The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Munich
Cheapest price
£109
Average price
£120
Fastest journey
4 h 16 m
Average duration
4 h 28 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Munich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Munich will cost around £120 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £109.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Munich every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 37 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 103 · ICE 53697
ICE 915
ICE 515
ICE 11 · ICE 571 · ICE 563
ICE 13 · ICE 573 · ICE 565
ICE 915
ICE 103 · ICE 53697
ICE 515
ICE 11 · ICE 571 · ICE 563
ICE 13 · ICE 573 · ICE 565Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Munich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £102.
Distance: 456 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£112 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest | £184 Average Price |
5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 42m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg 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.
Live departures
Cologne to Munich train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Munich trains for today, Sunday 16 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 · ICE 593 | On time 07:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h24 | 12:13 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 915 | On time 08:10 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h16 | 12:26 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 515 | Delayed 08:55 08:47Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h39 | 13:26 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 13 · ICE 573 · ICE 565 | Delayed 09:18 09:12Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 4h37 | 13:49 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 105 · ICE 2525 | Delayed 09:50 09:47Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h27 | 14:14 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 10911 · IC 2013 · ICE 2527 | On time 10:07 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h09 | 16:16 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 225 | Delayed 10:18 10:14Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h13 | 14:27 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 517 | Delayed 10:55 10:48Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h38 | 15:26 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
RE 10913 · RE 28515 · IC 2540 · ICE 519 | On time 11:07 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h19 | 17:26 Munich Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 107 · ICE 2527 | On time 11:50 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h26 | 16:16 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 315 · ICE 577 · ICE 569 | On time 13:13 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 4h36 | 17:49 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 109 · ICE 1211 | On time 13:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h23 | 18:12 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1011 | On time 14:10 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h17 | 18:27 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 611 · ICE 881 | Delayed 14:50 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h12 | 19:16 19:16Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 611 | 14:50 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h39 | 19:29 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
RE 10921 · RE 28523 · IC 2544 · ICE 613 | On time 15:16 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h10 | 21:26 Munich Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 201 · ICE 2531 | On time 15:50 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h23 | 20:13 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1013 | On time 16:10 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h16 | 20:26 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 613 | 16:50 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h36 | 21:26 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
RE 10925 · RE 28527 · IC 2546 · ICE 615 | On time 17:07 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h19 | 23:26 Munich Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 203 · ICE 2533 | On time 17:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h24 | 22:13 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1015 | On time 18:10 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h16 | 22:26 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 615 | On time 18:47 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h39 | 23:26 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 205 · ICE 2535 | On time 19:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h29 | 00:18 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 619 | 22:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h14 | 05:03 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 11 · ICE 571 · ICE 563 | On time 07:13 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 4h36 | 11:49 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Munich by train, coach or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Munich
Trains from Cologne to Munich run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 4h 18m.
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 4h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 18m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Munich trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Munich from £20. 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.
Trains from Cologne to Munich
With up to four departures an hour from the early hours of the morning until late evening, making the journey from Cologne to Munich by train is easy. There are around 25 direct departures a day with journey times of between 4 and 5 hours. Connecting trains can take up to eight hours with some evening departures arriving in Munich the following morning. Trains leave from Cologne Hbf and arrive at Munich Hbf.
Which train companies travel from Cologne to Munich?
Trains from Cologne to Munich are operated by Deutsch Bahn (DB) the German national rail provider and one of the largest passenger carriers in the world. Onboard facilities on long-distance DB trains include power outlets, wifi, buffet cars and luggage storage space.
How long is the train from Cologne to Munich?
Direct trains between the German cities of Cologne and Munich take between four and five hours. Connecting services can take up to eight hours depending on the route taken and waiting times at transfer stations. These connecting stations include Mannheim, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Mainz. Departures start in the early hours of the morning and continue until late at night.
How many trains are there from Cologne to Munich?
From the early hours of the morning until late at night, there are up to four departures a day of trains to Munich from Cologne. Around 25 of these departures are on direct routes. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train departs later in the morning.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cologne to Munich?
Departure station:All trains depart from Cologne Hbf which is within easy walking distance of the city's main cultural and historic attractions. The station is linked to the city by local buses and S-Bahn trains. Facilities at Cologne Hbf include a taxi rank, car parking, left luggage lockers, food shops, cafes and restaurants.
Arrival station:Trains to Munich from Cologne arrive at Munich Hbf which is conveniently located for the city centre. Transport links at the station include taxis and local buses as well as U-Bahn and S-Bahn train services. Among the station's facilities are car parking, wifi, luggage storage, cafes and restaurants.
FAQs: Cologne to Munich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Munich 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 Munich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Munich
- 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.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- 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
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Burger King
- Localino
- Hotel Geisler
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- 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
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
- Telekebab-pizza
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
- 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 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Peaches
- Subway
- Café Arnulfpark
- Hahn
- Citadines Arnulfpark
- Ibis München City Arnulfpark
- Novotel München City Arnulfpark
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Lenz
- Das Bad
- Subway
- Theresienhöhe
- Hotel Schweiz
- Hotel Uhland
- Germania
- Ratskeller
- Speiserei Volksbad
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Novotel München City
- Hilton Munich City
- Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Zum Brünnstein
- Satyam
- Tout oder Sie
- Ristorante il Padrino
- Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring
- Holiday Inn München City Ost
- Holiday Inn Express München City Ost
- Hyperion
- Ratskeller
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Burger King
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Hotel Domus
- Hotel Mercure München Altstadt
- Hotel Herzog Wilhelm Tannenbaum Nebengebäude
- Asam-Schlössl
- L’Incontro Ristorante Pizzeria
- Santorini
- Cooking Yu Restaurant
- GS Hotel
- Life Style
- Harem
- Ristorante-Pizzeria Papà Franco
- Alte Mühle
- Edi's Cafe-Bar
- La Capannina
- Tre Scalini
- Antica Tropea
- Croatia Grill
- Monday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Wednesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Thursday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Friday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Saturday: 07:30 - 14:15
- Sunday: 08:00 - 13:45
- Bella Italia
- Hot Wok
- Dillinger Chicago Bar'n Grill
- Osteria Il Gambero
- Moosbichl
- Leonardo Hotel
- Harry's home Hotel
- BonApartHotel
- 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 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
Most popular train connections from Cologne
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