- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
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Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £65 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £65, while a train costs an average of £364.
Distance: 1247 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£364 Average Price | £65 Average Price Cheapest | £101 Average Price |
29h 42m Average total duration 29h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 31h 29m Average total duration 30h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Madrid 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 Madrid trains with Omio?
Eurostar operates all trains services from Cologne to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- 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 Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio?
- 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 Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Madrid
Italy
Spain
Trains from Cologne to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 29h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £364 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:39, the last at 08:39. The fastest train covers the 1247 km distance in 29h 12m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Distance 1247 km |
Average train duration 29h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £364 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 29h 12m |
First train 8:39 |
Last train 8:39 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Train companies: Eurostar from Cologne to Madrid trainsEurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Madrid from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Eurostar Duration
29h 12m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£364
Eurostar frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Casa Dani
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or menú del día.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Mi Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city centre
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is being introduced in Metro turnstiles for single tickets; buses and other modes may still require a transport card or other ticket.
- For the widest urban coverage, use CRTM fares and check your loaded ticket before entering Metro gates or boarding buses.
FAQs: Cologne to Madrid train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £364, while the average price tends to be around £364.
The train from Cologne to Madrid takes 29h 12m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Cologne to Madrid is 1247 km.
The first train from Cologne to Madrid leaves at 8:39.
The last train from Cologne to Madrid departs at 8:39.
Trains from Cologne to Madrid run approximately 1 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cologne to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Madrid.
To get from Cologne to Madrid, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Madrid is by flight, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Cologne to Madrid 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 Madrid offers a mix of scenic landscapes, particularly as it passes through the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the French countryside and the Pyrenees mountains, offering travellers a varied and pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Cologne to Madrid is not feasible as the journey takes 29h 12m, and there is only 1 train per day for this route. The distance is 1247 km.
In Madrid, visit the bustling Puerta del Sol for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel and explore the lively nightlife in the Malasaña district. Experience traditional Spanish culture by attending a flamenco show. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a tour or a football match. Discover artistic masterpieces at the Prado Museum and explore the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid. Relax in Retiro Park, admire the Plaza Mayor, and enjoy shopping or entertainment along Gran Vía.
To fully experience Madrid, 3 to 4 days are recommended, allowing time to explore its cultural landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and rich culinary scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Madrid.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Cologne
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