Milan to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC)

Fri 02 Jan
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Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Milan to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 02 Jan

Cheapest price

£252

Average price

£252

Fastest journey

9 h 56 m

Average duration

9 h 56 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

630 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Milan to Cologne will cost around £252 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £252.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Milan for Cologne every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 630 km distance in an average of 9 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 56 m .

The slowest trains will take 9 h 56 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.

Deutsche Bahn
09:109h56
Milan
19:06Cologne
£2521One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, flight and train for Milan to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Milan to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 0.6 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, and a train costs an average of £209.

Distance: 630 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£244

Average Price

£150

Average Price

£65

Average Price

Cheapest

9h 7m

Average total duration

8h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 13m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

15h 27m

Average total duration

14h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

-

CO2 emissions

1.9 - 3.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.6 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Ryanair

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Milan to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Milan to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday 2 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 13:55
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn09:10 Milan
9h56
19:06 Cologne0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Milan to Cologne by coach, flight or train

Compare coach, flight and 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.

Thu
01 Jan
Fri
02 Jan
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03 Jan
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Milan to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Milan to Cologne is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Milan to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Milan to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Milan to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Milan to Cologne

ItalyItaly
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Milan to Cologne run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £209 but you can travel from only £25 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 630 km distance in 8h 23m.

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 £25
Distance
630 km
Average train duration
8h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
£209
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
8h 23m
First train
00:01
Last train
21:50
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 £25

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia from Milan to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia trains will get you between Milan and Cologne from £25. 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 Duration
8h 23m
Cheapest Price
£73
Deutsche Bahn frequency
2 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

Trenitalia

About
Trenitalia is not only Italy's national railroad company but also the country's largest train operator. Trenitalia’s fleet of trains ncludes the high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains as well as intercity, regional and night trains. Bathrooms and WiFi access are standard on long-distance routes. In most cases, the trains also provide barrier-free access. Trenitalia offers different tickets, which vary in price and flexibility: Base, Economy, Super Economy and Ordinaria. You can even use Trenitalia discount cards on Omio. Make sure to look out for the latest offers from Trenitalia on Omio to score special deals!
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, and spaces between seat backs
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car on high-speed trains, trolley service with snacks and beverages, vending machines on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation, costs extra except on high-speed trains where it's mandatory and included
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Milan to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milan 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
A day trip from Milan to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 23m and trains run 1 per day for a distance of 630 km.
The train distance from Milan to Cologne is 630 km.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
The first train from Milan to Cologne leaves at 0:01.
The train journey from Milan to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly through the Swiss Alps, with picturesque landscapes and charming villages along the route.
Booking trains from Milan to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The last train from Milan to Cologne departs at 21:50.
The cost of a train ticket from Milan to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £209, while the average price tends to be around £244.
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.
Trains from Milan to Cologne run approximately 1 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Milan to Cologne is by flight, costing approximately £25.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Milan to Cologne.
The train from Milan to Cologne takes 8h 23m and runs once a day.
There is no night train service from Milan to Cologne.
To get from Milan to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including coach, flight and train.
The train station in Milan that goes to Cologne is Milan Centrale, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
Yes, you can take the train from Milan to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Milan and Cologne

Milan
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Milan is Milano Centrale. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Milano Centrale for your trip from Milan to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 22:20
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free WiFi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Luigi di Savoia. It is open every day from 06:00 to 23:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Venchi
  • Panzera Coffee
  • Burger King
  • Bar Motta
  • Caffè Napoli
  • VyTA Boulangerie
  • Spontini
  • Starbucks
  • Dispensa Emilia
  • McDonald's
  • & many more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Station is wheelchair accessible, has elevators and the Sala Blu, Trenitalia's office of assistance for disabled travelers, is next to Platform 4.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Glam Hotel Milano
  • NYX MIlan
  • iQ Hotel Milano
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 22:20
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located next to the ticket office on the ground floor in the shopping gallery.
Public transport options for Milano Centrale
  • Metro lines: M2 (green), M3 (yellow)
  • Tram lines: 1
  • Bus lines: 5, 9, 10, 42, 81, 87, 152, 728, N26, NM2, NM3, Air Bus, Orio Shuttle
  • Train lines: FR, FB, EC, Thello, XP2, R28, IC, ICN, RV, R, Regio, Italo

More options for your journey from Milan to Cologne

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