1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£41
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£59
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
12 h 27 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
12 h 36 m
Trains on 08 Sept
11
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 £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
To travel from Cologne to Kraków you need to make at least 2 changes.
ICE 511 · ICE 1555 · EC 135
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · EC 59
ICE 853 · 21857 · IC 2175 · EC 135
ICE 521 · ICE 696 · IC 2447 · IC 8310
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · IC 2449 · IC 8312
ICE 511 · ICE 1555 · EC 135
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
ICE 557 · 3312 · EC 247 · IC 8316
ICE 853 · 21857 · IC 2175 · EC 135
ICE 857 · 3350 · EC 231 · IC 8302Omio 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 an average ticket price of £57 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.8kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £57, while a flight costs an average of £277.
Distance: 923 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£83 Average Price | £57 Average Price Cheapest | £277 Average Price | £154 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 53m Average total duration 12h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 19m Average total duration 14h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 28m Average total duration Fastest 6h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 5.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Kraków:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Kraków costing on average £83.
A coach is £221 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Kraków costing on average £277.
Other travel options to Kraków take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 23m.
Coach takes on average 14h 49m.
Tickets start at around £83 compared to roughly £154 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £71. The journey takes 12h 23m versus 11h 14m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kraków trains for today, Monday 7 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 653 · 3318 · EC 431 | On time 16:44 Cologne Hbf | 13h49 | 6:33 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 727 · ICE 1657 · Bus 5301 · IC 6144 | On time 17:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 18h33 | 12:18 Kraków Główny | 5 changes | |
ICE 655 · ICE 1970 · EC 41 · IC 7316 | 18:44 Cologne Hbf | 18h36 | 13:20 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
17430 · ICE 947 · 4350 · EC 41 | 19:21 Cologne Hbf | 17h59 | 13:20 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 821 · ICE 274 · 4350 · EC 41 | On time 19:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 17h35 | 13:20 Kraków Główny | 4 changes | |
ICE 541 · 3306 · EC 45 · IC 8310 | On time 4:08 Cologne Hbf | 13h20 | 17:28 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 521 · ICE 696 · IC 2447 · IC 8310 | On time 4:28 Cologne Hbf | 13h00 | 17:28 Kraków Główny | 5 changes | |
ICE 853 · 21857 · IC 2175 · EC 135 | On time 5:34 Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 18:15 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 511 · ICE 1555 · EC 135 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 12h27 | 18:15 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 555 · 3310 · EC 49 · IC 8304 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 12h54 | 21:38 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | Delayed 7:19 9:18Cologne Hbf | 13h08 | 22:26 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 857 · 3350 · EC 231 · IC 8302 | On time 9:35 Cologne Hbf | 12h51 | 22:26 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 133 | Delayed 8:00 9:58Cologne Messe/Deutz | 12h28 | 22:26 Kraków Główny | 2 changes | |
ICE 557 · 3312 · EC 247 · IC 8316 | On time 10:44 Cologne Hbf | 12h34 | 23:18 Kraków Główny | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Kraków run on average 8 times per day, taking around 12h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £41 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 923 km distance in 12h 1m.
Distance 923 km |
Average train duration 12h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £41 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 12h 1m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
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
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. 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need