Erfurt to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Tue 08 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Erfurt to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept

Cheapest price on 08 Sept

£52

Average ticket price on 08 Sept

£65

Fastest journey on 08 Sept

3 h 24 m

Average journey duration on 08 Sept

4 h 51 m

Trains on 08 Sept

5

Distance

286 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Erfurt to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Erfurt to Cologne will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

On Tue 08 Sept, we found 5 trains from Erfurt to Cologne, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 4 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 35 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 Bahn
    7:165h04
    Erfurt
    12:20Cologne
    £521One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:355h08
    Erfurt
    12:43Cologne
    £591One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:503h24
    Erfurt
    10:14Cologne
    £621One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:425h06
    Erfurt
    13:48Cologne
    £691One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:305h35
    Erfurt
    14:05Cologne
    £811One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Erfurt to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Erfurt to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 6m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £37.

Distance: 286 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£37

Average Price

£28

Average Price

Cheapest

£49

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 16m

Average total duration

4h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Erfurt to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £28.

This is compared to other travel options from Erfurt to Cologne:

A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Erfurt to Cologne costing on average £37.

The fastest way to travel from Erfurt to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 4h 36m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 46m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Erfurt and Cologne including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £12. The journey takes 4h 36m versus 4h 11m 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.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Erfurt to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Erfurt to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn6:50 Erfurt
3h24
10:14 Cologne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:16 Erfurt
5h04
12:20 Cologne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:35 Erfurt
5h08
12:43 Cologne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:30 Erfurt
5h35
14:05 Cologne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:42 Erfurt
5h06
13:48 Cologne0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Erfurt to Cologne by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept

Why should you book Erfurt to Cologne trains with Omio?

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

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 FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Erfurt to Cologne.
  • 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Erfurt to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Erfurt to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Erfurt to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 286 km distance in 4h 24m.

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
Distance
286 km
Average train duration
4h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£20
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
4h 24m
First train
0:01
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Erfurt to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Erfurt and Cologne from £20. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
4h 49m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£32
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

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
6h 58m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£20
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£54
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.

  • Recommended

Museum Schnütgen

Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.

FAQs: Erfurt to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erfurt to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Erfurt to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £37.
The train journey from Erfurt to Cologne covers a distance of 286 km and takes approximately 4h 24m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Erfurt to Cologne is 286 km.
The first train from Erfurt to Cologne leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Erfurt to Cologne departs at 23:58.
Trains from Erfurt to Cologne run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Erfurt and Cologne. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Erfurt to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Erfurt to Cologne.
The train station in Erfurt that goes to Cologne is Erfurt Hbf, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Erfurt to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from Erfurt to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Erfurt to Cologne offers some scenic views, especially as it passes through the Thuringian Forest and along the Rhine River, providing picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the route.
A day trip from Erfurt to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 24m. Trains operate 8 times per day over a distance of 286 km.
In Cologne, visitors can explore the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Gothic architecture, and visit the Museum Ludwig for modern art by artists like Picasso and Warhol. A Rhine River Cruise offers scenic views of the city's skyline and landmarks, while the Hohenzollern Bridge is known for love locks and panoramic river views. The Old Town (Altstadt) charms with historic streets and traditional beer halls. Families might enjoy the Cologne Zoo, which is rich in diverse animal species. For culture and entertainment, attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, or discover the Belgian Quarter’s trendy boutiques and cafes. The Cologne Chocolate Museum provides an interactive experience about chocolate history, and the Botanical Gardens Flora showcases beautiful plant species and floral displays.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Erfurt to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Erfurt and Cologne

Most Erfurt to Cologne trains use the Erfurt Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Erfurt and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Erfurt
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Erfurt station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Erfurt to Cologne leave from Erfurt Hbf. The station is 1 km from Erfurt city centre at Erfurt Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 12, 99084 Erfurt.
Erfurt HbfErfurt Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 12, 99084 ErfurtWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erfurt Hbf from Erfurt city centre

Bus9 · 17m · every ~12 min
Tram6, 5, 1 · 5m · every ~20 min

Erfurt Hbf train station facilities and services

Erfurt 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 and drink

Food options include: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.

Erfurt-BischlebenErfurt-Bischleben, Uferstr. 1, 99094 ErfurtWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erfurt-Bischleben from Erfurt city centre

Erfurt-Bischleben is 5 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe1 · 5m · £2
Bus51 · 24m · every ~4 min

Erfurt-Bischleben train station facilities and services

Erfurt-Bischleben 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 and drink

Food options include: Zur Schuhleiste, Bachstelze

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. ATMs are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Information desks are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.

Erfurt NordErfurt Nord, Magdeburger Allee 179, 99086 ErfurtWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erfurt Nord from Erfurt city centre

Erfurt Nord is 2 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe56, Re55, Rb52 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 9m · every ~11 min
Tram5, 1, N1 · 12m · every ~21 min

Erfurt Nord train station facilities and services

Erfurt Nord 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 and drink

Food options include: McDonald's, Bruzelkiste Tag & Nacht, Pizzeria Vulcano, Bagdad Döner

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Nord. ATMs are available at Erfurt Nord.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Nord. Information desks are available at Erfurt Nord.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erfurt Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erfurt Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Nord.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Lindeneck, Pension Feldschlößchen.

Most popular train connections from Erfurt

More options for your journey from Erfurt to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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