Cologne to Leipzig train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Mon 31 Aug
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leipzig

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnICE 319 · ICE 1272 · IC 60409
    22:186h31
    Cologne Hbf
    4:49Leipzig Hbf
    £61One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 823 · ICE 590
    20:244h45
    Cologne Hbf
    1:09Leipzig Hbf
    £61One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2540 · ICE 590
    18:536h16
    Cologne Hbf
    1:09Leipzig Hbf
    £61One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2542 · 15544 · IC 60409
    20:537h56
    Cologne Hbf
    4:49Leipzig Hbf
    £161One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 127 · ICE 1657
    17:434h48
    Cologne Hbf
    22:31Leipzig Hbf
    £221One-way
    1 change

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 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

Compare train with

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

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, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain9:20 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
9h29
18:49 Leipzig Hbf1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain11:35 Cologne Hbf
7h14
18:49 Leipzig Hbf0 changesdirect
Monday 31 August
Deutsche BahnICE 619 · ICE 698 · ICE 8060:24 Cologne Hbf
6h45
7:09 Leipzig Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 934 · ICE 6023:49 Cologne Hbf
6h15
10:04 Leipzig Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 551 · IC 2033
On time
4:20 Cologne Hbf
5h55
10:15 Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 521 · ICE 696
On time
4:28 Cologne Hbf
4h41
9:09 Leipzig Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 853 · IC 24455:14 Cologne Hbf
6h03
11:17 Leipzig Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 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 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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Why should you book Cologne to Leipzig trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Leipzig.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Leipzig.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leipzig.
  • 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Leipzig.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

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

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Leipzig

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconFast ride
IconPrice
IconNice staff
Disadvantages
IconWIFI
IconDelays
IconToilets
The station from Cologne to Leipzig was the first stop on my trip to Germany. Above all, I like the mostly fast train ride. The staff were very nice and helpful. What bothered me was the poor wifi connection on board. The hygiene in the toilets was not good enough in my opinion. In addition, the train is always quite late, which bothers me a bit. However, in terms of price and performance, I think train travel is good.
Advantages
IconGood organisation in case of delay
IconPower sockets on the square
Disadvantages
IconHardly any reception on the route
Iconsomewhat unhygienic toilets
Last year, I travelled by IC from Cologne central station to Leipzig central station and found the journey to be OK. Unfortunately, the toilets were a bit unhygienic and the wifi was very poor. However, the train gets a plus point from me because the IC was quite late, but it was still possible to arrange for my connection to be waiting in Leipzig. I was rather dissatisfied with the very poor reception on the route, so that I was unable to inform my family of my late arrival. On the positive side, there were power sockets at all seats. All in all, I can only recommend it.
Advantages
IconComfort
IconCleanliness
IconHygiene
That was my return journey in second class. I can heartily recommend this journey and rate it five stars. The wifi was good the whole time. My seat was comfortable and my seat was clean. Then I went to the toilet, where I found a clean and hygienic environment. The train staff were very polite and nice. The atmosphere was good throughout.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Leipzig

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Leipzig trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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

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
4h 19m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£24
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

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
6h 35m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£17
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
4h 24m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£63
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Leipzig

Things to do in Leipzig

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

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Bach-Museum

Museum in Bach’s former home, presenting manuscripts, instruments and his life in Leipzig. Essential for music lovers.

  • Recommended

Museum für Druckkunst

Museum of printing, design and book culture in a historic industrial setting. Especially rewarding for visitors interested in crafts and media history.

Euro (€)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.20 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Leipzig can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £39.
The train journey from Cologne to Leipzig covers a distance of 381 km and takes approximately 4h 19m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Leipzig is 381 km.
The first train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Cologne to Leipzig departs at 23:58.
Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run approximately 12 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Leipzig. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Cologne to Leipzig, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Leipzig.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Leipzig is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Leipzig Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Leipzig is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Cologne to Leipzig in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Leipzig offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through the scenic Rhine Valley and expansive fields, providing a pleasant view for travellers.
A day trip from Cologne to Leipzig is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 19m in one direction. There are 13 train trips available per day for this route.
In Leipzig, explore the vibrant Karl-Heine-Straße with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street art. Attend a world-class performance at the Leipzig Opera House or enjoy a serene escape at the Leipzig Botanical Garden. Discover contemporary German history at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum and take a leisurely boat tour along Leipzig's canals. Visit St. Thomas Church, associated with Johann Sebastian Bach, and explore the modern Leipzig Zoo. Don't miss the Monument to the Battle of the Nations and the Leipzig Panometer, or admire European art at the Museum of Fine Arts.
A visit to Leipzig typically requires about 2 to 3 days to explore its main attractions, including the St. Thomas Church, Leipzig Zoo, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Leipzig.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Leipzig

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.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Leipzig

Which Cologne station do trains to Leipzig leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Leipzig 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 · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · 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 · £4

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.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig

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