The cheapest and fastest trains from Mainz to Cologne
Cheapest price
£53
Average price
£82
Fastest journey
1 h 37 m
Average duration
1 h 39 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mainz to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mainz to Cologne will cost around £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Of the 10 trains that leave Mainz for Cologne every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 141 km distance in an average of 1 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 37 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 42 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 10499:201h45Mainz Hbf11:05Cologne Hbf£531One-way0 changes
2542210:023h00Mainz Hbf13:02Cologne Hbf£581One-way0 changes
254188:023h00Mainz Hbf11:02Cologne Hbf£591One-way0 changes
S8 · ICE 8208:321h42Mainz Hbf10:14Cologne Messe/Deutz£931One-way1 change
S8 · ICE 1610:021h37Mainz Hbf11:39Cologne Hbf£931One-way1 change
S8 · ICE 1610:021h37Mainz Hbf11:39Cologne Hbf£931One-way1 change
S8 · ICE 3168:021h37Mainz Hbf9:39Cologne Hbf£931One-way1 change
29247 · ICE 6148:271h38Mainz Hbf10:05Cologne Hbf£931One-way1 change
S8 · ICE 1289:021h41Mainz Hbf10:43Cologne Hbf£931One-way1 change
S8 · ICE 8208:321h42Mainz Hbf10:14Cologne Messe/Deutz£931One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Mainz to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mainz to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 141 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£34 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Mainz to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Mainz to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 14 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
25418 | 6:02 Mainz Hbf | 3h00 | 9:02 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 316 | On time 6:02 Mainz Hbf | 1h37 | 7:39 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
29247 · ICE 614 | On time 6:27 Mainz Hbf | 1h38 | 8:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S8 · ICE 820 | On time 6:32 Mainz Hbf | 1h42 | 8:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
S8 · ICE 128 | On time 7:02 Mainz Hbf | 1h41 | 8:43 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1049 | On time 7:20 Mainz Hbf | 1h45 | 9:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S8 · ICE 728 | On time 7:32 Mainz Hbf | 1h42 | 9:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
S8 · ICE 1610 | On time 7:32 Mainz Hbf | 2h01 | 9:33 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S8 · ICE 16 | On time 8:02 Mainz Hbf | 1h37 | 9:39 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
25422 | 8:02 Mainz Hbf | 3h00 | 11:02 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Mainz 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.
15 Apr
16 Apr
17 Apr
18 Apr
19 Apr
20 Apr
21 Apr
Why should you book Mainz to Cologne trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Mainz 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Mainz to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Mainz to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Mainz to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Mainz to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Mainz to Cologne
Trains from Mainz to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 141 km distance in 1h 18m.
Distance 141 km |
Average train duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 18m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, ÖBB | Nightjet from Mainz to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Mainz and Cologne from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
ÖBB | Nightjet
TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
FAQs: Mainz to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mainz 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Mainz and Cologne
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Saturday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Mangal
- Asia Wok
- Bistrorante Midi
- McDonald's
- Advena Europa Hotel
- GuestHouse Mainz
- Terminus
- Hotel Moguntia
- McDonald's
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Hans im Glück
- The Big Easy
- Hyatt Regency Mainz
- Favorite Parkhotel
- Ibis Hotel Mainz City
- Hof Ehrenfels
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Mainz
More options for your journey from Mainz to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

