The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Cheapest price
£49
Average price
£59
Fastest journey
1 h 57 m
Average duration
2 h 38 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Cologne will cost around £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.
Of the 5 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Cologne every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 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.
RE 4470 · ICE 1020
ICE 374 · IC 1749
ICE 202
ICE 78 · ICE 1012
ICE 374 · ICE 614
ICE 78 · ICE 1012
ICE 202
ICE 374 · ICE 614
ICE 374 · IC 1749
RE 4470 · ICE 1020Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Karlsruhe to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £18.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£66 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg 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
Karlsruhe to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday 11 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374 · IC 1749 | On time 07:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h06 | 10:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 374 · ICE 614 | On time 07:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h05 | 09:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 4470 · ICE 1020 | Delayed 07:06 Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h00 | 11:09 11:09Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 78 · ICE 1012 | On time 07:51 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h57 | 09:48 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 202 | On time 08:01 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h04 | 10:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 03:57 Karlsruhe | 2h08 | 06:05 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 05:01 Karlsruhe | 3h05 | 08:06 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe 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.
12 Nov
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Karlsruhe to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Cologne
Trains from Karlsruhe to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 1h 57m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet from Karlsruhe to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Cologne from £13. 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.
ÖBB Nightjet
FAQs: Karlsruhe to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe and Cologne
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
- 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: 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
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- 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
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- 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
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Cologne
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