- Must visit
Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum
A long-running local museum with displays on crime and justice from the Middle Ages to modern times, presented in a historic setting.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£16
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£53
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
3 h 53 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
3 h 57 m
Trains on 17 Sept
14
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 £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
To travel from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber you need to make at least 2 changes.
ICE 617 · 17501 · S4 · 57212
IC 2442 · 4637 · 58001 · 57207
ICE 621 · 57161 · 58901
ICE 319 · ICE 1272 · IC 60409 · ICE 905
ICE 911 · ICE 523 · 57145 · 58893
ICE 119 · ICE 25 · 57215 · 58899
ICE 101 · ICE 23 · 57211 · 58895
ICE 103 · ICE 25 · 57215 · 58899
ICE 105 · ICE 27 · 57217 · 58903
ICE 527 · 57153 · 58897Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £54 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £54, while a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 288 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£54 Average Price Cheapest | £48 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Rothenburg ob der Tauber take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 5m.
Tickets start at around £54 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-6.13. The journey takes 4h 5m versus 3h 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 911 · ICE 523 · 57145 · 58893 | On time 5:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h26 | 9:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
ICE 23 · 57211 · 58895 | On time 5:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 10:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 2 changes | |
ICE 101 · ICE 23 · 57211 · 58895 | On time 6:56 Cologne Hbf | 3h55 | 10:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
ICE 527 · 57153 · 58897 | On time 7:47 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h04 | 11:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 2 changes | |
ICE 25 · 57215 · 58899 | On time 7:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 12:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 2 changes | |
ICE 103 · ICE 25 · 57215 · 58899 | On time 8:56 Cologne Hbf | 3h55 | 12:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
ICE 119 · ICE 25 · 57215 · 58899 | Delayed 7:00 8:58Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h53 | 12:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
ICE 621 · 57161 · 58901 | Delayed 7:47 9:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h06 | 13:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · 57217 · 58903 | Delayed 7:55 9:53Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 14:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 2 changes | |
ICE 105 · ICE 27 · 57217 · 58903 | Delayed 8:56 10:54Cologne Hbf | 3h57 | 14:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
IC 2442 · 4637 · 58001 · 57207 | On time 20:53 Cologne Hbf | 9h58 | 6:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4 changes | |
ICE 205 · ICE 1021 · 57125 · 58883 | On time 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 8h57 | 5:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 3 changes | |
ICE 617 · 17501 · S4 · 57212 | On time 21:54 Cologne Hbf | 8h57 | 6:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 4 changes | |
ICE 319 · ICE 1272 · IC 60409 · ICE 905 | On time 22:18 Cologne Hbf | 8h33 | 6:51 Rothenburg ob der Tauber station | 6 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 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 52m.
Distance 288 km |
Average train duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 52m |
First train 4:44 |
Last train 23:42 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Rothenburg ob der Tauber — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rothenburg ob der Tauber trip today.
A long-running local museum with displays on crime and justice from the Middle Ages to modern times, presented in a historic setting.
The former Dominican convent houses Rothenburg’s city museum, covering local history, art and everyday life across the centuries.
A compact museum dedicated to the town’s annual master draught festival, with exhibits that explain the tradition and its story.
The central square framed by historic façades, the town hall and busy pedestrian lanes; a practical starting point for exploring the old town.
A walkable section of preserved medieval walls with towers and changing views over rooftops, streets and the valley beyond.
A traditional street lined with half-timbered houses and shops, popular for photos yet still pleasant for a slower old town stroll.
Schneeballen are Rothenburg’s signature pastry: strips of shortcrust dough fried into a ball and dusted with sugar or chocolate. A classic old Franconian festive treat.
Franconian sausages are grilled pork sausages, often served with sauerkraut or potato salad. They are a staple across Franconia and common in Rothenburg taverns.
This hearty Franconian pork shoulder is slow-roasted with a dark beer gravy, often served with dumplings and red cabbage. It is a traditional Sunday and inn dish.
Long-established restaurant known for Franconian specialities, seasonal dishes and elegant rooms inside a historic building.
Historic tavern in the old town serving classic Franconian dishes, local wine and a traditional, cosy atmosphere.
Famous bakery and café for fresh Schneeballen and coffee, ideal for trying Rothenburg’s best-known sweet speciality.
Moderate for Germany: hotels in the old town can be pricey, but dining is reasonable and the compact centre keeps local transport costs low.
Round up in cafés and taxis, and tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Tell the amount when paying rather than leaving coins on the table.
Official public transport app
Rothenburg ob der Tauber station -> Marktplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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.

Most Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber trains use the Köln Hbf to Rothenburg ob der Tauber station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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-Mülheim is 5 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Mülheim 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: Zum Piccolo, Kolpinghaus, Pizzeria Marco Polo, Grill Stube
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Mülheim . ATMs are available at Köln-Mülheim .
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Mülheim . Information desks are available at Köln-Mülheim .
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Mülheim . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln-Mülheim : Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln-Mülheim : Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Mülheim .
Nearby hotels include Pension Europa, Hotel Geisler, The niu Mill.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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: Gusto Kaffeemanufaktur & Spezialitäten, Imbiss Heller, Brothaus Café im Schlachthof, Pizzeria & Eis-Café Roma
Wi-Fi is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. ATMs are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Ticket office support is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Information desks are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Luggage storage is available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schranne, Villa Mittermeier, Hotel Hornburg Garni, Glocke.
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