- Must visit
Museum der bildenden Künste
Major art museum with old masters, modern works and Leipzig painting. A strong choice for both classic and contemporary art.
Cheapest price on 31 Aug
£6
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£45
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
4 h 18 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
4 h 20 m
Trains on 31 Aug
52
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 £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.
To travel from Cologne to Leipzig you need to make at least one change.
ICE 319 · ICE 1272 · IC 60409
ICE 823 · ICE 590
IC 2540 · ICE 590
IC 2542 · 15544 · IC 60409
ICE 127 · ICE 1657
ICE 123 · ICE 9591 · ICE 1747
ICE 625 · ICE 838 · ICE 506
ICE 125 · ICE 834 · ICE 502
ICE 127 · ICE 832 · ICE 500
ICE 529 · ICE 692Omio 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 an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, while a flight costs an average of £369.
Distance: 381 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£39 Average Price | £27 Average Price Cheapest | £369 Average Price |
6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 14m Average total duration 6h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for today, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:20 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 9h29 | 18:49 Leipzig Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 11:35 Cologne Hbf | 7h14 | 18:49 Leipzig Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · ICE 806 | 0:24 Cologne Hbf | 6h45 | 7:09 Leipzig Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 934 · ICE 602 | 3:49 Cologne Hbf | 6h15 | 10:04 Leipzig Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 551 · IC 2033 | On time 4:20 Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 10:15 Leipzig Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 521 · ICE 696 | On time 4:28 Cologne Hbf | 4h41 | 9:09 Leipzig Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 853 · IC 2445 | 5:14 Cologne Hbf | 6h03 | 11:17 Leipzig Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 911 · ICE 523 · ICE 934 · ICE 602 | On time 5:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h39 | 10:04 Leipzig Hbf | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 56m. 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 19m.
Distance 381 km |
Average train duration 5h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 19m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Leipzig — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leipzig trip today.
Major art museum with old masters, modern works and Leipzig painting. A strong choice for both classic and contemporary art.
Museum in Bach’s former home, presenting manuscripts, instruments and his life in Leipzig. Essential for music lovers.
Museum of printing, design and book culture in a historic industrial setting. Especially rewarding for visitors interested in crafts and media history.
Leipzig’s central square framed by historic buildings, arcades and markets. A natural base for exploring the old town on foot.
Elegant passage linking city-centre streets with shops, architecture and a striking glass roof. One of Leipzig’s signature urban walks.
Canal-side former industrial district now known for galleries, studios and street art. Popular for a slower local walk beyond the centre.
A hearty Saxon potato soup, often finished with sausage or bacon. It is a comforting regional staple found in Leipzig homes and traditional inns.
Pan-fried freshwater fish from the Leipzig area, traditionally served simply to highlight local river and lake produce.
Leipzig’s best-known vegetable dish: peas, carrots, asparagus and morels, classically enriched with crayfish and butter. A historic local speciality.
Elegant restaurant in the Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof offering refined modern cuisine in a polished central setting.
Historic Auerbachs Keller serves classic Saxon and German dishes in a famous vaulted setting popular for traditional Leipzig dining.
Well-known restaurant focusing on Saxon and German specialities with a cosy, traditional interior near the city centre.
Moderate for Germany: hotels, dining and public transport are often a little cheaper than in Berlin, Munich or Hamburg, making Leipzig good value for city breaks.
Service is usually not included. Round up in cafés and taxis, or tip about 5-10% in restaurants. Tell the server the total amount when paying.
Official public transport app
Leipzig Hbf -> Augustusplatz, Leipzig
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.

Most Cologne to Leipzig trains use the Köln Hbf to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Leipzig Messe. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leipzig 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.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Zchocolat, Vapiano Leipzig
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Leipzig.
Leipzig Messe is 6 km from Leipzig city centre. Public transport options include:
Leipzig Messe 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: Dönerhaus, Grand Canyon, Graf Zeppelin, Glücksboot Asia-Erlebnisgastronomie
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig Messe. ATMs are available at Leipzig Messe.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Messe. Information desks are available at Leipzig Messe.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Messe. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Messe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Messe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Messe.
Leipzig Markt 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: China White, Cafe Barbakane, X-Maza, Vodkaria
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig Markt. ATMs are available at Leipzig Markt.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Markt. Information desks are available at Leipzig Markt.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Markt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Markt.
Nearby hotels include Seaside Park, Pentahotel Leipzig, Victors Residenzhotel, Marriott.
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