The cheapest and fastest trains from Leipzig to Cologne
Cheapest price
£39
Average price
£111
Fastest journey
4 h 19 m
Average duration
4 h 36 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leipzig to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leipzig to Cologne will cost around £111 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Of the 15 trains that leave Leipzig 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 381 km distance in an average of 4 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 47 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+
FlixBus
FlixTrain
IC 2430 · ICE 650
IC 2038 · ICE 558
ICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 28
ICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 628
ICE 597 · ICE 720
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 124
ICE 597 · ICE 1516
ICE 1650 · ICE 628Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Leipzig to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leipzig to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £359.
Distance: 381 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£80 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £472 Average Price |
6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 34m Average total duration 7h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Leipzig to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Leipzig to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Monday 19 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1652 · ICE 124 | On time 08:27 Leipzig Hbf | 5h16 | 13:43 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1652 · 15516 · ICE 722 | On time 08:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h47 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
IC 2430 · ICE 650 | On time 08:42 Leipzig Hbf | 5h33 | 14:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 124 | On time 08:59 Leipzig Hbf | 4h44 | 13:43 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 602 · ICE 1156 | On time 09:12 Leipzig Hbf | 5h28 | 14:40 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 09:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h25 | 14:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 09:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h44 | 14:33 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 10:04 Leipzig Hbf | 6h45 | 16:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 10:04 Leipzig Hbf | 9h16 | 19:20 Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1 change | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 1716 | On time 10:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h58 | 15:25 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 628 | On time 10:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h47 | 15:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
IC 2038 · ICE 558 | On time 10:42 Leipzig Hbf | 5h33 | 16:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 628 | On time 10:55 Leipzig Hbf | 4h19 | 15:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
ICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 122 | On time 10:55 Leipzig Hbf | 4h48 | 15:43 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 28 | On time 10:55 Leipzig Hbf | 6h11 | 17:06 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leipzig 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.
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31 Jan
01 Feb
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Leipzig to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Leipzig to Cologne
Trains from Leipzig to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £20 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 381 km distance in 4h 24m.
Distance 381 km |
Average train duration 6h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 24m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Leipzig to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Leipzig and Cologne from £20. 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.
FlixTrain
FAQs: Leipzig to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leipzig 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 Leipzig and Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Willy-Brandt-Platz.
- Restaurant Zchocolat
- Vapiano Leipzig
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
- a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Leipzig
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-13 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 14-23
- Hall 3: shopping and dining area
- Tram: Lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S5X, S6
- Bus: Several lines available
- China White
- Cafe Barbakane
- X-Maza
- Vodkaria
- Seaside Park
- Pentahotel Leipzig
- Victors Residenzhotel
- Marriott
- La mia pizza
- Eis fichte MCL
- Pata Negra
- Shams Bistro
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Leipzig
More options for your journey from Leipzig to Cologne
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