Cologne to Giessen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC)

Thu 17 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Hessische Landesbahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Hessische Landesbahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Giessen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£44

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£77

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

2 h 12 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

2 h 21 m

Trains on 17 Sept

4

Distance

126 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Giessen will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche Bahn10907+Hessische Landesbahn15107
    8:222h25
    Cologne Hbf
    10:47Giessen station
    £441One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 11+Hessische Landesbahn24788
    8:192h15
    Cologne Hbf
    10:34Giessen station
    £881One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1513+Hessische Landesbahn15110
    8:292h30
    Cologne Hbf
    10:59Giessen station
    £881One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 529+Hessische Landesbahn15110
    8:472h12
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    10:59Giessen station
    £881One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cologne to Giessen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Giessen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £39.

Distance: 126 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£39

Average Price

£13

Average Price

Cheapest

£22

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 49m

Average total duration

2h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 41m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 54m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

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 Giessen is a coach with an average price of £13.

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

A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Giessen costing on average £39.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Giessen is by coach with an average journey time of 2h 11m.

Other travel options to Giessen take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 19m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Giessen including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £39 compared to roughly £22 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-17.26. The journey takes 2h 19m versus 1h 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Cologne to Giessen train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Giessen 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 BahnICE 11+Hessische Landesbahn24788
On time
8:19 Cologne Hbf
2h15
10:34 Giessen station
1 change
Deutsche Bahn10907+Hessische Landesbahn151078:22 Cologne Hbf
2h25
10:47 Giessen station1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1513+Hessische Landesbahn15110
On time
8:29 Cologne Hbf
2h30
10:59 Giessen station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 529+Hessische Landesbahn15110
On time
8:47 Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h12
10:59 Giessen station
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 Giessen 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.

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 Giessen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and more offer trains services from Cologne to Giessen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Giessen.

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 Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Giessen.
  • 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 Giessen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Giessen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Giessen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 126 km distance in 2h 8m.

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 £10
Distance
126 km
Average train duration
2h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£20
Trains per day
10
Fastest train
2h 8m
First train
0:08
Last train
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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 £10

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Giessen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Giessen from £10. 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
2h 8m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£20
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

Hessische Landesbahn

About
Hessische Landesbahn (HLB) is a regional transport company owned by the German state of Hesse, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. It provides extensive bus and rail passenger transport services within Hesse and extends its operations into neighboring states like Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia. HLB operates as a holding company with subsidiaries managing rail services (HLB Hessenbahn GmbH), bus services (HLB Hessenbus GmbH), and infrastructure/vehicle resources (HLB Basis AG). Their diverse fleet includes modern train types such as Stadler FLIRT, Alstom LINT, and Coradia Continental trains. Tickets from Deutsche Bahn are also valid on HLB trains.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Hessische Landesbahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require a ticket and must be leashed
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£50
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
9 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
£85
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Giessen

Things to do in Giessen

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

  • Must visit

Liebig-Museum

Key Giessen museum on chemistry and everyday life, centred on Justus Liebig’s work and preserved historic laboratory spaces.

  • Must visit

Mathematikum

Compact mathematics museum with hands-on exhibits and puzzles, popular with families and anyone curious about numbers and logic.

  • Recommended

Oberhessisches Museum – Wallenfels

Municipal art museum showing paintings, prints and changing exhibitions in a central location suited to a short cultural stop.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Accommodation and dining are usually cheaper than in Frankfurt, while local buses and everyday meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is polite in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.

FAQs: Cologne to Giessen train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Giessen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £39.
The train journey from Cologne to Giessen covers a distance of 126 km and takes approximately 2h 8m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Giessen is 126 km.
The first train from Cologne to Giessen leaves at 0:08.
The last train from Cologne to Giessen departs at 23:55.
Trains from Cologne to Giessen run approximately 10 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Giessen.
To get from Cologne to Giessen, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Giessen.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Giessen is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Giessen station.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Giessen is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Cologne to Giessen 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 Giessen offers scenic views of the Rhine Valley and its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, rivers, and charming German towns, providing a pleasant travel experience.
A day trip from Cologne to Giessen is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 8m. However, there are 10 trains per day covering the distance of 126 km.
For a comprehensive visit to Giessen, two to three days are typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Mathematikum, the Botanical Garden, and the Old Castle.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Giessen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Giessen

Most Cologne to Giessen trains use the Köln Hbf to Gießen station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Giessen 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 Giessen

Which Cologne station do trains to Giessen leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Giessen 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.

Most popular train connections to Giessen

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