The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Munich
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£108
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 11 m
Trains per day
41
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Munich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Munich will cost around £108 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Of the 41 trains that leave Cologne for Munich every day 29 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 13 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.
IC 60403 · ICE 69923:517h36Cologne-Ehrenfeld7:27Munich Hbf£351One-way1 change
ICE 61923:546h09Cologne Hbf6:03Munich Hbf£511One-way0 changes
IC 1948 · 29695 · ICE 72916:536h22Cologne Hbf23:15Munich Hbf£761One-way2 changes
ICE 61519:545h15Cologne Hbf1:09Munich Hbf£821One-way0 changes
ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 5113:496h43Cologne Hbf10:32Munich Hbf£851One-way2 changes
ICE 101317:324h09Cologne Messe/Deutz21:41Munich Hbf£1091One-way0 changes
ICE 91913:304h11Cologne Messe/Deutz17:41Munich Hbf£1271One-way0 changes
ICE 9159:314h11Cologne Messe/Deutz13:42Munich Hbf£1271One-way0 changes
ICE 9137:304h12Cologne Messe/Deutz11:42Munich Hbf£1091One-way0 changes
ICE 101115:304h13Cologne Messe/Deutz19:43Munich Hbf£1271One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Cologne to Munich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, and a flight costs an average of £75.
Distance: 456 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£85 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest | £209 Average Price |
5h 22m Average total duration 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 31m Average total duration 7h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg 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.
Live departures
Cologne to Munich train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Munich trains for today, Sunday 31 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 | Delayed 1:49 3:49Cologne Hbf | 6h43 | 10:32 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 25 · ICE 785 | On time 7:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 14:21 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 513 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 4h36 | 12:30 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 1940 · 4756 · ICE 595 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h22 | 15:15 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 915 | On time 9:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h11 | 13:42 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 515 | Delayed 8:01 9:54Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 14:29 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 219 · ICE 595 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h17 | 15:15 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2013 · ICE 597 | On time 10:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 17:21 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 225 | On time 11:18 Cologne Hbf | 4h25 | 15:43 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 625 · ICE 509 | On time 11:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h53 | 17:38 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 517 | On time 11:54 Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 16:29 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1644 · ICE 519 | On time 12:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h06 | 18:59 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 919 | On time 13:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h11 | 17:41 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1229 · ICE 801 | On time 13:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h49 | 20:42 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 519 | On time 14:24 Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 18:59 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 1946 · 4494 · ICE 691 | On time 14:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h22 | 21:15 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1011 | On time 15:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h13 | 19:43 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 927 · ICE 883 | On time 15:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 22:24 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 611 | On time 16:24 Cologne Hbf | 4h38 | 21:02 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 1948 · 4496 · ICE 727 | On time 16:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h26 | 23:19 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1013 | On time 17:32 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h09 | 21:41 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 929 · ICE 885 | On time 17:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h26 | 0:19 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 613 | On time 18:24 Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 22:59 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 729 | On time 18:47 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h49 | 23:36 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1640 · 4498 · ICE 821 | On time 18:53 Cologne Hbf | 6h34 | 1:27 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1015 | On time 19:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h02 | 0:32 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 821 | On time 19:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h42 | 1:27 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 615 | On time 20:24 Cologne Hbf | 5h16 | 1:40 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 619 | On time 23:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 6:03 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 1 June | |||||
ICE 827 | On time 3:00 Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 8:13 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
25407 · ICE 921 · ICE 571 · ICE 267 | On time 3:56 Cologne Hbf | 6h53 | 10:49 Munich Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 521 | On time 4:28 Cologne Hbf | 4h45 | 9:13 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 911 | On time 5:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h19 | 9:44 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Munich by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
31 May
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Why should you book Cologne to Munich trains with Omio?
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) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Munich.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Munich.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Munich.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Munich?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Munich

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Munich
Trains from Cologne to Munich run on average 18 times per day, taking around 4h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 4h 11m.
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 4h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 4h 11m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Munich trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Munich from £16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Trains from Cologne to Munich
With up to four departures an hour from the early hours of the morning until late evening, making the journey from Cologne to Munich by train is easy. There are around 25 direct departures a day with journey times of between 4 and 5 hours. Connecting trains can take up to eight hours with some evening departures arriving in Munich the following morning. Trains leave from Cologne Hbf and arrive at Munich Hbf.
Which train companies travel from Cologne to Munich?
Trains from Cologne to Munich are operated by Deutsch Bahn (DB) the German national rail provider and one of the largest passenger carriers in the world. Onboard facilities on long-distance DB trains include power outlets, wifi, buffet cars and luggage storage space.
How long is the train from Cologne to Munich?
Direct trains between the German cities of Cologne and Munich take between four and five hours. Connecting services can take up to eight hours depending on the route taken and waiting times at transfer stations. These connecting stations include Mannheim, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Mainz. Departures start in the early hours of the morning and continue until late at night.
How many trains are there from Cologne to Munich?
From the early hours of the morning until late at night, there are up to four departures a day of trains to Munich from Cologne. Around 25 of these departures are on direct routes. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train departs later in the morning.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cologne to Munich?
Departure station:All trains depart from Cologne Hbf which is within easy walking distance of the city's main cultural and historic attractions. The station is linked to the city by local buses and S-Bahn trains. Facilities at Cologne Hbf include a taxi rank, car parking, left luggage lockers, food shops, cafes and restaurants.
Arrival station:Trains to Munich from Cologne arrive at Munich Hbf which is conveniently located for the city centre. Transport links at the station include taxis and local buses as well as U-Bahn and S-Bahn train services. Among the station's facilities are car parking, wifi, luggage storage, cafes and restaurants.
FAQs: Cologne to Munich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Munich 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 Munich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Munich
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
Most popular train connections from Cologne
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