- Must visit
Holstentor-Museum
Museum inside Lübeck’s famous gate, presenting the city’s history, trade and fortifications in a compact, central setting.
Cheapest price on 23 Oct
£59
Average ticket price on 23 Oct
£88
Fastest journey on 23 Oct
4 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 23 Oct
5 h 1 m
Trains on 23 Oct
11
Distance
413 km
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 £88 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
To travel from Cologne to Lübeck you need to make at least one change.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 204 · 11468
ICE 616 · 11466
ICE 614 · 11470
ICE 1122 · 11420
ICE 1122 · 11420
ICE 1120 · 11424
ICE 555 · ICE 684 · 11418
ICE 559 · ICE 680 · 11426
ICE 610 · 11478Trains from Cologne to Lübeck run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 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 4h 21m.
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 4h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Lübeck.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lübeck trains for today, Thursday 22 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 616 · 11466 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 13:24 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 555 · ICE 684 · 11418 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 5h08 | 13:52 Lübeck Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 555 · ICE 2802 · 11418 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 5h08 | 13:52 Lübeck Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:01 Cologne Hbf | 9h24 | 18:25 Lübeck, Bussteig Beim Retteich | 1 change | |
ICE 204 · 11468 | On time 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 14:24 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1122 · 11420 | On time 10:07 Cologne Hbf | 4h45 | 14:52 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 614 · 11470 | On time 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 15:24 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1120 · 11424 | On time 12:01 Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 16:52 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 · 11474 | On time 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 17:24 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 559 · ICE 680 · 11426 | On time 12:44 Cologne Hbf | 5h08 | 17:52 Lübeck Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 200 · 11476 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 18:24 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 610 · 11478 | On time 14:13 Cologne Hbf | 5h11 | 19:24 Lübeck Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Lübeck — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lübeck trip today.
Museum inside Lübeck’s famous gate, presenting the city’s history, trade and fortifications in a compact, central setting.
Extensive museum on the Hanseatic world in a restored monastery and new galleries, with immersive displays and harbour trade history.
Museum in the former Burgkloster with medieval art, sculpture and altarpieces, suited to visitors interested in sacred and civic history.
Main market square framed by the town hall and church, lively for sightseeing, seasonal events and short walks into the old town lanes.
Broad old town street lined with merchants’ houses, shops and courtyards, ideal for absorbing Lübeck’s urban character on foot.
Waterside promenade around the old town island, popular for relaxed walks, canal views and seeing church towers from changing angles.
Marzipan from Lübeck, made with a high almond content, is the city’s signature sweet and a protected regional speciality with a long Hanseatic tradition.
Labskaus is a northern sailors’ dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with herring and egg; it reflects Lübeck’s maritime heritage.
Pannfisch is pan-fried fish, usually with mustard sauce and potatoes. It is a classic north German harbour dish popular in and around Lübeck.
Refined seafood-focused restaurant with modern north German cooking and a calm, polished setting near the old town.
Well-known waterside fish restaurant serving fresh fish dishes and maritime classics in a relaxed, casual harbour-style atmosphere.
Historic marzipan café and restaurant known for Lübeck specialities, cakes and confectionery in an elegant traditional setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and cafés are fairly affordable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Lübeck Hbf -> Holstentor, Lübeck
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 Lübeck.
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.

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.
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.
Lübeck Hbf is 1 km from Lübeck city centre. Public transport options include:
Lübeck 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: MyWaffel, McDonald's, Cafe Maret, Café Brazil
Wi-Fi is available at Lübeck Hbf. ATMs are available at Lübeck Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Lübeck Hbf. Information desks are available at Lübeck Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Lübeck Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lübeck Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lübeck Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lübeck Hbf.
Nearby hotels include LIHO, Mercure, Hotel Stadt Lübeck, Hotel an der Marienkirche.
Lübeck-Travemünde Strand is 16 km from Lübeck city centre. Public transport options include:
Lübeck-Travemünde Strand 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: TEATIME, Café Marleen, Strandoase, Ostsee Lounge
Wi-Fi is available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand. ATMs are available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand.
Ticket office support is available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand. Information desks are available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand.
Luggage storage is available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lübeck-Travemünde Strand.
Nearby hotels include Grand SPA Resort A-ROSA Travemünde, Atlantic Grand Hotel Travemünde, Seeschlößchen, Deutscher Kaiser.
Check train stations information for Cologne and Lübeck, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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