Erlangen to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE)

Fri 14 Aug
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Erlangen to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

£52

Average price

£95

Fastest journey

4 h 36 m

Average duration

4 h 57 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

324 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Erlangen to Cologne will cost around £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Erlangen for Cologne every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 324 km distance in an average of 4 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 36 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 4 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
    4:025h04
    Erlangen
    9:06Cologne
    £521One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    10:035h03
    Erlangen
    15:06Cologne
    £841One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:035h03
    Erlangen
    13:06Cologne
    £1011One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    17:574h36
    Erlangen
    22:33Cologne
    £1431One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Erlangen to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Erlangen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 3m. 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 £17, and a train costs an average of £24.

Distance: 324 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£70

Average Price

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 49m

Average total duration

5h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Erlangen to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Erlangen to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn4:02 Erlangen
5h04
9:06 Cologne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:03 Erlangen
5h03
13:06 Cologne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn10:03 Erlangen
5h03
15:06 Cologne0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Erlangen 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.

Fri
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug

Why should you book Erlangen to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) offer trains services from Erlangen to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Erlangen 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Erlangen 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 Erlangen 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 Erlangen to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Erlangen to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Erlangen to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 324 km distance in 4h 4m.

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 £17
Distance
324 km
Average train duration
4h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
4h 4m
First train
0:04
Last train
23:57
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 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 £17

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Erlangen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Erlangen and Cologne from £17. 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
4h 4m
Cheapest Price
£24
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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 36m
Cheapest Price
£78
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
£67
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
6 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: Erlangen to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erlangen 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 Erlangen to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Erlangen to Cologne covers a distance of 324 km and takes approximately 4h 4m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Erlangen to Cologne is 324 km.
The first train from Erlangen to Cologne leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Erlangen to Cologne departs at 23:57.
Trains from Erlangen to Cologne run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Erlangen to Cologne.
To get from Erlangen to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Erlangen to Cologne.
The train station in Erlangen that goes to Cologne is Erlangen station, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Erlangen to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Erlangen 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 Erlangen to Cologne offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque Franconian countryside and the charming landscapes of the Rhineland, providing glimpses of rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint villages along the way.
A day trip from Erlangen to Cologne is not feasible, as the journey takes 4h 4m. However, there are 8 train options available per day.
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 Erlangen to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Erlangen and Cologne

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

Departure train stations in Erlangen
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Erlangen station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Erlangen to Cologne leave from Erlangen. The station is 1 km from Erlangen city centre at Erlangen, Bahnhofsplatz 1, 91054 Erlangen.
ErlangenErlangen, Bahnhofsplatz 1, 91054 ErlangenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erlangen from Erlangen city centre

Bus295, 290, 289 · 4m · £3 · every ~14 min

Erlangen train station facilities and services

Erlangen 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: Basilikum, Ilias, Ristorante Carpaccio, Goldene Sonne

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erlangen. ATMs are available at Erlangen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erlangen. Information desks are available at Erlangen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erlangen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erlangen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erlangen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erlangen.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include NH Hotel, A. B. Hotel, Zeitwohnhaus, Hotel Villa Soy.

Erlangen Paul-Gossen-StraßeErlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße, Paul-Gossen-Straße 25, 91051 ErlangenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße from Erlangen city centre

Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße is 1 km from Erlangen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS1 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusS1 · 7m · £3
281S, 289, 281 · 8m · every ~9 min
209 · 9m · £3
289, 281, 281S · 10m · every ~9 min

Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße train station facilities and services

Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße 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: Bistro bareva, Zum Angerwirt, Turandot, Hoang Kim Imbiss

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße. ATMs are available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße. Information desks are available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erlangen Paul-Gossen-Straße.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Art Hotel, The niu Cure.

Erlangen-BruckErlangen-Bruck, Am Brucker Bahnhof 21, 91058 ErlangenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erlangen-Bruck from Erlangen city centre

Erlangen-Bruck is 2 km from Erlangen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS1 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusS1 · 12m · £4
290 · 17m · every ~5 min

Erlangen-Bruck train station facilities and services

Erlangen-Bruck 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: Kaffee- und Snackbar Oase, Gaststätte TV 1861 Bruck, Der Beck, Hoang Kim Imbiss

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erlangen-Bruck. ATMs are available at Erlangen-Bruck.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erlangen-Bruck. Information desks are available at Erlangen-Bruck.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erlangen-Bruck. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erlangen-Bruck: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erlangen-Bruck: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erlangen-Bruck.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Weißes Lamm, Hotel Smart-Inn, The niu Cure.

Most popular train connections from Erlangen

More options for your journey from Erlangen to Cologne

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

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