The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Cheapest price
£85
Average price
£99
Fastest journey
51 m
Average duration
56 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 £99 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £85.
Of the 10 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Cologne every day 9 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 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 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 16128:121h20Frankfurt (Main) Hbf9:32Cologne Hbf£851One-way0 changes
ICE 16128:261h06Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:32Cologne Hbf£851One-way0 changes
ICE 26148:110h54Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:05Cologne Hbf£951One-way0 changes
ICE 8228:220h52Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:14Cologne Messe/Deutz£971One-way0 changes
ICE 3168:480h51Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:39Cologne Hbf£1001One-way0 changes
ICE 3168:480h51Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:39Cologne Hbf£1001One-way0 changes
ICE 8228:220h52Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:14Cologne Messe/Deutz£971One-way0 changes
ICE 26148:110h54Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:05Cologne Hbf£951One-way0 changes
ICE 6149:100h55Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:05Cologne Hbf£1001One-way0 changes
ICE 16128:261h06Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:32Cologne Hbf£851One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 £8. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 2h 6m. 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 £8, and a train costs an average of £9.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£20 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 44m Average total duration 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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, Thursday 2 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 724 | Delayed 10:28 10:07Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 11:28 11:28Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 724 | Delayed 10:42 10:22Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 11:28 11:28Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 314 | On time 10:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h05 | 11:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
15168+ ICE 610 | On time 10:39 Frankfurt South station | 1h26 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| Friday 3 April | |||||
ICE 822 | On time 6:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 7:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2614 | On time 6:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 7:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1612 | On time 6:12 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 7:32 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 822 | On time 6:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 7:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1612 | On time 6:26 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h06 | 7:32 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 316 | On time 6:33 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 7:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 316 | On time 6:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h51 | 7:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 7:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 8:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
4254 · ICE 1012 | On time 7:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 8:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 614 | On time 7:10 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 8:05 Cologne Hbf | 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 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.
02 Apr
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Why should you book Frankfurt am Main to Cologne trains with Omio?
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 Hessische Landesbahn to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne?
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 30 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 25 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 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 30 |
Direct trains 25 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 0:01 |
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 £8. 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
- 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
- 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: 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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