- 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 02 Sept
£22
Average ticket price on 02 Sept
£77
Fastest journey on 02 Sept
4 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 02 Sept
4 h 23 m
Trains on 02 Sept
51
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 £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
On Wed 02 Sept, we found 51 trains from Leipzig to Cologne, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 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 25 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.
ICE 699 · ICE 222
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
S5 · 16342 · 80340 · ICE 646
ICE 605 · ICE 937 · ICE 920 · 25402
ICE 609 · IC 60408 · ICE 222+
24300
ICE 601 · ICE 933 · ICE 620
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 722
ICE 603 · ICE 935 · ICE 526
ICE 693 · ICE 528
ICE 593 · ICE 728Omio 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 an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a flight costs an average of £410.
Distance: 381 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £410 Average Price | £63 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 37m Average total duration Fastest 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Leipzig to Cologne:
A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leipzig to Cologne costing on average £35.
A coach is £384 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leipzig to Cologne costing on average £410.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 38m.
Flight takes on average 6h 39m.
Tickets start at around £35 compared to roughly £63 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £28. The journey takes 6h 7m versus 5h 33m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with FlixTrain.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Leipzig to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S5 · 16342 · 80340 · ICE 646 | 0:07 Leipzig Hbf | 9h08 | 9:15 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
ICE 1656 · ICE 614 | On time 5:28 Leipzig Hbf | 4h37 | 10:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2434 · ICE 654 | 5:46 Leipzig Hbf | 5h28 | 11:14 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2044 · ICE 954 | On time 6:40 Leipzig Hbf | 5h42 | 12:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 593 · ICE 728 | On time 6:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h25 | 11:14 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | On time 7:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h38 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2238 · IC 2432 · ICE 652 | On time 7:42 Leipzig Hbf | 5h33 | 13:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 503 · ICE 750 · ICE 726 | On time 7:55 Leipzig Hbf | 4h27 | 12:22 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2046 · ICE 952 | On time 8:41 Leipzig Hbf | 5h41 | 14:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 595 · IC 1145 | On time 8:49 Leipzig Hbf | 6h17 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 595 · ICE 724 | On time 8:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h31 | 13:20 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 610 | On time 9:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h38 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2430 · ICE 650 | 9:42 Leipzig Hbf | 5h33 | 15:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 722 | On time 9:59 Leipzig Hbf | 4h23 | 14:22 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 611 | 9:59 Leipzig Hbf | 5h47 | 15:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 10:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h33 | 15:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 11:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h38 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2038 · ICE 558 | 11:42 Leipzig Hbf | 5h33 | 17:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 628 | On time 11:55 Leipzig Hbf | 4h28 | 16:23 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 28 | On time 11:55 Leipzig Hbf | 6h11 | 18:06 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2440 · ICE 858 | On time 12:41 Leipzig Hbf | 5h41 | 18:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 599 · ICE 626 | On time 12:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h30 | 17:19 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 13:00 Leipzig, Hbf | 8h48 | 21:48 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1558 · ICE 516 | On time 13:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h38 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 509 · ICE 931 · ICE 624 | On time 13:55 Leipzig Hbf | 4h28 | 18:23 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 509 · ICE 931 · ICE 26 · 10442 | On time 13:55 Leipzig Hbf | 6h17 | 20:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2442 · ICE 856 | On time 14:41 Leipzig Hbf | 5h41 | 20:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 691 · ICE 622 | On time 14:48 Leipzig Hbf | 4h26 | 19:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 691 · ICE 1512 | On time 14:48 Leipzig Hbf | 4h45 | 19:33 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 691 · IC 2349 | On time 14:48 Leipzig Hbf | 6h18 | 21:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2234 · IC 2034 · ICE 554 | On time 15:42 Leipzig Hbf | 5h32 | 21:14 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 601 · ICE 933 · ICE 620 | On time 15:55 Leipzig Hbf | 4h19 | 20:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
ICE 601 · ICE 933 · ICE 24 · 10446 | On time 15:55 Leipzig Hbf | 6h17 | 22:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2444 | On time 16:41 Leipzig Hbf | 6h04 | 22:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2444 · ICE 854 | On time 16:41 Leipzig Hbf | 5h41 | 22:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 693 · ICE 528 | On time 16:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h25 | 21:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 693 · IC 2347 | On time 16:49 Leipzig Hbf | 6h17 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 693 · ICE 318 | On time 16:49 Leipzig Hbf | 4h50 | 21:39 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1554 · ICE 512 | On time 17:27 Leipzig Hbf | 4h38 | 22:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2032 · ICE 552 | 17:42 Leipzig Hbf | 5h33 | 23:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 603 · ICE 935 · ICE 22 · 10450 | On time 17:53 Leipzig Hbf | 6h19 | 0:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 603 · ICE 935 · ICE 526 | On time 17:53 Leipzig Hbf | 4h23 | 22:16 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2446 · ICE 842 | On time 18:41 Leipzig Hbf | 6h03 | 0:44 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 695 · ICE 524 | On time 18:48 Leipzig Hbf | 4h51 | 23:39 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1552 · ICE 677 · ICE 522 | On time 19:27 Leipzig Hbf | 5h04 | 0:31 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 605 · ICE 937 · ICE 920 · 25402 | On time 19:55 Leipzig Hbf | 7h07 | 3:02 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
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 Leipzig to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £18 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 27m.
Distance 381 km |
Average train duration 6h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 27m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 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 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.

Most Leipzig to Cologne trains use the Leipzig Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Leipzig and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Zchocolat, Vapiano Leipzig
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Leipzig.
Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof is 1 km from Leipzig city centre. Public transport options include:
Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof 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: El-Amir, Pata Negra, Shams Bistro, China White
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof. ATMs are available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof. Information desks are available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Bayerischer Bahnhof.
Nearby hotels include Dorint Hotel Leipzig, Adagio, SchlafGut AppartementHotel, Gwuni Mopera.
Leipzig Markt 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: China White, Cafe Barbakane, X-Maza, Vodkaria
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig Markt. ATMs are available at Leipzig Markt.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Markt. Information desks are available at Leipzig Markt.
Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Markt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leipzig Markt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Markt.
Nearby hotels include Seaside Park, Pentahotel Leipzig, Victors Residenzhotel, Marriott.
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