- 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
£35
Average price
£70
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
2 h 58 m
Trains per day
34
Distance
357 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ulm to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ulm to Cologne will cost around £70 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Of the 34 trains that leave Ulm for Cologne every day 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 2 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 4 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 590 · ICE 100
ICE 510
ICE 912 · ICE 24 · 10446
ICE 512 · IC 2347 · 10448
ICE 910 · ICE 22 · 10450
ICE 1010
ICE 918
ICE 912
ICE 910
ICE 2590 · ICE 200Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ulm to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, and a flight costs an average of £74.
Distance: 357 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£59 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £146 Average Price |
4h 6m Average total duration 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Ulm to Cologne trains for today, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:47 Ulm | 4h18 | 12:05 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:47 Ulm | 4h46 | 17:33 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 24 August | |||||
ICE 2592 · ICE 202 | On time 7:59 Ulm Hbf | 3h06 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 · IC 2547 | On time 8:47 Ulm Hbf | 4h19 | 13:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 | On time 8:47 Ulm Hbf | 3h18 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 9:33 Ulm Hbf | 2h56 | 12:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · 10428 | On time 9:33 Ulm Hbf | 4h39 | 14:12 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Ulm to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 357 km distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 357 km |
Average train duration 3h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 4 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 Ulm 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 Ulm to Cologne trains use the Ulm Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Ulm and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ulm 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: Café Schmizz, Blauflesch, Wilder Mann, Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Hbf. ATMs are available at Ulm Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Hbf. Information desks are available at Ulm Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Bäumle, InterCityHotel Ulm, Lehrertal Garni.
Ulm Ost 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: Bodhi, Schwarze Henne, Café Schmizz, Kornhäusle
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Ost. ATMs are available at Ulm Ost.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Ost. Information desks are available at Ulm Ost.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Hotel Comfor, Bäumle, Stern.
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.
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