Madrid to Cologne train with AVE

Sun 21 Jun
+ Add return
AVE
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
AVE
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 21 Jun

Cheapest price

£406

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 £406.

Fast trains

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

  • Renfe Viajeros
    12:5022h25
    Madrid
    11:15Köln Hbf
    £4061One-way
    3 changes
  • Renfe AVE
    21:0724h08
    Madrid
    21:15Köln Hbf
    £4151One-way
    3 changes

Live departures

Madrid to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cologne trains for today, Saturday 20 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe Viajeros12:50 Madrid
24h25
13:15 Köln Hbf3 changes
Renfe AVE20:27 Madrid
24h48
21:15 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

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.

Sun
21 Jun
Mon
22 Jun
Tue
23 Jun
Wed
24 Jun
Thu
25 Jun
Fri
26 Jun
Sat
27 Jun

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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Cologne

SpainSpain
ItalyItaly
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Cologne run on average 1 times per day, taking around 23h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £406 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 12:50, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 1247 km distance in 22h 25m.

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
23h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£406
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
22h 25m
First train
12:50
Last train
21:07
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, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Cologne trainsAVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Cologne from £406. 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
24h 8m
Cheapest Price
£415
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 Duration
22h 25m
Cheapest Price
£406
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day

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 £406, while the average price tends to be around £411.
The train from Madrid to Cologne takes 22h 25m and runs once a day.
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.
Trains from Madrid to Cologne run approximately 1 times per day.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Cologne is by train, costing approximately £406.
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 22h 25m. 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

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