Madrid to Cologne train with AVE

Sun 22 Mar
+ Add return
AVE
iryo
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
AVE
iryo
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 22 Mar

Cheapest price

£407

Average price

£411

Fastest journey

22 h 25 m

Average duration

23 h 17 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

1247 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Madrid to Cologne will cost around £411 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £407.

Fast trains

To travel from Madrid to Cologne you need to make at least 3 changes.

Renfe Viajeros
12:5022h25
Madrid
11:15Köln Hbf
£4071One-way
3 changes
Renfe AVE
21:0724h08
Madrid
21:15Köln Hbf
£4161One-way
3 changes

Live departures

Madrid to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cologne trains for today, Saturday 21 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 20:13
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
RenfeAVE20:27 Madrid
24h48
21:15 Köln Hbf3 changes
Sunday 22 March
Renfe Viajeros12:50 Madrid
22h25
11:15 Köln Hbf3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Cologne by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Sun
22 Mar
Mon
23 Mar
Tue
24 Mar
Wed
25 Mar
Thu
26 Mar
Fri
27 Mar
Sat
28 Mar

Why should you book Madrid to Cologne trains with Omio?

AVE as well as iryo offer trains services from Madrid to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs AVE?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of iryo to find the best option for your trip from Madrid 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 AVE with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of iryo to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Cologne

SpainSpain
ItalyItaly
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 18h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £396 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 06:40, the last at 13:00. The fastest train covers the 1247 km distance in 14h 50m.

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
1247 km
Average train duration
18h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£396
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
14h 50m
First train
06:40
Last train
13:00
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: AVE, iryo from Madrid to Cologne trainsAVE, iryo trains will get you between Madrid and Cologne from £396. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

AVE

About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22h 26m
Cheapest Price
£396
AVE frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Learn more about AVE

iryo

About
iryo is a new brand from railway operator ILSA operating in Spain since 2022. iryo uses Frecciarossa 1000 trains which are modern, can travel at up to 360km/h and have a minimal environmental impact. iryo’s Frecciarossa trains have different classes, all of which come with free unlimited WiFi, power sockets, toilets and an onboard entertainment portal where you can watch films and TV series. The main classes are: Infinita Class, Singular Café Class, Singular Class, Inicial Class. These new trains take 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Madrid and Barcelona. They depart from Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations, and stop in Zaragoza along the way. iryo services also cover Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Alicante, Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 50m
Cheapest Price
£398
iryo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (36x56x26cm) and 1 handbag (36x30x10cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead compartments and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with Mediterranean cuisine, at-seat service in both classes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Large dogs need paid ticket
Quiet zone
Learn more about iryo

FAQs: Madrid to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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 Madrid to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £396, while the average price tends to be around £397.
The train journey from Madrid to Cologne covers a distance of 1247 km and takes approximately 14h 50m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Madrid to Cologne is 1247 km.
The first train from Madrid to Cologne leaves at 6:40.
The last train from Madrid to Cologne departs at 13:00.
Trains from Madrid to Cologne run approximately 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Madrid to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Cologne.
To get from Madrid to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Cologne.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Cologne is by train, costing approximately £396.
Booking trains from Madrid 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 Madrid to Cologne offers a mix of scenery, with the initial part showcasing the diverse landscapes of Spain, including rolling hills and vineyards, while the route through France and Belgium features picturesque countryside and charming small towns.
A day trip from Madrid to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 14h 50m. There are 2 trains per day, and the distance is 1247 km.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Cologne is typically sufficient to explore major attractions like the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Museum Ludwig, while also allowing time to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Cologne.

More options for your journey from Madrid to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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