- Recommended
Museum Ulm
Major art museum with works from the late 19th century to today, plus changing exhibitions in a striking modern building.
Cheapest price
£81
Average price
£90
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 39 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
357 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Ulm is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Ulm will cost around £90 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £81.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Ulm every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 33 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.
ICE 103 · ICE 593
IC 2040 · ICE 515
ICE 27 · ICE 225
ICE 915
ICE 515
ICE 915
ICE 103 · ICE 593
ICE 515
IC 2040 · ICE 515
ICE 27 · ICE 225Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ulm among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £39.
Distance: 357 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£78 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £156 Average Price |
4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration 6h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ulm trains for today, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2040 · ICE 515 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 13:13 Ulm Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593 | On time 8:54 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 12:00 Ulm Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 915 | On time 9:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h55 | 12:26 Ulm Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h33 | 14:26 Ulm Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 515 | On time 9:54 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 13:13 Ulm Hbf | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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.
Trains from Cologne to Ulm run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 357 km distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 357 km |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Ulm — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ulm trip today.
Major art museum with works from the late 19th century to today, plus changing exhibitions in a striking modern building.
Museum on bread culture, grain and nutrition, combining social history, art and everyday life in an unusual subject area.
Compact modern art museum focused on concrete art, design and temporary exhibitions near the cathedral square.
Lively central square facing the cathedral, framed by shops and cafés, and a practical starting point for exploring the centre.
Picturesque riverside walk with leaning houses, footbridges and photo spots, especially atmospheric in the evening light.
Green riverside park and promenade on the Danube, suited to walking, cycling and relaxed views back towards Ulm’s skyline.
Swabian egg pasta served with lentils and sausages. A staple across the Ulm region, valued for its hearty, everyday character.
Filled pasta pockets with minced meat, spinach and onions, often served in broth or with fried onions. A classic Swabian Sunday and feast dish.
Soft egg noodles typical of Swabia, usually served as a side or with cheese. They are central to regional home cooking around Ulm.
Established restaurant with refined regional cooking, seasonal menus and an elegant but relaxed atmosphere in central Ulm.
Cosy traditional venue known for hearty Swabian plates, including Maultaschen and Käsespätzle, with a welcoming local feel.
Stylish restaurant and wine bar focused on modern German cooking, quality ingredients and a polished city-centre dining experience.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually a little cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday essentials remain fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service is usually not included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and add small change in cafés for good service.
Official public transport app
Ulm Hbf -> Münsterplatz, Ulm
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Ulm 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 Ulm, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Ulm trains use the Köln Hbf to Ulm Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Ulm Ost. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Ulm 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/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ulm 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: Café Schmizz, Blauflesch, Wilder Mann, Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Hbf. ATMs are available at Ulm Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Hbf. Information desks are available at Ulm Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Bäumle, InterCityHotel Ulm, Lehrertal Garni.
Ulm Ost 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: Bodhi, Schwarze Henne, Café Schmizz, Kornhäusle
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Ost. ATMs are available at Ulm Ost.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Ost. Information desks are available at Ulm Ost.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Hotel Comfor, Bäumle, Stern.
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