Cologne to Fribourg train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Thu 17 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ 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 Fribourg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£108

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£119

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

5 h 30 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

5 h 56 m

Trains on 17 Sept

6

Distance

460 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Fribourg will cost around £119 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £108.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne to Fribourg you need to make at least one change.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2348 · ICE 277 · IC 969 · IR 2520
    6:536h33
    Cologne Hbf
    13:26Fribourg
    £1081One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 101 · IR 2518
    6:565h30
    Cologne Hbf
    12:26Fribourg
    £1081One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 279 · IR 2524
    8:536h33
    Cologne Hbf
    15:26Fribourg
    £1221One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 623
    7:537h03
    Cologne Hbf
    14:56Fribourg
    £1221One-way
    4 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 513 · ICE 277 · IC 969 · IR 2520
    7:545h32
    Cologne Hbf
    13:26Fribourg
    £1261One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Fribourg

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Fribourg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £84 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £84, while a flight costs an average of £325.

Distance: 460 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach
Driving

£129

Average Price

£325

Average Price

£84

Average Price

Cheapest

£141

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 20m

Average total duration

5h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 43m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

17h 10m

Average total duration

16h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 39m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.4 - 2.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Fribourg is a coach with an average price of £84.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Fribourg:

A coach is £44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Fribourg costing on average £129.

A coach is £240 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Fribourg costing on average £325.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Fribourg is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 43m.

Other travel options to Fribourg take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 50m.

Coach takes on average 16h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Fribourg including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 49m faster (5h 50m by train vs 6h 39m by car) and roughly £12 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£129 vs £141). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cologne to Fribourg train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Fribourg trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 2348 · ICE 277 · IC 969 · IR 2520
On time
6:53 Cologne Hbf
6h33
13:26 Fribourg
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 101 · IR 2518
On time
6:56 Cologne Hbf
5h30
12:26 Fribourg
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 623
On time
7:53 Cologne Hbf
7h03
14:56 Fribourg
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 513 · ICE 277 · IC 969 · IR 2520
On time
7:54 Cologne Hbf
5h32
13:26 Fribourg
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 279 · IR 2524
On time
8:53 Cologne Hbf
6h33
15:26 Fribourg
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · IC 971 · IR 2522
On time
8:56 Cologne Hbf
5h30
14:26 Fribourg
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 Fribourg 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Cologne to Fribourg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Cologne to Fribourg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Fribourg.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Fribourg.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Fribourg.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Fribourg

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
IconComfortable
IconClean
IconWell maintained
Disadvantages
IconPrice
I travelled with my son from Cologne to Freiburg because he has a rare disease that prevents his bones from growing. We have to go to Freiburg regularly and so we did on this day in September. Everything went smoothly, the train arrived on time and there were no disruptions or delays during the journey. The train was clean and well maintained, the seats, the corridors and the sanitary facilities were in excellent condition. We had to change trains once. The wifi on board also worked really well, so I have nothing to criticise. The price could perhaps be reduced a little.
Advantages
IconNo car
IconMore environmentally friendly
Disadvantages
IconPrice
I was very satisfied with the train from Cologne to Freiburg. The cleanliness was good. Thanks to the seat reservation, I had no problem finding a seat. Fortunately, it wasn't very loud, so I was able to study well. The conductor was nice. It's a great alternative to travelling by car as it's more environmentally friendly. I don't use any petrol and I can concentrate on studying the whole time. The only negative point is that I have to pay a lot for such a ticket and it doesn't tend to be worth it.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Fribourg

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Fribourg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:33. The fastest train covers the 460 km distance in 5h 26m.

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
Distance
460 km
Average train duration
5h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£49
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 26m
First train
0:25
Last train
23:33
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
4 days
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Fribourg trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Fribourg from £64. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 26m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£49
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£158
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Fribourg

Things to do in Fribourg

Discover the best of Fribourg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fribourg trip today.

  • Recommended

Musée d'art et d'histoire

Art and history museum in a former slaughterhouse, presenting regional archaeology, sculpture, painting, and changing exhibitions.

  • Recommended

Fri Art Kunsthalle

Contemporary art centre in a former brewery, known for ambitious exhibitions by Swiss and international artists in industrial spaces.

  • Recommended

Museum Gutenberg

Museum exploring Gutenberg-era printing, presses, and graphic arts through interactive displays in the heart of the old town.

Swiss franc (CHF, symbol: CHF)

Fribourg is costly for travellers, with higher hotel, dining and transport prices than many nearby European cities, though it is usually a little cheaper than Zurich or Geneva.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 15-25 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
CHF 80+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
CHF 4-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up in restaurants, cafés and taxis, or leave about CHF 1-5 for good service; large tips are not expected.

FAQs: Cologne to Fribourg train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Fribourg can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £85.
The train journey from Cologne to Fribourg covers a distance of 460 km and takes approximately 5h 26m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Fribourg is 460 km.
The first train from Cologne to Fribourg leaves at 0:25.
The last train from Cologne to Fribourg departs at 23:33.
Trains from Cologne to Fribourg run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Fribourg.
To get from Cologne to Fribourg, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Fribourg.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Fribourg is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Fribourg.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Fribourg is by coach, costing approximately £44.
Booking trains from Cologne to Fribourg in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Fribourg offers scenic views, especially as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning river vistas.
A day trip from Cologne to Fribourg is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 26m and the distance is 460 km. There are 9 trains available per day.
Two to three days are recommended to explore Fribourg, allowing time to visit its historic old town, museums, and nearby natural attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Fribourg.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Fribourg

Most Cologne to Fribourg trains use the Köln Hbf to Fribourg station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Fribourg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Fribourg

Which Cologne station do trains to Fribourg leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Fribourg leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · £3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · £2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £4

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Fribourg

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