- 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 21 Sept
£27
Average ticket price on 21 Sept
£101
Fastest journey on 21 Sept
4 h 9 m
Average journey duration on 21 Sept
4 h 9 m
Trains on 21 Sept
58
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Cologne will cost around £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
On Mon 21 Sept, we found 58 trains from Munich to Cologne, including 33 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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 698 · IC 60402
ICE 510
ICE 512 · IC 2347
ICE 512
ICE 618
ICE 916
ICE 1014
ICE 912
ICE 1012
ICE 1010Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Munich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, while a flight costs an average of £181.
Distance: 456 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£68 Average Price | £181 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 28m Average total duration 9h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Munich to Cologne:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Cologne costing on average £62.
A coach is £131 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Cologne costing on average £168.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 57m.
Coach takes on average 10h 12m.
You'll arrive about 1h 17m sooner (4h 57m by train vs 6h 14m by car). Tickets start at around £62 compared to roughly £40 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.
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 Munich to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Monday 21 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 618 | 0:01 Munich Hbf | 6h03 | 6:04 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | On time 4:20 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 10:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1014 | On time 4:20 Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 8:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 822 | On time 4:41 Munich Hbf | 4h33 | 9:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 | 5:33 Munich Hbf | 4h32 | 10:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 · IC 2049 | 5:33 Munich Hbf | 5h33 | 11:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 820 | On time 5:44 Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 10:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 6:20 Munich Hbf | 5h45 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1012 | On time 6:20 Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 10:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 692 · ICE 202 | On time 6:42 Munich Hbf | 4h23 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 728 | 6:44 Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 11:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 612 | 7:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 612 · IC 2047 | On time 7:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 13:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 726 | On time 7:42 Munich Hbf | 4h32 | 12:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 8:19 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 14:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1010 | On time 8:19 Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 12:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 8:45 Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 8:45 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 610 · IC 2045 | On time 9:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 610 | 9:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 722 | On time 9:46 Munich Hbf | 4h28 | 14:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 10:19 Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 14:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 10:19 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 16:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 598 · ICE 108 | On time 10:45 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 15:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 720 | 10:45 Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 15:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 | On time 11:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | On time 11:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 17:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 628 | On time 11:45 Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 16:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 916 | On time 12:20 Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 16:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 5h21 | 18:06 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 17:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 626 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 17:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 13:02 Munich Hbf | 4h38 | 17:40 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 516 · IC 2041 | On time 13:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 19:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 516 | On time 13:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 624 | On time 13:45 Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 18:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 224 · ICE 26 | 14:20 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 20:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 224 | 14:20 Munich Hbf | 4h23 | 18:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 622 | On time 14:45 Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 19:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 594 · ICE 104 | On time 14:45 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 19:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 514 | On time 15:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 514 · IC 2349 · 10444 | On time 15:28 Munich Hbf | 5h44 | 21:12 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 620 | 15:45 Munich Hbf | 4h29 | 20:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 912 | On time 16:20 Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 20:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 912 · ICE 24 | On time 16:20 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 22:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 528 | On time 16:44 Munich Hbf | 4h30 | 21:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 592 · ICE 102 | On time 16:45 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 512 | On time 17:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 22:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 17:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 526 | On time 17:46 Munich Hbf | 4h28 | 22:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 910 | On time 18:19 Munich Hbf | 4h11 | 22:30 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 910 · ICE 22 · 10450 | On time 18:19 Munich Hbf | 5h53 | 0:12 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 524 | On time 18:44 Munich Hbf | 4h55 | 23:39 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 18:45 Munich Hbf | 4h25 | 23:10 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 510 | On time 19:28 Munich Hbf | 4h42 | 0:10 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 | On time 19:45 Munich Hbf | 6h20 | 2:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 522 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 4h46 | 0:31 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Munich to Cologne run on average 26 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 3h 59m.
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 4h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 26 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 3h 59m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 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 Munich 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 Munich to Cologne trains use the München Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Munich and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München 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: Cantina Estación Mediterrano, Rischart Bakery, Ditsch Pretzels, backWERK, Cafe-Shop, Le Crobag, Yorma's, Coffee Fellows, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, & many more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at München Hbf. Information desks are there is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München-Pasing 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: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna
Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.
Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.
Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.
Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.
München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München 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: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani
Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.
Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.
Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.
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