The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Cheapest price
£27
Average price
£57
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
4 h 30 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Rothenburg ob der Tauber every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 4 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 37 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.










Live departures
Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 · ICE 25 · 57215 · 58899 | On time 07:54 Cologne Hbf | 3h57 | 11:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
ICE 119 · ICE 25 · 57215 · 58899 | On time 07:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h53 | 11:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
ICE 621 · 57161 · 58901 | On time 08:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h06 | 12:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · 57217 · 58903 | On time 08:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h02 | 13:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 2 changes | |
ICE 105 · ICE 27 · 57217 · 58903 | On time 09:54 Cologne Hbf | 3h57 | 13:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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.
21 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Trains from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 288 km distance in 3h 53m.
Distance 288 km |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 04:44 |
Last train 23:42 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, National Express, Intercity from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trainsDeutsche Bahn, National Express, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Rothenburg ob der Tauber from £22. 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.
Intercity
National Express
FAQs: Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- 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
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Gusto Kaffeemanufaktur & Spezialitäten
- Imbiss Heller
- Brothaus Café im Schlachthof
- Pizzeria & Eis-Café Roma
- Hotel Schranne
- Villa Mittermeier
- Hotel Hornburg Garni
- Glocke
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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