1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
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
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.
To travel from Kiel to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 773 · ICE 615
11271 · ICE 203
11221 · ICE 681 · ICE 556
ICE 771 · ICE 613
ICE 773 · ICE 615
ICE 577 · ICE 519
ICE 579 · ICE 611
11221 · ICE 681 · ICE 556Omio 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
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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
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.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 35m.
Coach takes on average 7h 28m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11203 · ICE 515 | On time 4:02 Kiel Hbf | 5h44 | 9:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
11255 · ICE 105 | Delayed 5:05 Kiel Hbf | 5h43 | 8:50 8:50Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
11205 · ICE 583 · ICE 654 | On time 5:37 Kiel Hbf | 5h37 | 11:14 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
11207 · ICE 1521 | 6:37 Kiel Hbf | 5h08 | 11:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 577 · ICE 519 | On time 8:16 Kiel Hbf | 5h30 | 13:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
11211 · ICE 787 · ICE 952 | On time 8:37 Kiel Hbf | 5h45 | 14:22 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
11263 · ICE 109 | On time 9:05 Kiel Hbf | 5h45 | 14:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
11263 · ICE 109 | On time 9:05 Kiel Hbf | 5h45 | 14:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 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 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.

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

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.
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 options include: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK is 2 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Illy Espressobar, McDonald's, Gosch, Citti-Restaurant
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. ATMs are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Information desks are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Hassee CITTI-PARK.
Kiel-Elmschenhagen is 4 km from Kiel city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Toros, Blitz Pizza Service, Ali Baba Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. ATMs are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. Information desks are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel-Elmschenhagen.
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