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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Kraków
Showing times and prices for 11 Dec
Cheapest price
£126
Average price
£161
Fastest journey
11 h 29 m
Average duration
13 h 26 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
923 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Kraków is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Kraków will cost around £161 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £126.
Fast trains
To travel from Cologne to Kraków you need to make at least one change.
ICE 559 · EC 249 · TLK 5317012:4514h51
Cologne Hbf03:36Kraków Główny
£1261One-way
2 changes
ICE 555 · EC 49 · IC 830408:4512h52
Cologne Hbf21:37Kraków Główny
£1471One-way
2 changes
ICE 857 · EC 231 · IC 830209:4512h41
Cologne Hbf22:26Kraków Główny
£1681One-way
2 changes
ICE 1157 · EC 5512:1811h29
Cologne Hbf23:47Kraków Główny
£1681One-way
1 change
ICE 629 · ICE 1653+
TLX 26911+
KD 531513:4415h19
Cologne Messe/Deutz05:03Kraków Główny
£1781One-way
6 changes
ICE 1157 · EC 5512:1811h29
Cologne Hbf23:47Kraków Główny
£1681One-way
1 change
ICE 857 · EC 231 · IC 830209:4512h41
Cologne Hbf22:26Kraków Główny
£1681One-way
2 changes
ICE 555 · EC 49 · IC 830408:4512h52
Cologne Hbf21:37Kraków Główny
£1471One-way
2 changes
ICE 559 · EC 249 · TLK 5317012:4514h51
Cologne Hbf03:36Kraków Główny
£1261One-way
2 changes
ICE 629 · ICE 1653+TLX 26911+KD 531513:4415h19
Cologne Messe/Deutz05:03Kraków Główny
£1781One-way
6 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Cologne to Kraków
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kraków among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £36, and a flight costs an average of £115.
Distance: 923 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£111 Average Price | £58 Average Price Cheapest | £382 Average Price |
12h 58m Average total duration 12h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 12m Average total duration 17h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 5.5kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Kraków train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kraków trains for today, Wednesday 10 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 07:22
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 555 · EC 49 · IC 8304 | On time 07:45 Cologne Hbf | 12h52 | 20:37 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
| ICE 857 · EC 231 · IC 8302 | On time 08:45 Cologne Hbf | 12h39 | 21:24 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
| ICE 859 · EC 55 | On time 10:45 Cologne Hbf | 12h02 | 22:47 Kraków Główny | 1 change | |
| ICE 559 · EC 249 · TLK 53170 | On time 11:45 Cologne Hbf | 14h51 | 02:36 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
| ICE 123 · ICE 1653+TLX 26911+KD 5315 | On time 12:21 Cologne Hbf | 15h42 | 04:03 Kraków Główny | 6 changes | |
| ICE 629 · ICE 1653+TLX 26911+KD 5315 | On time 12:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 15h19 | 04:03 Kraków Główny | 6 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Kraków by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
Wed
10 Dec
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Kraków?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Kraków is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Kraków route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Kraków per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Kraków.
Trains
from £45Coaches
from £51Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Kraków
Germany
Poland
Trains from Cologne to Kraków run on average 8 times per day, taking around 12h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £36 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 923 km distance in 11h 27m.
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 £36
Distance 923 km |
Average train duration 12h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 11h 27m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:55 |
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 £36
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Kraków trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Kraków from £36. 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
11h 27m
Cheapest Price
£41
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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.
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.
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.
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
FAQs: Cologne to Kraków train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Kraków 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 Kraków, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Three days in Kraków is ideal to explore its historic sites, vibrant culture, and charming neighbourhoods, including the Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, and Kazimierz district.
The train journey from Cologne to Kraków offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the rolling landscapes and picturesque villages of Germany and the lush countryside of Poland. Passengers can enjoy glimpses of the Rhine River and the Carpathian Mountains along the route.
The train distance from Cologne to Kraków is 923 km.
To get from Cologne to Kraków, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
In Kraków, you can visit the solemn Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine with its intricate salt sculptures. Discover the vibrant street art in the Kazimierz district and enjoy a walk along the Vistula River. The Kraków Cloth Hall offers local crafts and souvenirs. Best sights include Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, and St. Mary's Basilica. Experience the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz and delve into World War II history at Schindler's Factory.
The train journey from Cologne to Kraków covers a distance of 923 km and takes approximately 11h 27m. Trains run 8 per day.
A day trip from Cologne to Kraków is not feasible as the journey takes 11h 27m each way. However, there are 8 trips available per day for this train route.
The first train from Cologne to Kraków leaves at 0:01.
Booking trains from Cologne to Kraków in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Kraków can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £111.
The last train from Cologne to Kraków departs at 23:55.
Trains from Cologne to Kraków run approximately 8 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Kraków is by coach, costing approximately £36.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Kraków.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Kraków is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Kraków Główny.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Kraków.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Kraków.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Kraków
Cologne
Kraków
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 Kraków.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
The major train station for arrivals in Kraków is Kraków Główny. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Kraków Główny for your journey to Kraków from Cologne.
Kraków Główny
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
10Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Pawia Street.
Dining
- Restauracja Browar Lubicz
- Bistro Bene by Tomasz Leśniak
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- PLN 2
Hotel
- Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto
- PURO Kraków Stare Miasto
- Vienna House Andel's Cracow
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for regional trains
- Hall 2: platforms 6-10 for long-distance and international trains
Public transport options for Kraków Główny
- Tram: Lines 3, 5, 19, 50
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Kraków
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kraków and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Kraków
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