- 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 31 Aug
£22
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£43
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
1 h 46 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
1 h 52 m
Trains on 31 Aug
20
Distance
210 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heidelberg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Heidelberg to Cologne will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
On Mon 31 Aug, we found 20 trains from Heidelberg to Cologne, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 210 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 55 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.
S3 · IC 60402
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
15300 · IC 2541
ICE 618
IC 2041
S3 · ICE 1012
S3 · ICE 516
S3 · ICE 614
19272 · ICE 106
19260 · ICE 202Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heidelberg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, while a train costs an average of £33.
Distance: 210 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price | £17 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Heidelberg to Cologne trains for today, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 7:06 Heidelberg Hbf | 11h25 | 18:31 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2549 | On time 8:24 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h42 | 11:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 9:06 Heidelberg Hbf | 13h02 | 22:08 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
19260 · ICE 202 | On time 9:10 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h55 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1670 · ICE 16 | On time 9:18 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h21 | 11:39 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 612 | On time 10:13 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2547 | On time 10:24 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h42 | 13:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S3 · ICE 1010 | On time 10:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h46 | 12:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
19264 · ICE 200 | On time 11:10 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h55 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 610 | On time 12:13 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2545 | On time 12:24 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h42 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S3 · ICE 918 | On time 12:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h46 | 14:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 · 10434 | 12:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 3h29 | 16:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
19268 · ICE 108 | On time 13:10 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h55 | 15:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1576 · ICE 14 | On time 13:18 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h21 | 15:39 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 518 | On time 14:13 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 2012 · 17354 | On time 14:24 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h58 | 17:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 916 | On time 14:42 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h47 | 16:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
19272 · ICE 106 | On time 15:10 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h55 | 17:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S2 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 15:33 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h07 | 17:40 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
S3 · ICE 516 | On time 16:13 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2041 | On time 16:24 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h42 | 19:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S3 · ICE 224 | On time 16:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h00 | 18:43 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 · 10442 | 16:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 3h29 | 20:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
19276 · ICE 104 | On time 17:10 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h55 | 19:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1572 · ICE 10 | On time 17:18 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h22 | 19:40 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 514 | On time 18:13 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2349 | On time 18:24 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h42 | 21:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S3 · ICE 912 | On time 18:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h46 | 20:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 912 · ICE 24 · 10446 | 18:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 3h29 | 22:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
19282 · ICE 102 | On time 19:10 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h55 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S2 · ICE 902 | On time 19:33 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h22 | 21:55 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · ICE 512 | On time 20:13 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h52 | 22:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2347 | On time 20:24 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h42 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S3 · ICE 910 | On time 20:44 Heidelberg Hbf | 1h46 | 22:30 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · IC 60402 | 0:56 Heidelberg Hbf | 4h48 | 5:44 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 618 | On time 3:43 Heidelberg Hbf | 2h21 | 6:04 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
15300 · IC 2541 | On time 4:21 Heidelberg Hbf | 4h45 | 9:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
15300 · ICE 18 | On time 4:21 Heidelberg Hbf | 3h19 | 7:40 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S3 · 4750 · 33602 | 5:06 Heidelberg Hbf | 4h56 | 10:02 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Heidelberg to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 210 km distance in 1h 52m.
Distance 210 km |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg to Cologne trains use the Heidelberg Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Heidelberg and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Heidelberg Hbf is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg 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: Heid´s Grill, McDonald's, Uuuhmami, Taj Mahal
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg Hbf. ATMs are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Information desks are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel, Qube Hotel, NH Heidelberg, Krokodil.
Heidelberg-Altstadt is 2 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg-Altstadt 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: Persepolis, Zum Brückenaff, 'S' Kastanie, Choa
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Altstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg-Altstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Nearby hotels include Parkhotel Atlantic, Hackteufel, Goldener Falke, Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg.
Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach is 3 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach 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: Restaurant Dufke, Stettiner Klause, Hakim's Imbiss, KOLBEZ Cafe
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. ATMs are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Information desks are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg-Kirchheim/Rohrbach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Rose.
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