LOCARNO to COLOGNE train from £22 with Deutsche Bahn (IC,EC,ICE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Locarno to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£126

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£139

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

7 h 14 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

7 h 32 m

Trains on 18 Sept

Distance

547 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Locarno to Cologne will cost around £139 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £126.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Locarno to Cologne, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 547 km distance in an average of 7 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 14 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 50 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.

8:157h14
Locarno
15:29Cologne
£1261One-way
0 changes
6:157h50
Locarno
14:05Cologne
£1521One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Locarno to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Locarno to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £73 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £73, while a flight costs an average of £385.

Distance: 547 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Flight	Coach	Driving
£130 Average Price	£385 Average Price	£73 Average Price Cheapest	£123 Average Price (fuel + tolls)
7h 44m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*	14h 56m Average total duration 14h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	8h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest	1.6 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions	0.5 - 1.4kg 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.

The cheapest way to travel from Locarno to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £73.

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

A coach is £58 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Locarno to Cologne costing on average £130.

A coach is £312 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Locarno to Cologne costing on average £385.

The fastest way to travel from Locarno to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 1m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 7h 14m.

Coach takes on average 14h 26m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Locarno and Cologne including taking a train, coach and flight.

Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 1h 1m sooner (7h 14m by train vs 8h 15m by car). Tickets start at around £130 compared to roughly £123 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Locarno to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Locarno to Cologne trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes	Tickets
	10:15 Locarno	7h28	17:43 Cologne	0 changesdirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Locarno 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.

Fri
18 Sept

Sat
19 Sept

Sun
20 Sept

Mon
21 Sept

Tue
22 Sept

Wed
23 Sept

Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Locarno to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Locarno to Cologne.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Locarno to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

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 Locarno 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 Locarno to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Locarno to Cologne

Switzerland

Germany

Trains from Locarno to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £99 but you can travel from only £22 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 547 km distance in 6h 26m.

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

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from £22

Distance

547 km

Average train duration

7h 14m

Cheapest ticket price

£99

Trains per day

Fastest train

6h 26m

First train

0:02

Last train

23:55

Cheapest Month

Jun

Cheapest Day

Sun

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Oct - Dec

Best time to book

1 day

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from £22

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Locarno to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Locarno 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

6h 26m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

£99

Deutsche Bahn frequency

11 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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

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

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

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: Locarno to Cologne train

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

The cost of a train ticket from Locarno to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £99, while the average price tends to be around £130.

The train journey from Locarno to Cologne covers a distance of 547 km and takes approximately 6h 26m. Trains run 11 per day.

The train distance from Locarno to Cologne is 547 km.

The first train from Locarno to Cologne leaves at 0:02.

The last train from Locarno to Cologne departs at 23:55.

Trains from Locarno to Cologne run approximately 11 times per day.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Locarno to Cologne.

To get from Locarno to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

There is no night train service from Locarno to Cologne.

The train station in Locarno that goes to Cologne is Locarno station, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.

The cheapest way to get from Locarno to Cologne is by flight, costing approximately £22.

Booking trains from Locarno to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.

Yes, the train journey from Locarno to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Swiss Alps and along the Rhine Valley, providing a visually appealing experience.

A day trip from Locarno to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 26m. Trains run 20 times per day. The distance is 547 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 Locarno to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Locarno and Cologne

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

Departure train stations in Locarno

Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Locarno station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Locarno to Cologne leave from Locarno. The station is from Locarno city centre at Piazza Stazione, 6600 Locarno, Switzerland.

LocarnoPiazza Stazione, 6600 Locarno, Switzerland+41 91 751 82 90 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Locarno from Locarno city centre

Bus1, 311, 312, 316, 3, 4, 7 · 4m · £2 · every ~38 min

Locarno train station facilities and services

Locarno has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Ristorante Sensi, Osteria Chiara

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Locarno. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Locarno. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Locarno: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Locarno: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Locarno: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Ibis Locarno, Hotel Belvedere Locarno, Hotel Garni Muralto.

More about Locarno

Locarno, DebarcaderoPiazza Stazione, 6600 Muralto, Switzerland+41 848 446 688 Accessibility

Locarno, Debarcadero train station facilities and services

Locarno, Debarcadero has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Locarno, Debarcadero.

Which Cologne station do trains from Locarno arrive at?

Trains from Locarno to Cologne most often arrive at Köln Hbf. Some services arrive at Köln Messe/Deutz, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cologne arrival station.

Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min

BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m

Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min

18, 16 · 51m · £4 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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.