- Must visit
Rynek Underground Museum
Museum beneath the Main Square revealing medieval remains, trade history and immersive displays under the heart of the Old Town.
Cheapest price on 24 Oct
£36
Average ticket price on 24 Oct
£90
Fastest journey on 24 Oct
12 h 36 m
Average journey duration on 24 Oct
12 h 50 m
Trains on 24 Oct
15
Distance
923 km
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 £90 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
To travel from Cologne to Kraków you need to make at least one change.
IC 60403 · ICE 698 · EC 59
ICE 521 · ICE 696 · EC 135
ICE 853 · S15 · EC 47 · IC 8306
ICE 553 · EC 57
ICE 921 · 4251 · S6 · ICE 378
ICE 621 · ICE 374 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 523 · S6 · ICE 378 · ICE 1555
ICE 911 · ICE 378 · ICE 1555 · EC 135
ICE 121 · ICE 374 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 557 · EC 55Trains from Cologne to Kraków run on average 5 times per day, taking around 12h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £35 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 923 km distance in 10h 52m.
Distance 923 km |
Average train duration 12h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 10h 52m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Kraków.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kraków trains for today, Friday 23 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 511 · ICE 1555 · EC 135 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 12h27 | 18:15 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 553 · EC 57 | On time 6:45 Cologne Hbf | 13h24 | 20:09 Kraków Główny | 1 change | |
ICE 525 · ICE 694 · S42 · 33767 | On time 6:51 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 13h18 | 20:09 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 855 · S15 · EC 49 · IC 8304 | 7:45 Cologne Hbf | 13h53 | 21:38 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 527 · ICE 376 · S15 · EC 49 | On time 7:48 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 13h50 | 21:38 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 555 · EC 231 · IC 8302 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 13h42 | 22:26 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | Delayed 7:37 9:31Cologne Hbf | 12h55 | 22:26 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h28 | 22:26 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 557 · EC 55 | On time 10:44 Cologne Hbf | 12h59 | 23:43 Kraków Główny | 1 change | |
17330 · ICE 859 · S15 · EC 249 | 11:25 Cologne Hbf | 16h07 | 3:32 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 625 · ICE 372 · S15 · EC 249 | Delayed 9:50 11:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 15h47 | 3:32 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 651 · EC 431 | On time 14:44 Cologne Hbf | 15h49 | 6:33 Kraków Główny | 1 change | |
ICE 125 · ICE 278 · S15 · EC 431 | On time 15:28 Cologne Hbf | 15h05 | 6:33 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 723 · ICE 278 · S15 · EC 431 | Delayed 13:48 15:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 14h48 | 6:33 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 653 · 3358 · Bus RB66 · IC 8331 | On time 16:44 Cologne Hbf | 18h31 | 11:15 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 201 · ICE 691 · RJ 263 · EC 106 | On time 16:54 Cologne Hbf | 19h19 | 12:13 Kraków Główny | 5 changes | |
ICE 657 · EC 41 · IC 7316 | 20:45 Cologne Hbf | 16h35 | 13:20 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 657 · EC 41 · IC 7316 | 20:45 Cologne Hbf | 16h35 | 13:20 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 617 · IC 60409 · 16503 · IC 7316 | 21:54 Cologne Hbf | 15h26 | 13:20 Kraków Główny | 5 changes | |
ICE 617 · IC 60409 · 16503 · IC 7316 | 21:54 Cologne Hbf | 15h26 | 13:20 Kraków Główny | 5 changes | |
ICE 1541 · 3342 · EC 43 · IC 8312 | On time 23:13 Cologne Hbf | 16h06 | 15:19 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
17438 · ICE 1541 · 3342 · EC 43 | 23:21 Cologne Hbf | 15h58 | 15:19 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
| Saturday 24 October | |||||
ICE 521 · ICE 696 · EC 135 | 4:28 Cologne Hbf | 13h47 | 18:15 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 911 · ICE 378 · ICE 1555 · EC 135 | On time 5:25 Cologne Hbf | 12h50 | 18:15 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 523 · S6 · ICE 378 · ICE 1555 | On time 5:27 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h48 | 18:15 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 853 · S15 · EC 47 · IC 8306 | On time 5:44 Cologne Hbf | 13h43 | 19:27 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Kraków — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kraków trip today.
Museum beneath the Main Square revealing medieval remains, trade history and immersive displays under the heart of the Old Town.
Former enamel factory with a powerful exhibition on Kraków under Nazi occupation and daily life during the Second World War.
Major branch of the National Museum with Polish art from the nineteenth century onward, including celebrated paintings and decorative arts.
Kraków’s main square is a lively historic centre with the Cloth Hall, church façades and constant street life at all hours.
Historic Jewish quarter with synagogues, courtyards, murals and a lively street scene that blends heritage with contemporary city life.
Broad green promenade planted where medieval walls once stood; ideal for walking between key sights around the Old Town.
Obwarzanek krakowski is Kraków’s iconic ring-shaped bread, boiled then baked and topped with poppy or sesame seeds. It is a protected local street-food classic.
Maczanka krakowska is roast pork in a caraway-spiced gravy, served in a bread roll. It is often called Kraków’s traditional answer to pulled pork sandwiches.
Kiełbasa krakowska is a smoked Polish sausage linked to Kraków, made from seasoned pork. It is prized for its firm texture and distinctive garlic-spice flavour.
Traditional Polish restaurant near the Main Square, known for hearty classics, period interiors and folk-inspired atmosphere.
Casual venue specialising in maczanka krakowska and other local sandwiches. A good stop for classic Kraków street-food flavours.
Well-known Jewish-style restaurant in Kazimierz serving Polish and regional dishes in a lively, rustic setting with evening music.
Budget-friendly for city breaks; hotels, meals and public transport usually cost less than in major Western European tourist cities.
About 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in cafés and taxis or add a small tip; check the bill for any service charge.
Official public transport app
Kraków Główny -> Rynek Główny, Kraków
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Kraków.
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.

Most Cologne to Kraków trains use the Köln Hbf to Kraków Główny station pair, with some services arriving at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kraków train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Kraków Główny is 1 km from Kraków city centre. Public transport options include:
Kraków Główny has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restauracja Browar Lubicz, Bistro Bene by Tomasz Leśniak
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kraków Główny. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kraków Główny. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kraków Główny: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kraków Główny: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kraków Główny: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto, PURO Kraków Stare Miasto, Vienna House Andel's Cracow.
Kraków Płaszów Railway Station is 3 km from Kraków city centre. Public transport options include:
Kraków Płaszów Railway Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station. ATMs are located near the entrance hall.
Ticket office support is available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station.
Available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kraków Płaszów Railway Station: Elevators and ramps available for wheelchairs.
Check train stations information for Cologne and Kraków, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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