- Recommended
Museo del Vino
Wine and rural culture displays linked to Franciacorta, offering context on the landscape and historic work of the region.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Cologne
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£402
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£407
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
1 d 25 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
1 d 37 m
Trains on 19 Sept
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 £407 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £402.
Fast trains
To travel from Madrid to Cologne you need to make at least 3 changes.
12:5024h25Madrid13:15Köln Hbf£4021One-way3 changes
20:2724h48Madrid21:15Köln Hbf£4111One-way3 changes
- 12:5024h25Madrid13:15Köln Hbf£4021One-way3 changes
- 20:2724h48Madrid21:15Köln Hbf£4111One-way3 changes
Live departures
Madrid to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cologne trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:07 Madrid | 24h08 | 21:15 Köln Hbf | 3 changes | |
| Saturday 19 September | |||||
| 12:50 Madrid | 24h25 | 13:15 Köln Hbf | 3 changes | |
| 20:27 Madrid | 24h48 | 21:15 Köln Hbf | 3 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
Compare train 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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19 Sept
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25 Sept
Why should you book Madrid to Cologne trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Renfe Viajeros 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 Renfe Viajeros 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.
Train companies: AVE, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Cologne trainsAVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Cologne. 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 AVE Duration
24h 8m
Cheapest AVE Price
£411
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
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Viajeros Duration
22h 25m
Cheapest Renfe Viajeros Price
£402
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
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.
Museo Comunale
Local museum presenting the area’s history, traditions and everyday life. A useful introduction to Cologne and nearby Franciacorta.
Galleria d'Arte
Small art space with temporary exhibitions by local and regional artists, suited to visitors seeking a quieter cultural stop.
- Recommended
Piazza Garibaldi
The main square is the social heart of Cologne, lined with civic buildings and ideal for a short walk and people-watching.
- Recommended
Centro Storico di Cologne
Historic central streets with churches, shops and everyday town life, best explored on foot for a sense of local character.
Parco Comunale
Green area for an easy stroll and a quieter pause from the centre, popular with locals for relaxation and short walks.
Canederli
Canederli are bread dumplings from Alpine northern Italy, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic regional comfort food.
- Gluten-free
Speck Alto Adige
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from Alto Adige. It is prized for its balance of mountain smoking and Mediterranean air-drying traditions.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled traditionally with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of South Tyrolean home cooking.
Wirtshaus Vögele
Traditional South Tyrolean restaurant known for dumplings, schnitzel and local wine in a warm, rustic setting.
Restaurant Zur Kaiserkron
Historic venue serving regional dishes and seasonal specialities with a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Batzenhäusl
Long-established local favourite for South Tyrolean classics, pasta and hearty mains in a casual traditional dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: hotels and dining in the centre cost more than smaller cities, but public transport and casual meals stay manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple cafés.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafés.
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.
The train distance from Madrid to Cologne is 1247 km.
The first train from Madrid to Cologne leaves at 12:50.
The last train from Madrid to Cologne departs at 21:07.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Cologne.
To travel from Madrid to Cologne, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Cologne.
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 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
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Madrid
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