Cologne to Ulm train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Fri 15 May
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Ulm

Showing times and prices for 15 May

Cheapest price

£25

Average price

£63

Fastest journey

2 h 52 m

Average duration

3 h 7 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

357 km

Cheap tickets

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 £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.

Fast trains

Of the 10 trains that leave Cologne for Ulm 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 357 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 25 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 921 · ICE 571 · 19307 · 16049
    3:595h52
    Cologne Hbf
    9:51Ulm Hbf
    £251One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 911
    5:252h52
    Cologne Hbf
    8:17Ulm Hbf
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 619
    0:534h31
    Cologne Hbf
    5:24Ulm Hbf
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 827 · 4553 · ICE 991
    3:214h39
    Cologne Hbf
    8:00Ulm Hbf
    £451One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 511
    5:483h25
    Cologne Hbf
    9:13Ulm Hbf
    £491One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Ulm

Omio 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 £40.

Distance: 357 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£79

Average Price

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£158

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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 Ulm train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ulm trains for today, Thursday 14 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 2013 · ICE 517
Delayed
8:58 10:53Cologne Hbf
4h20
15:13 Ulm Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 105 · ICE 595
Delayed
9:11 10:54Cologne Hbf
3h06
14:00 Ulm Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1255
Delayed
9:24 11:18Cologne Hbf
3h08
12:28 12:28Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 517
Delayed
9:59 11:54Cologne Hbf
3h19
15:13 Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1644 · ICE 519
On time
12:53 Cologne Hbf
4h20
17:13 Ulm Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 107 · ICE 597
Delayed
12:54 Cologne Hbf
3h06
14:05 14:05Ulm Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 919
Delayed
13:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h47
14:26 14:26Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 519
On time
13:54 Cologne Hbf
3h19
17:13 Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Friday 15 May
Deutsche BahnICE 827 · 4553 · ICE 991
On time
3:21 Cologne Hbf
4h39
8:00 Ulm Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 911
Delayed
5:25 Cologne Hbf
2h52
6:26 6:26Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 511
On time
5:48 Cologne Hbf
3h25
9:13 Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 1940 · ICE 279 · ICE 565
On time
8:53 Cologne Hbf
4h40
13:33 Ulm Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · ICE 593
On time
8:54 Cologne Hbf
3h06
12:00 Ulm Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 915
On time
9:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz
2h54
12:25 Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 515
On time
9:53 Cologne Hbf
3h19
13:12 Ulm Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 219 · ICE 575 · 19223 · 16057
On time
9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz
3h53
13:51 Ulm Hbf
3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Ulm by train, coach or flight

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.

Fri
15 May
Sat
16 May
Sun
17 May
Mon
18 May
Tue
19 May
Wed
20 May
Thu
21 May

Why should you book Cologne to Ulm trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Cologne to Ulm.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Ulm.

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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Ulm.
  • 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Ulm.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Ulm.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Ulm?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Ulm is 21 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Ulm route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Ulm per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Ulm.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Ulm

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Ulm run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £18
Distance
357 km
Average train duration
3h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £18

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Ulm trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Ulm from £18. 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
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£23
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Price
£64
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
14 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 58m
Cheapest Price
£116
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Cologne to Ulm train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Ulm can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £79.
The train journey from Cologne to Ulm covers a distance of 357 km and takes approximately 2h 55m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Ulm is 357 km.
The first train from Cologne to Ulm leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Cologne to Ulm departs at 23:57.
Trains from Cologne to Ulm run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Ulm. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
To get from Cologne to Ulm, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Ulm.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Ulm is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Ulm Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Ulm is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Cologne to Ulm 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 Ulm offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, including views of the Rhine River, rolling hills, and quaint villages, particularly as the route passes through the picturesque Swabian Jura region.
A day trip from Cologne to Ulm is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 55m. However, there are 11 train journeys available per day covering the 357 km.
A visit of 2 to 3 days in Ulm is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Ulm Minster, the Fishermen's Quarter, and the Ulm Museum, while also enjoying the charming atmosphere of the city.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Ulm.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Ulm

Cologne
Ulm
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Ulm.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/DeutzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Imbiss Athena
  • Arena Grill
  • Cafe Especial
  • Joe Champs
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Helenenwall
  • Zur guten Quelle
  • Zum Goldenen Hut
  • Merlin
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps

More options for your journey from Cologne to Ulm

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