- 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.
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£9
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£37
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
1 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
1 h 6 m
Trains on 14 Oct
53
Distance
152 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
On Wed 14 Oct, we found 53 trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne, including 31 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 152 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 6 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.
IC 2241
ICE 820
ICE 1020
ICE 28
ICE 228
ICE 314
ICE 14
ICE 822
ICE 316
ICE 722Trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne run on average 19 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:11, the last at 22:19. The fastest train covers the 152 km distance in 59m.
Distance 152 km |
Average train duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 59m |
First train 1:11 |
Last train 22:19 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2241 | On time 6:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 9:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
29508 · ICE 1014 | Delayed 7:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 6:50 6:50Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 220 | 7:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 8:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1022 · ICE 204 | On time 7:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 9:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 822 | On time 8:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 9:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1612 | On time 8:12 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 9:32 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 316 | On time 8:33 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 9:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
4491 · IC 1049 | 8:38 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h27 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1656 · ICE 614 | On time 8:42 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h23 | 10:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 820 | On time 9:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 10:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
4254 · ICE 1012 | On time 9:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 10:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 128 | On time 9:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 10:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1020 · ICE 202 | On time 9:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1020 | On time 9:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 728 | On time 10:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 11:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1610 | On time 10:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 11:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 16 | On time 10:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h05 | 11:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
4493 · IC 1947 | On time 10:38 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h27 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | On time 10:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 726 | On time 11:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 12:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
4256 · ICE 1010 | On time 11:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 12:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 126 | On time 11:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 12:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 926 | On time 11:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 14:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 926 · ICE 200 | On time 11:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 724 | On time 12:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1518 | 12:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 13:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 314 | On time 12:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h05 | 13:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
4495 · IC 1645 | 12:38 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h27 | 15:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 610 | On time 12:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 722 | On time 13:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 14:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
4258 · ICE 918 | On time 13:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 14:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 124 | On time 13:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 14:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 228 · ICE 108 | On time 13:41 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 15:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 228 | On time 13:41 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 16:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 720 | On time 14:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 15:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1516 | On time 14:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 15:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 14 | On time 14:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h05 | 15:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
4497 · ICE 2012 | On time 14:38 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h28 | 17:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 14:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1716 | 15:01 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 16:25 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 628 | On time 15:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 16:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
4260 · ICE 916 | On time 15:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 16:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 122 | On time 15:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 16:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 28 | 15:41 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 18:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 28 · ICE 106 | On time 15:41 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h24 | 17:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
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.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, Cologne
The most popular day trips by train from Cologne are Bonn, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Koblenz and Dortmund. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cologne on Omio.

Bonn is best known as Beethoven’s birthplace and the former capital of West Germany. Set on the Rhine, it feels calm and cultured, with museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a strong university presence.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 24 km distance in 19m.

Düsseldorf is known for fashion, contemporary art and its lively Altstadt on the Rhine. Sleek shopping streets, traditional breweries and bold modern architecture give it a polished yet sociable character.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 km distance in 14m.

Aachen is best known for its cathedral and its close ties to Charlemagne and imperial history. Near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, it feels compact, youthful and international, with thermal spa traditions and a busy university scene.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 63 km distance in 31m.

Koblenz sits at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle, with a historic centre shaped by Roman beginnings and river trade. It is known for the Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein, while vineyards and waterfront views give it a calm, lived-in feel.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 78 km distance in 44m.

Dortmund is a Ruhr city known for football, brewing heritage and its industrial roots. Former worksites, parks and modern cultural venues give it a practical, lively character.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 57m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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.

Most Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne trains use the Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) 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, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need