The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leipzig
Cheapest price
£30
Average price
£51
Fastest journey
5 h 59 m
Average duration
6 h 46 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leipzig is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leipzig will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Leipzig every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 6 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 14 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Leipzig
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leipzig among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £426.
Distance: 381 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£75 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £524 Average Price |
6h 36m Average total duration Fastest 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 13m Average total duration 6h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 33m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Leipzig train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for today, Tuesday 2 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 545 · IC 2037 | On time 07:25 Cologne Hbf | 5h51 | 13:16 Leipzig Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 529 · RE 4609 · ICE 508 | On time 07:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h26 | 13:10 Leipzig Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 529 · ICE 1559 | On time 07:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h40 | 13:24 Leipzig Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · RE 4609 · ICE 508 | On time 07:55 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h15 | 13:10 Leipzig Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 1559 | On time 07:55 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h29 | 13:24 Leipzig Hbf | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Leipzig by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Leipzig?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Leipzig

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Leipzig
Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 381 km distance in 4h 21m.
Distance 381 km |
Average train duration 6h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne to Leipzig trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne and Leipzig from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
FAQs: Cologne to Leipzig train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leipzig 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 Leipzig, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Leipzig
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Blauer König
- DAG Döner
- Sahra-Pizza
- Casablanca
- Hotel Arcaden
- Maugeri Ital. Hotel
- Hotel Rahmani
- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Willy-Brandt-Platz.
- Restaurant Zchocolat
- Vapiano Leipzig
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
- a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Leipzig
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-13 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 14-23
- Hall 3: shopping and dining area
- Tram: Lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S5X, S6
- Bus: Several lines available
- China-Imbiß
- KGV-Kantine Wahren 1901
- Kantine & Bistro im BCL
- Döner-Imbiss
- Hotel an der Laue
- La mia pizza
- Eis fichte MCL
- Pata Negra
- Shams Bistro
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with multiple entry points around the station.
- Restaurant Weinstock
- Auerbachs Keller
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
- Leipzig Marriott Hotel
- IntercityHotel Leipzig
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-12 for regional and long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: shopping and dining area
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 7, 10, 12, 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S5X, S6
- China White
- Cafe Barbakane
- X-Maza
- Vodkaria
- Seaside Park
- Pentahotel Leipzig
- Victors Residenzhotel
- Marriott
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig
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