The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Salzburg
Cheapest price
£90
Average price
£126
Fastest journey
6 h 13 m
Average duration
6 h 46 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
562 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Salzburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Salzburg will cost around £126 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £90.
To travel from Cologne to Salzburg you need to make at least one change.
ICE 623+
96710:456h36Cologne Messe/Deutz17:21Salzburg Hbf£901One-way1 change
ICE 529 · RJX 678:456h13Cologne Messe/Deutz14:58Salzburg Hbf£1271One-way1 change
ICE 1225 · ICE 225+
790299:537h53Cologne Hbf17:46Salzburg Hbf£1321One-way2 changes
ICE 515+
790259:546h52Cologne Hbf16:46Salzburg Hbf£1391One-way1 change
ICE 915+
790239:316h15Cologne Messe/Deutz15:46Salzburg Hbf£1391One-way1 change
ICE 529 · RJX 678:456h13Cologne Messe/Deutz14:58Salzburg Hbf£1271One-way1 change
ICE 915+
790239:316h15Cologne Messe/Deutz15:46Salzburg Hbf£1391One-way1 change
ICE 623+
96710:456h36Cologne Messe/Deutz17:21Salzburg Hbf£901One-way1 change
ICE 515+
790259:546h52Cologne Hbf16:46Salzburg Hbf£1391One-way1 change
ICE 1225 · ICE 225+
790299:537h53Cologne Hbf17:46Salzburg Hbf£1321One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Cologne to Salzburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Salzburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, and a flight costs an average of £129.
Distance: 562 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£107 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest | £373 Average Price |
8h 49m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration 8h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.4kg 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 Salzburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Salzburg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1940 · 4756 · ICE 2829 · RJX 69 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 8h05 | 16:58 Salzburg Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 915+ 79023 | On time 9:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h15 | 15:46 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 515 · ICE 119 | Delayed 8:01 9:54Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 16:22 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 219 · ICE 2829 · RJX 69 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h00 | 16:58 Salzburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 225+ 79029 | On time 11:18 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 17:46 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 625 · ICE 509+ 79037 | On time 11:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 8h01 | 19:46 Salzburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 517+ 79033 | On time 11:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h52 | 18:46 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1644 · ICE 519 · RJ 1299 | On time 12:53 Cologne Hbf | 8h08 | 21:01 Salzburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 919+ 79037 | On time 13:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h16 | 19:46 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1229 · ICE 801+ 79043 | On time 13:53 Cologne Hbf | 8h52 | 22:45 Salzburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 519 · RJ 1299 | On time 14:24 Cologne Hbf | 6h37 | 21:01 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1946 · 4494 · ICE 691+ 79045 | On time 14:53 Cologne Hbf | 8h52 | 23:45 Salzburg Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 1011+ 79041 | On time 15:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h12 | 21:42 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 927 · ICE 883+ 79047 | On time 15:53 Cologne Hbf | 8h49 | 0:42 Salzburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 611+ 79045 | On time 16:24 Cologne Hbf | 7h21 | 23:45 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1013+ 79047 | On time 17:32 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h10 | 0:42 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 729+ 79049 | On time 18:47 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h00 | 1:47 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1640 · ICE 615+ 79005 | On time 18:53 Cologne Hbf | 12h57 | 7:50 Salzburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1015+ 79569 · 79001 | On time 19:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h03 | 6:33 Salzburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 615+ 79005 | On time 20:24 Cologne Hbf | 11h26 | 7:50 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 619 · RJX 265 | On time 23:54 Cologne Hbf | 8h04 | 7:58 Salzburg Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Salzburg 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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06 Jun
07 Jun
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Why should you book Cologne to Salzburg 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 ÖBB | ICE or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Salzburg.
- 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 Salzburg.
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 Salzburg.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Salzburg?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Salzburg
Trains from Cologne to Salzburg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 562 km distance in 6h 13m.
Distance 562 km |
Average train duration 8h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 13m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet from Cologne to Salzburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Salzburg from £25. 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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Nightjet
FAQs: Cologne to Salzburg train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Salzburg 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 Salzburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Salzburg
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Südtiroler Platz.
- Restaurant Imlauer
- Stieglitz
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europa Salzburg
- Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
- H+ Hotel Salzburg
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for ÖBB and Westbahn trains
- Hall 2: platforms 6-11 for regional and international trains
- Bus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 25
- S-Bahn: Line S3
- Trolleybus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Salzburg
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