Kiel to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sat 12 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Kiel to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Sept

Cheapest price on 12 Sept

£27

Average ticket price on 12 Sept

£69

Fastest journey on 12 Sept

5 h 30 m

Average journey duration on 12 Sept

5 h 32 m

Trains on 12 Sept

12

Distance

434 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Kiel to Cologne will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.

Fast trains

To travel from Kiel to Cologne you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:108h46
    Kiel, ZOB
    12:56Cologne Hbf
    £271One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:108h48
    Kiel, ZOB
    12:58Cologne Hbf
    £401One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 773 · ICE 615
    14:165h30
    Kiel Hbf
    19:46Cologne Hbf
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche Bahn11271 · ICE 203
    13:055h45
    Kiel Hbf
    18:50Cologne Hbf
    £601One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche Bahn11221 · ICE 681 · ICE 556
    13:375h38
    Kiel Hbf
    19:15Cologne Hbf
    £691One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Kiel to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a flight costs an average of £319.

Distance: 434 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£58

Average Price

£31

Average Price

Cheapest

£319

Average Price

£69

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 5m

Average total duration

5h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 58m

Average total duration

7h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 0m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

5h 53m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Kiel to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £31.

This is compared to other travel options from Kiel to Cologne:

A coach is £27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Cologne costing on average £58.

A coach is £288 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Cologne costing on average £319.

The fastest way to travel from Kiel to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 0m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 35m.

Coach takes on average 7h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Kiel and Cologne including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 18m faster (5h 35m by train vs 5h 53m by car) and roughly £11 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£58 vs £69). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Kiel to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Cologne trains for today, Friday 11 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn11203 · ICE 515
On time
4:02 Kiel Hbf
5h44
9:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn11255 · ICE 105
Delayed
5:05 Kiel Hbf
5h43
8:50 8:50Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn11205 · ICE 583 · ICE 654
On time
5:37 Kiel Hbf
5h37
11:14 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn11207 · ICE 15216:37 Kiel Hbf
5h08
11:45 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 577 · ICE 519
On time
8:16 Kiel Hbf
5h30
13:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn11211 · ICE 787 · ICE 952
On time
8:37 Kiel Hbf
5h45
14:22 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn11263 · ICE 109
On time
9:05 Kiel Hbf
5h45
14:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn11263 · ICE 109
On time
9:05 Kiel Hbf
5h45
14:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 579 · ICE 611
On time
10:16 Kiel Hbf
5h30
15:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Kiel to Cologne by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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.

Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept

Why should you book Kiel to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Kiel to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Kiel to Cologne.

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 FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Kiel 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Kiel to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Kiel to Cologne.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Kiel to Cologne

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconNo change had been necessary
IconCleanliness perfect throughout the train
IconTrain had full facilities with on-board bistro
Disadvantages
Iconirritated staff
IconDelay of 25 minutes
From Kiel to Cologne, you don't need to change trains, so the 25-minute delay that occurred was not a problem for me. Only the annoyed staff had disturbed the ride comfort. The seats were very comfortable and the train had been fully equipped. It was a bit noisy on the train, but still okay. The on-board bistro was still open on the train, where the cleanliness had been perfect. The cleanliness in the passenger compartment was also very good.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Kiel to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Kiel to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 434 km distance in 5h 27m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
434 km
Average train duration
5h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 27m
First train
0:05
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Kiel to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Kiel and Cologne from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 27m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£22
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

What's included in each class

Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
  • WC
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • WC

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
6h 41m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£26
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
5h 32m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£91
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
4 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Duration
5h 8m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Price
£83
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.

  • Recommended

Museum Schnütgen

Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Kiel to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Kiel to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Kiel to Cologne covers a distance of 434 km and takes approximately 5h 27m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Kiel to Cologne is 434 km.
The first train from Kiel to Cologne leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Kiel to Cologne departs at 23:58.
Trains from Kiel to Cologne run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Kiel to Cologne.
To get from Kiel to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Kiel to Cologne.
The train station in Kiel that goes to Cologne is Kiel Hbf, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Kiel to Cologne is by train, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Kiel to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Kiel to Cologne offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of northern Germany and along parts of the Rhine River. While not all sections provide dramatic scenery, certain stretches are known for their charming countryside and river vistas.
A day trip from Kiel to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 27m. Trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 434 km.
In Cologne, visitors can explore the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Gothic architecture, and visit the Museum Ludwig for modern art by artists like Picasso and Warhol. A Rhine River Cruise offers scenic views of the city's skyline and landmarks, while the Hohenzollern Bridge is known for love locks and panoramic river views. The Old Town (Altstadt) charms with historic streets and traditional beer halls. Families might enjoy the Cologne Zoo, which is rich in diverse animal species. For culture and entertainment, attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, or discover the Belgian Quarter’s trendy boutiques and cafes. The Cologne Chocolate Museum provides an interactive experience about chocolate history, and the Botanical Gardens Flora showcases beautiful plant species and floral displays.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Kiel to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Kiel and Cologne

Most Kiel to Cologne trains use the Kiel Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Kiel and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Kiel
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Kiel station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Kiel to Cologne leave from Kiel Hbf. The station is 1 km from Kiel city centre at Kiel Hbf, Sophienblatt 25-27, 24114 Kiel.
Kiel HbfKiel Hbf, Sophienblatt 25-27, 24114 KielWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kiel Hbf from Kiel city centre

BusN22, N14, N12, N11, 91, 81, 71, X60, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 · 4m · every ~47 min
765, 744 · 6m · every ~2 min

Kiel Hbf train station facilities and services

Kiel 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 and drink

Food options include: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.

Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARKKiel-Hassee CITTIPARK, Altenrade, 24113 Kiel-HasseeWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK from Kiel city centre

Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb, Re · 3m · every ~5 min
BusN51, 51, 50 · 14m · every ~8 min

Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK train station facilities and services

Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK 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 and drink

Food options include: Illy Espressobar, McDonald's, Gosch, Citti-Restaurant

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. ATMs are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Information desks are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.

Kiel-ElmschenhagenKiel-Elmschenhagen, Elmschenhagener Allee 10, 24146 KielWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kiel-Elmschenhagen from Kiel city centre

Kiel-Elmschenhagen is 4 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb, Re · 5m · £3 · every ~3 min
Bus34 · 13m · every ~5 min
34 · 24m · every ~6 min

Kiel-Elmschenhagen train station facilities and services

Kiel-Elmschenhagen 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 and drink

Food options include: Toros, Blitz Pizza Service, Ali Baba Döner

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. ATMs are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. Information desks are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.

Most popular train connections from Kiel

More options for your journey from Kiel to Cologne

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