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

Sat 24 Oct
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Great Western Railway
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West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Kraków

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 24 Oct

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

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 £90 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnIC 60403 · ICE 698 · EC 59
    0:1215h55
    Cologne Hbf
    16:07Kraków Główny
    £361One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 521 · ICE 696 · EC 135
    4:2813h47
    Cologne Hbf
    18:15Kraków Główny
    £401One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 853 · S15 · EC 47 · IC 8306
    5:4413h43
    Cologne Hbf
    19:27Kraków Główny
    £531One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 553 · EC 57
    6:4513h24
    Cologne Hbf
    20:09Kraków Główny
    £531One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 921 · 4251 · S6 · ICE 378
    3:4914h26
    Cologne Hbf
    18:15Kraków Główny
    £621One-way
    5 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Kraków

GermanyGermany
PolandPoland
Icon of train

Trains 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.

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 £35
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
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 £35

Frequently asked questions about your Cologne to Kraków trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Kraków.

The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Kraków can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £86.
The train journey from Cologne to Kraków covers a distance of 923 km and takes approximately 10h 52m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Kraków is 923 km.
The first train from Cologne to Kraków leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Cologne to Kraków departs at 23:55.
Trains from Cologne to Kraków run approximately 5 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Kraków.

Live departures

Cologne to Kraków train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 511 · ICE 1555 · EC 135
On time
5:48 Cologne Hbf
12h27
18:15 Kraków Główny
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 553 · EC 57
On time
6:45 Cologne Hbf
13h24
20:09 Kraków Główny
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 525 · ICE 694 · S42 · 33767
On time
6:51 Cologne Messe/Deutz
13h18
20:09 Kraków Główny
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 855 · S15 · EC 49 · IC 83047:45 Cologne Hbf
13h53
21:38 Kraków Główny3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 527 · ICE 376 · S15 · EC 49
On time
7:48 Cologne Messe/Deutz
13h50
21:38 Kraków Główny
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 555 · EC 231 · IC 8302
On time
8:44 Cologne Hbf
13h42
22:26 Kraków Główny
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 121 · ICE 1559 · EC 133
Delayed
7:37 9:31Cologne Hbf
12h55
22:26 Kraków Główny
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 217 · ICE 1559 · EC 1339:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz
12h28
22:26 Kraków Główny2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 557 · EC 55
On time
10:44 Cologne Hbf
12h59
23:43 Kraków Główny
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17330 · ICE 859 · S15 · EC 24911:25 Cologne Hbf
16h07
3:32 Kraków Główny4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 625 · ICE 372 · S15 · EC 249
Delayed
9:50 11:45Cologne Messe/Deutz
15h47
3:32 Kraków Główny
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 651 · EC 431
On time
14:44 Cologne Hbf
15h49
6:33 Kraków Główny
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 125 · ICE 278 · S15 · EC 431
On time
15:28 Cologne Hbf
15h05
6:33 Kraków Główny
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 723 · ICE 278 · S15 · EC 431
Delayed
13:48 15:45Cologne Messe/Deutz
14h48
6:33 Kraków Główny
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 653 · 3358 · Bus RB66 · IC 8331
On time
16:44 Cologne Hbf
18h31
11:15 Kraków Główny
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 201 · ICE 691 · RJ 263 · EC 106
On time
16:54 Cologne Hbf
19h19
12:13 Kraków Główny
5 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 657 · EC 41 · IC 731620:45 Cologne Hbf
16h35
13:20 Kraków Główny2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 657 · EC 41 · IC 731620:45 Cologne Hbf
16h35
13:20 Kraków Główny2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 617 · IC 60409 · 16503 · IC 731621:54 Cologne Hbf
15h26
13:20 Kraków Główny5 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 617 · IC 60409 · 16503 · IC 731621:54 Cologne Hbf
15h26
13:20 Kraków Główny5 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1541 · 3342 · EC 43 · IC 8312
On time
23:13 Cologne Hbf
16h06
15:19 Kraków Główny
3 changes
Deutsche Bahn17438 · ICE 1541 · 3342 · EC 4323:21 Cologne Hbf
15h58
15:19 Kraków Główny4 changes
Saturday 24 October
Deutsche BahnICE 521 · ICE 696 · EC 1354:28 Cologne Hbf
13h47
18:15 Kraków Główny2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 911 · ICE 378 · ICE 1555 · EC 135
On time
5:25 Cologne Hbf
12h50
18:15 Kraków Główny
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 523 · S6 · ICE 378 · ICE 1555
On time
5:27 Cologne Messe/Deutz
12h48
18:15 Kraków Główny
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 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

Why should you book Cologne to Kraków trains with Omio?

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

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

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Kraków trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Kraków from £35. 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
10h 52m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£36
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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.
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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Kraków

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

There is no night train service from Cologne to Kraków.

Complete guide to Kraków

Things to do in Kraków

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

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory

Former enamel factory with a powerful exhibition on Kraków under Nazi occupation and daily life during the Second World War.

  • Recommended

National Museum in Kraków - Main Building

Major branch of the National Museum with Polish art from the nineteenth century onward, including celebrated paintings and decorative arts.

Polish złoty (zł)

Budget-friendly for city breaks; hotels, meals and public transport usually cost less than in major Western European tourist cities.

Average meal costs

Budget
zł25-40 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
zł60-120 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
zł180+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
zł10-16 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Plan your visit to 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.

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.

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.

FAQs
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Kraków.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Kraków

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.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Kraków

Which Cologne station do trains to Kraków leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Kraków 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 · £7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £5 · 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 · £5

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.

Train stations for Cologne to Kraków

Check train stations information for Cologne and Kraków, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Cologne that goes to Kraków is Köln Hbf, and it arrives at Kraków Główny.

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