The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Cheapest price
£57
Average price
£61
Fastest journey
52 m
Average duration
58 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main 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 am Main to Cologne will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £57.
Of the 10 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Cologne every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 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.
ICE 316
ICE 206
ICE 316
ICE 822
ICE 822
ICE 822
ICE 614
ICE 206
ICE 820
ICE 822Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a flight costs an average of £417.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £427 Average Price |
2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Frankfurt am Main to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trains for today, Monday 17 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 510 | Delayed 22:41 22:09Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h02 | 23:35 23:35Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2510 | Delayed 22:41 22:09Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h02 | 23:35 23:35Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 522 | Delayed 22:27 22:24Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h03 | 23:31 23:31Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 18 November | |||||
ICE 822 | On time 07:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 08:15 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 206 | On time 07:10 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 08:05 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 316 | On time 07:15 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h25 | 08:40 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 822 | On time 07:23 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 08:15 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 316 | On time 07:30 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h10 | 08:40 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 changesdirect | |
S 8 · ICE 614 | On time 07:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h29 | 09:03 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
HLB 28684+ ICE 614 | On time 07:40 Frankfurt South station | 1h23 | 09:03 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 820 | On time 08:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h16 | 09:25 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 | On time 08:10 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h53 | 09:03 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 08:23 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h02 | 09:25 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main to Cologne 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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 51m.
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Cologne from £7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Hessische Landesbahn
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Many trains run from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne throughout the week at all hours of the day. Passengers can expect a travel time which lasts around one hour to a little over four hours depending on the speed of the train and the number of changes involved. Service on this route is offered every day throughout the year. Although very early morning trains are available Monday to Saturday, service begins slightly later on a Sunday.
Which train companies travel from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne}?
The train service between these two cities in Germany is operated by the national railway company, Deutsche Bahn. With an extensive railway network throughout the country, Deutsche Bahn offers reliable service between Frankfurt am Main and Cologne on a regular basis. Onboard services include wifi, comfortable seats and the option to reserve seats.
How long is the train from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne?
Direct trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne generally take a little over one hour to one and a half hours, depending of the speed of the train. Journeys with a change required take around one hour twenty minutes to over four hours, depending on the number of changes involved and the wait time at connecting stations.
How many trains are there from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne?
Between 50 to 70 trains depart between these two cities every day. Passengers can purchase tickets for journeys in the morning, afternoon and well into the night. With approximately three departures per hour, passengers are sure to find a train to suit their needs.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne?
Departure train station:Trains depart from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, which is the city's main railway station. With links to the S-bahn and U-bath, passengers can easily travel onwards, including links to the airport. Station facilities include numerous places to shop and eat, wifi, and luggage lockers.
Arrival train stations: The arrival stations include the main railway station Cologne Hauptbahnhof, and the station Cologne Messe/Deutz. However, Cologne Messe/Deutz is a junction station which is located only a few hundred metres from the Hauptbahnhof station, so both are a convenient choice for passengers.
FAQs: Frankfurt am Main to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Frankfurt am Main and Cologne
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- Wunderbar
- Pizza Ciro
- Schiffsmeldestelle
- Mainod
- Lindner Congress Hotel Frankfurt
- Parkside Hotel
- Höchster Hof
- Hotel am Schloss
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Steigenberger Airport Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for regional and S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: access to airport terminals
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Regional trains: RE2, RE3, RE59
- Bus: Several lines available
- Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg
- Freigut
- GIOIA
- Fleischeslust
- Hotel am Berg
- Hotel Ritter
- Lindner Main Plaza
- Döpfner's im Maingau
- Hiroshi
- Genießertreff
- Urfa
- Pizzeria Charly Braun
- 25h
- Admiral Hotel
- Alexander am Zoo
- Hotel am Zoo
- VierF
- Lindner Hotel & Sports Academy
- Merals Imbiss
- Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg
- Freigut
- Holbein's
- Hotel am Berg
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt
- Hotel Ritter
- Lindner Main Plaza
- Immer Satt
- Café Crumble
- Café Albatros
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Frankfurt Marriott Hotel
- Imperial
- Sophien Hotel
- Hotel Isha
- Pizzeria Da Angelo
- Miro Pizza Döner
- Pizzeria Sun
- My Masala
- Pizza
- Nuraghe
- Zur Golden Kron
- Aladin Döner Kebap
- Heddernheimer Hof
- Zur Buchscheer
- Döner & Pizza Land
- Carisma
- Pizzeria la Locanda
- Bier-Hannes
- Exenberger - Die Werkskantine
- Gastätte Campingplatz
- Armonia
- Hotel Mainstation
- Hotel Alfa
- Blackbox Burger
- Da Cimino
- Tandori Taste
- Amalfi
- Hotel Essential by Dorint
- Niederräder Hof
- Hotel Niederrad
- Da Severino
- Mekong Imbiss
- Pizzeria Rusticale
- Euro Bar Gelateria
- Hotel Isabella
- Pizzeria Cassavia
- Topsis Burger
- Öz Antep Dönerhaus
- Pizzeria Pomodoro
- Hotel Post
- Der Löwe-Das Lokal
- Zeilsheim Pizza & Döner
- Da Angelo
- Pizzeria Cassavia
- McDonald's
- Rama V
- Curry Club
- Bella Mia
- The Westin Grand Frankfurt
- NH Collection Frankfurt City
- Mainhaus Stadthotel
- Hotel Ritter
- Holbein's
- Pizzeria Amalfi
- Pizza Hut
- Frankfurter Botschaft
- Senator Hotel Frankfurt
- Ibis Frankfurt Centrum
- Chipotle
- McDonald's
- Estragon
- The Westin Grand Frankfurt
- Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
- Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
- Hotel Villa Orange
- Istanbul
- Dein Döner
- Da Massimo
- Damiro Westsite
- Attaché
- Fair Hotel
- Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City
- Hotel Lloyed
- Chipotle
- McDonald's
- Pizzeria San Marco
- The Westin Grand Frankfurt
- Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
- Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
- NH Collection Frankfurt City
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Immer Satt
- Café Crumble
- Café Albatros
- Sissi und Franz
- Frankfurt Marriott Hotel
- Hotel West an der Bockenheimer Warte
- Attaché
- Art-Hotel Robert Mayer
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- The italian
- Imbiss Zum "Hans Worscht"
- B'mine Frankfurt Airport
- Moxy Frankfurt Airport
- Holiday Inn Frankfurt Airport
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Steigenberger Airport Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for regional and S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: access to airport terminals
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Regional trains: RE2, RE3, RE59
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- Café Lichtblick
- Gaststätte zum Krug
- Italienisches Eiscafé
- Steak- und Grillstube Richartz
- Blauer König
- DAG Döner
- Sahra-Pizza
- Casablanca
- Hotel Arcaden
- Maugeri Ital. Hotel
- Hotel Rahmani
- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Hanoi46
- Destiny
- Aida
- Schlüters
- 1st floor hotel
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Burger King
- Localino
- Hotel Geisler
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- 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
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Da Dillon
- Bistro Mélange
- Imbiss Kreta Pizza
- Taverna Mythos
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
- Telekebab-pizza
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