- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Cheapest price on 07 Sept
£20
Average ticket price on 07 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 07 Sept
2 h 16 m
Average journey duration on 07 Sept
2 h 16 m
Trains on 07 Sept
39
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stuttgart to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stuttgart to Cologne will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.
On Mon 07 Sept, we found 39 trains from Stuttgart to Cologne, including 8 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 16 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 990 · IC 60402
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
19686 · 19658 · S33 · S6
ICE 510 · ICE 272 · ICE 920
ICE 692 · ICE 202
ICE 612
ICE 690 · ICE 200
ICE 610
ICE 598 · ICE 108Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stuttgart to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a flight costs an average of £311.
Distance: 288 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £311 Average Price | £48 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Stuttgart to Cologne:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stuttgart to Cologne costing on average £51.
A coach is £287 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Stuttgart to Cologne costing on average £311.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 39m.
Coach takes on average 4h 57m.
You'll arrive about 1h 24m sooner (2h 39m by train vs 4h 3m by car). Tickets start at around £51 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Stuttgart to Cologne trains for today, Sunday 6 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 594 · ICE 104 | Delayed 14:51 16:49Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 19:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 514 | On time 17:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 514 · IC 2349 | On time 17:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 21:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
19235 · ICE 912 | On time 17:51 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h38 | 20:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 592 · ICE 102 | On time 18:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 19:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 512 | On time 19:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 22:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
19241 · ICE 910 | Delayed 19:50 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h40 | 20:33 20:33Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 20:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h21 | 23:10 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 510 · ICE 272 · ICE 920 | On time 21:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 4h16 | 2:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 510 | On time 21:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h21 | 0:10 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 990 · IC 60402 | On time 22:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 6h55 | 5:44 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
19686 · 19658 · 15868 · IC 60402 | On time 23:13 Stuttgart Hbf | 6h31 | 5:44 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
19686 · 19658 · S33 · S6 | On time 23:13 Stuttgart Hbf | 6h31 | 5:44 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
| Monday 7 September | |||||
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 6:17 Stuttgart | 11h26 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 694 · ICE 204 | On time 6:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 9:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 614 | 7:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 10:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 · IC 2049 | On time 7:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 11:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
19351 · ICE 1012 | On time 7:52 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h37 | 10:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
19351 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 7:52 Stuttgart Hbf | 4h13 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2168 · ICE 1012 | On time 7:59 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h30 | 10:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
IC 2168 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 7:59 Stuttgart Hbf | 4h06 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:14 Stuttgart | 13h41 | 21:55 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 692 · ICE 202 | On time 8:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 · IC 2047 | On time 9:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 13:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 | 9:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
19217 · ICE 1010 | On time 9:51 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h38 | 12:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 10:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 610 | 11:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 610 · IC 2045 | On time 11:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
19221 · ICE 918 | On time 11:52 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h37 | 14:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 598 · ICE 108 | On time 12:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 15:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | On time 13:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 17:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 518 | On time 13:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
19225 · ICE 916 | On time 13:51 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h38 | 16:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 14:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 17:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
19227 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 14:51 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h49 | 17:40 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 516 | On time 15:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h16 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 516 · IC 2041 | On time 15:49 Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 19:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
19229 · ICE 224 | On time 15:51 Stuttgart Hbf | 2h52 | 18:43 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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.

Trains from Stuttgart to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £17 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 288 km distance in 2h 3m.
Distance 288 km |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stuttgart 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.

Most Stuttgart to Cologne trains use the Stuttgart Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Stuttgart and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Stuttgart Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: backWERK, Ditsch, Kamps Backstube, Le Crobag, Dunkin' Donuts, min min, Starbucks, Yorma's
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Stuttgart Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Hbf. Information desks are located on the south side of the station near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the north entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Hbf: Escalators and elevators. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include ARCOTEL Camino Stuttgart, Mirage City Hotel Stuttgart Zentrum Hbf, Hotel Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte.
Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof).
Stuttgart Stadtmitte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café le Théatre, Maison Banh Mi, Bangkok Express, Graf Eberhard
Wi-Fi is available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte. ATMs are available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte. Information desks are available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte.
Luggage storage is available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Stadtmitte.
Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin, Hansa Hotel, Novum Hotel Boulevard, Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need