Ulm to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Thu, 20 Nov
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Ulm to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 21 Nov

Cheapest price

£37

Average price

£85

Fastest journey

3 h 2 m

Average duration

3 h 9 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

357 km

Cheap tickets

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 £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.

Fast trains

Of the 10 trains that leave Ulm for Cologne every day 6 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 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 19 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 BahnICE 616
04:473h19
Ulm Hbf
08:06Cologne Messe/Deutz
£371One-way
0 changes
Deutsche BahnRE 16042 · MEX 19304 · ICE 694 · ICE 206
05:293h36
Ulm Hbf
09:05Cologne Messe/Deutz
£471One-way
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 618
01:164h47
Ulm Hbf
06:03Cologne Messe/Deutz
£571One-way
0 changes
Deutsche BahnRE 4200 · ICE 1014
05:033h46
Ulm Hbf
08:49Cologne Messe/Deutz
£571One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 614
06:473h16
Ulm Hbf
10:03Cologne Messe/Deutz
£571One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Ulm to Cologne

Omio 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 £17. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £65.

Distance: 357 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£79

Average Price

£30

Average Price

Cheapest

£149

Average Price

4h 14m

Average total duration

3h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 37m

Average total duration

6h 7m

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Ulm to Cologne train times

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

Last updated at 05:43
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 692 · ICE 202
On time
06:58 Ulm Hbf
3h07
10:05 Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 change
tgvTGV 9576+deutsche_bahnICE 770 · ICE 16
On time
07:04 Ulm Hbf
3h39
10:43 Cologne-Ehrenfeld
2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 612
On time
07:47 Ulm Hbf
3h21
11:08 Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1010
On time
08:46 Ulm Hbf
3h02
11:48 Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
Friday 21 November
deutsche_bahnICE 618
On time
00:16 Ulm Hbf
4h47
05:03 Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 616
On time
03:47 Ulm Hbf
3h19
07:06 Cologne Messe/Deutz
0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnRE 4200 · ICE 1014
On time
04:03 Ulm Hbf
3h46
07:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 change
deutsche_bahnRE 16042 · MEX 19304 · ICE 694 · ICE 20604:29 Ulm Hbf
3h36
08:05 Cologne Messe/Deutz3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

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.

Fri
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ulm to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Ulm to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 357 km distance in 3h 2m.

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
Coach from £17
Distance
357 km
Average train duration
3h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
£26
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
3h 2m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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
Coach from £17

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Ulm to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Ulm and Cologne from £17. 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
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
£22
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 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

FAQs: Ulm to Cologne train

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.

FAQs
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
A day trip from Ulm to Cologne is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 2m. However, there are 12 trains available per day for this journey, covering a distance of 357 km.
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.
The train journey from Ulm to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the Swabian Jura's rolling hills and the picturesque Rhine Valley, renowned for its vineyards and historic castles.
The cost of a train ticket from Ulm to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £79.
The cheapest way to get from Ulm to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £17.
The train distance from Ulm to Cologne is 357 km.
Booking trains from Ulm 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 Ulm to Cologne departs at 23:58.
Yes, there is a direct train between Ulm and Cologne. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
The train journey from Ulm to Cologne covers a distance of 357 km and takes approximately 3h 2m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train station in Ulm that goes to Cologne is Ulm Hbf, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The first train from Ulm to Cologne leaves at 0:01.
Trains from Ulm to Cologne run approximately 12 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Ulm to Cologne.
To get from Ulm to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Ulm to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Ulm and Cologne

Ulm
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Ulm is Ulm Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ulm Hbf for your trip from Ulm to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Sunday: 08:00 - 19:00
Dining
Dining
  • Café Schmizz
  • Blauflesch
  • Wilder Mann
  • Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Neuthor
  • Bäumle
  • InterCityHotel Ulm
  • Lehrertal Garni

Most popular train connections from Ulm

More options for your journey from Ulm to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone