- 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 10 Oct
£10
Average ticket price on 10 Oct
£52
Fastest journey on 10 Oct
2 h 34 m
Average journey duration on 10 Oct
2 h 35 m
Trains on 10 Oct
35
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanover to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hanover to Cologne will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £10.
On Sat 10 Oct, we found 35 trains from Hanover to Cologne, including 12 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 250 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 35 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.
FlixTrain
95788+
90621 · 10244 · S2
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
IC 2444 · ICE 207
ICE 654
ICE 554
ICE 652
ICE 650
ICE 558Trains from Hanover to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 250 km distance in 2h 32m.
Distance 250 km |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
The table below shows live departures for Hanover to Cologne trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60471 · ICE 618+ 15160 | Delayed 22:30 0:30Hanover Hbf | 5h34 | 6:04 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 656 | Delayed 6:40 Hanover Hbf | 2h35 | 7:20 7:20Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 956 | Delayed 7:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h41 | 8:18 8:18Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2042 | Delayed 7:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h05 | 8:52 8:52Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 654 | Delayed 8:40 Hanover Hbf | 2h34 | 9:20 9:20Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 954 | Delayed 9:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h41 | 10:17 10:17Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2044 | On time 9:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h05 | 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 10:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h19 | 13:42 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 652 | On time 10:40 Hanover Hbf | 2h35 | 13:15 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 952 | On time 11:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h41 | 14:12 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2046 | On time 11:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h05 | 14:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 650 | On time 12:40 Hanover Hbf | 2h35 | 15:15 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 950 | Delayed 13:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h40 | 14:17 14:17Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2048 | On time 13:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h05 | 16:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 14:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h19 | 17:42 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 558 | On time 14:40 Hanover Hbf | 2h35 | 17:15 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 858 | On time 15:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h41 | 18:12 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2440 | On time 15:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h05 | 18:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 556 | Delayed 14:43 16:40Hanover Hbf | 2h35 | 17:21 17:21Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 856 | On time 17:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h41 | 20:12 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2442 | On time 17:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h05 | 20:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 18:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h33 | 21:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 554 | Delayed 16:43 18:40Hanover Hbf | 2h34 | 19:22 19:22Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 854 | On time 19:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h02 | 22:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2444 · ICE 207 | On time 19:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h08 | 22:48 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 552 | On time 20:40 Hanover Hbf | 2h35 | 23:15 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 852 | On time 21:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h13 | 0:44 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2446 · 89742 · S6 · 26842 | On time 21:40 Hanover Hbf | 4h38 | 2:18 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 550 | On time 22:40 Hanover Hbf | 4h05 | 2:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
90621 · 10244 · ICE 523+ 95788 | 23:09 Hanover Hbf | 6h22 | 5:31 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
4446 · 14051 · 10204 · 17407 | 2:17 Hanover Hbf | 6h21 | 8:38 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
4446 · ICE 103 | 2:17 Hanover Hbf | 6h25 | 8:42 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S4 · ICE 2191 · ICE 204+ 24318 | 4:00 Hanover Hbf | 5h12 | 9:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2040 · 20068 · ICE 121 | On time 5:39 Hanover Hbf | 3h45 | 9:24 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Hanover 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 Hanover to Cologne trains use the Hannover Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Hanover and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Hannover 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: Balzac Coffee, Burger King, McDonald's, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, asiahung, Mr. CLOU, Nordsee, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hannover Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover Hbf. Information desks are located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the main entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover Hbf: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Grand Hotel Mussmann, IntercityHotel Hannover, Hotel Loccumer Hof.
Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee is 5 km from Hanover city centre. Public transport options include:
Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee 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: Brela, Ginkgo, TRIO Ristorantino Eiscafe und Bar, Alte Mühle
Wi-Fi is available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee. ATMs are available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee. Information desks are available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee.
Luggage storage is available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee.
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