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Cologne to Palermo train with Deutsche Bahn

Sat 17 Jan
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Deutsche Bahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
PKP Intercity
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
PKP Intercity
1,000+ travel companies
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Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Palermo by train

Compare train 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.

Sat
17 Jan
Sun
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Palermo

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Trains from Cologne to Palermo run on average 2 times per day, taking around 32h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £374 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 07:05, the last at 20:25. The fastest train covers the 877 km distance in 30h 7m.

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
877 km
Average train duration
32h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£374
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
30h 7m
First train
07:05
Last train
20:25
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 from Cologne to Palermo trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Palermo from £374. 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 Duration
30h 7m
Cheapest Price
£371
Deutsche Bahn frequency
1 a day
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

FAQs: Cologne to Palermo train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Palermo can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £374, while the average price tends to be around £386.
The train journey from Cologne to Palermo covers a distance of 877 km and takes approximately 30h 7m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Palermo is 877 km.
The first train from Cologne to Palermo leaves at 7:05.
The last train from Cologne to Palermo departs at 20:25.
Trains from Cologne to Palermo run approximately 2 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Palermo.
To travel from Cologne to Palermo, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Palermo.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Palermo is Cologne station, and it arrives at Palermo Centrale.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Palermo is by train, costing approximately £374.
Booking trains from Cologne to Palermo 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 Palermo offers a scenic experience as it traverses diverse landscapes, including the picturesque Rhine Valley, the majestic Swiss Alps, and the charming Italian countryside, providing passengers with stunning views along the route.
A day trip from Cologne to Palermo is not feasible since the journey takes 30h 7m. There are 2 trains per day, covering a distance of 877 km.
In Palermo, you can explore the Capuchin Catacombs, an eerie yet fascinating underground cemetery with mummified remains. Visit the bustling Ballarò Market to experience local Sicilian produce and culture. Discover vibrant street art in the Vucciria district and take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Sicilian dishes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Foro Italico promenade. Don't miss the stunning Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and the historic Palazzo dei Normanni with its exquisite Palatine Chapel. Visit the Baroque square Quattro Canti and the lush Orto Botanico di Palermo.
To fully explore Palermo's key attractions, culture, and cuisine, spending 3 to 4 days would be ideal. This allows time to visit historical sites, enjoy local markets, and take a day trip to nearby areas.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Palermo.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Palermo

Cologne
Palermo
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Amenities at train station
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