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 527 | On time 06:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h06 | 07:51 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 527 | On time 06:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0h54 | 07:39 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main
Trains from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 49m.
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Intercity, ÖBB Nightjet from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Intercity, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Frankfurt am Main from £6. 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.
Hessische Landesbahn
Intercity
ÖBB Nightjet
FAQs: Cologne to Frankfurt am Main train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Frankfurt am Main
- 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.
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
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