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

Mon 07 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Lübeck

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Sept

Cheapest price on 07 Sept

£30

Average ticket price on 07 Sept

£41

Fastest journey on 07 Sept

5 h 8 m

Average journey duration on 07 Sept

8 h 22 m

Trains on 07 Sept

2

Distance

413 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Lübeck is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Lübeck will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.

Fast trains

On Mon 07 Sept, we found 2 trains from Cologne to Lübeck, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 413 km distance in an average of 8 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 8 m .

The slowest trains will take 11 h 36 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.

  • FlixTrain
    6:1411h36
    Cologne
    17:50Lübeck
    £301One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:115h08
    Cologne
    12:19Lübeck
    £521One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Lübeck

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Lübeck among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a flight costs an average of £287.

Distance: 413 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£42

Average Price

£31

Average Price

Cheapest

£287

Average Price

£65

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 17m

Average total duration

5h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 39m

Average total duration

3h 39m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.0kg

CO2 emissions

1.2 - 2.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Lübeck is a coach with an average price of £31.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Lübeck:

A coach is £11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Lübeck costing on average £42.

A coach is £257 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Lübeck costing on average £287.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Lübeck is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 39m.

Other travel options to Lübeck take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 53m.

Coach takes on average 5h 47m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Lübeck including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 32m faster (4h 53m by train vs 5h 25m by car) and roughly £23 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£42 vs £65). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cologne to Lübeck train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lübeck trains for tomorrow, Monday 7 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixTrain6:14 Cologne
11h36
17:50 Lübeck0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:11 Cologne
5h08
12:19 Lübeck0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Lübeck 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.

Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept

Why should you book Cologne to Lübeck trains with Omio?

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

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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Lübeck.
  • 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 Lübeck.

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 Lübeck.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Lübeck

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Lübeck run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 413 km distance in 5h 13m.

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
413 km
Average train duration
4h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
5h 13m
First train
0:09
Last train
23:27
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
14 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Lübeck trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Lübeck from £19. 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
5h 13m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£26
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

What's included in each class

Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
  • WC
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • WC

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
4h 44m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£76
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Lübeck

Things to do in Lübeck

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

  • Must visit

Holstentor-Museum

Museum inside Lübeck’s famous gate, presenting the city’s history, trade and fortifications in a compact, central setting.

  • Must visit

Europäisches Hansemuseum

Extensive museum on the Hanseatic world in a restored monastery and new galleries, with immersive displays and harbour trade history.

  • Recommended

Museum Burgkloster

Museum in the former Burgkloster with medieval art, sculpture and altarpieces, suited to visitors interested in sacred and civic history.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and cafés are fairly affordable for visitors.

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
€3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafés.

FAQs: Cologne to Lübeck train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Lübeck 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 Lübeck, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Lübeck can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Cologne to Lübeck covers a distance of 413 km and takes approximately 5h 13m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Lübeck is 413 km.
The first train from Cologne to Lübeck leaves at 0:09.
The last train from Cologne to Lübeck departs at 23:27.
Trains from Cologne to Lübeck run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Lübeck.
To get from Cologne to Lübeck, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Lübeck.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Lübeck is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Lübeck Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Lübeck is by train, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Cologne to Lübeck 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 Lübeck offers a pleasant view of the German countryside, passing through charming towns and lush landscapes, particularly as you travel through the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein.
A day trip from Cologne to Lübeck is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 13m. Trains run 6 times per day for this 413 km journey.
In Lübeck, you can explore the Holstentor Museum to learn about the city's medieval history, visit the stunning St. Mary's Church with its astronomical clock, and wander through Lübeck's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the history of the Hanseatic League at the European Hansemuseum, and indulge in the famous marzipan at the Niederegger Marzipan Museum. Don't miss the Lübeck Cathedral and the Marienkirche for their impressive architecture and art treasures, and visit the Buddenbrookhaus museum dedicated to Thomas Mann's novel.
To fully explore Lübeck's UNESCO-listed Old Town, indulge in marzipan treats, visit the Holstentor, and enjoy nearby beaches, a stay of two to three days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Lübeck.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Lübeck

Most Cologne to Lübeck trains use the Köln Hbf to Lübeck Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Lübeck 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 Lübeck

Which Cologne station do trains to Lübeck leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Lübeck 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/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.

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.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Lübeck

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Lübeck

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