The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Cheapest price
£14
Average price
£37
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
93
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 £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.
Of the 93 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Cologne every day 80 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 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 48 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 618
ICE 618
ICE 222
ICE 920 · 25402
ICE 920 · 25402
ICE 1014
ICE 1012
ICE 1010
ICE 912
ICE 918Travel 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 £7. 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 £7, and a train costs an average of £9.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£22 Average Price | £15 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, Monday 16 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2241 | Delayed 05:59 05:58Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h08 | 08:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 824 | On time 06:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 07:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 1014 | Delayed 06:17 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h12 | 07:31 07:31Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 824 | Delayed 06:23 06:22Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 07:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 220 | On time 06:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 07:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1014 | Delayed 06:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 07:31 07:31Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 220 | On time 06:46 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 07:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 204 | Delayed 06:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 08:06 08:06Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 204 | Delayed 07:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 08:06 08:06Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 820 | On time 08:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 09:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 | On time 08:10 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 09:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 1012 | Delayed 08:17 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h12 | 09:31 09:31Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 820 | Delayed 08:23 08:22Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 09:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 08:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 09:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1012 | Delayed 08:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 09:31 09:31Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 128 | On time 08:46 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 09:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 202 | Delayed 08:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 10:06 10:06Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 202 | Delayed 09:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 10:06 10:06Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 126 | On time 10:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 11:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 10:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 11:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 926 | On time 10:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 126 | On time 10:46 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h57 | 11:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 200 | On time 10:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 926 | On time 10:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h06 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 11:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 12:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 11:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1518 | On time 11:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 12:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 11:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 12:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 124 | On time 12:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 13:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 12:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 13:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1228 | On time 12:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 108 | On time 12:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 124 | On time 12:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 13:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1228 | On time 12:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 720 | On time 13:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 14:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1516 | On time 13:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 14:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 108 | On time 13:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 720 | On time 13:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 14:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 122 | On time 14:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 15:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 916 | On time 14:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 15:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 28 | On time 14:41 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h25 | 17:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 106 | On time 14:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 122 | On time 14:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 15:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 28 | On time 14:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h07 | 17:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 15:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 16:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 106 | On time 15:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1514 | On time 15:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 16:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 15:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 16:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1224 | On time 16:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 19:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 104 | On time 16:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 224 | On time 16:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 118 | On time 16:53 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h01 | 17:54 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1224 | On time 16:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h06 | 19:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 17:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 18:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 104 | On time 17:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1512 | On time 17:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h22 | 18:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 17:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 18:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 10 | On time 17:33 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 18:40 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 120 | On time 18:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 19:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 318 | On time 18:36 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h23 | 19:59 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 912 | On time 18:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h48 | 19:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 24 | On time 18:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 102 | On time 18:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 120 | On time 18:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h55 | 19:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 318 | On time 18:50 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h09 | 19:59 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 24 | On time 18:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h06 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 19:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h07 | 20:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 102 | On time 19:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h54 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 910 | On time 20:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h49 | 21:30 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1220 | On time 20:44 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h22 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 100 | On time 20:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h23 | 22:10 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 524 | On time 21:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h32 | 22:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 100 | On time 21:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h59 | 22:10 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 524 | On time 21:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h17 | 22:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 522 | On time 22:11 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 23:31 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 522 | On time 22:25 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h06 | 23:31 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 17 February | |||||
ICE 618 | 03:58 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 05:16 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 618 | 04:11 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h05 | 05:16 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 222 | 04:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 05:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 826 | 04:41 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 06:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 222 | 04:47 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h56 | 05:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 826 | 04:56 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h18 | 06:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 18 | 05:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 06:40 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2241 | 05:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h23 | 08:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 616 | 05:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 07:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 18 | 05:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0h52 | 06:40 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne run on average 29 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
There are 24 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 29 |
Direct trains 24 |
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
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