The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Cologne
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£97
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 10 m
Trains per day
39
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 £97 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Of the 39 trains that leave Munich for Cologne every day 22 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 10 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 11 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 522 · ICE 920
ICE 512 · IC 2347
ICE 512
ICE 912
ICE 916
ICE 1010
ICE 918
ICE 910Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Munich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. 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 £22, and a flight costs an average of £101.
Distance: 456 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£109 Average Price | £48 Average Price Cheapest | £167 Average Price |
5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m 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
Munich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday 24 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 916 · ICE 28 | Delayed 11:20 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 17:08 17:08Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 916 | On time 11:20 Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 15:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 516 · IC 2041 | On time 12:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 18:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 516 | On time 12:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 17:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 624 | On time 12:54 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 17:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 224 | On time 13:20 Munich Hbf | 4h23 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 224 · ICE 26 | Delayed 13:20 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 19:08 19:08Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 514 · IC 2349 | On time 14:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 20:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 514 | On time 14:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 19:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 620 | On time 14:54 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 19:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 912 · ICE 24 | On time 15:20 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 21:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 912 | On time 15:20 Munich Hbf | 4h09 | 19:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 512 | On time 16:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 21:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 16:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 22:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 526 | On time 16:54 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 21:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 910 | On time 17:19 Munich Hbf | 4h11 | 21:30 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 590 · ICE 100 | On time 17:45 Munich Hbf | 4h25 | 22:10 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 510 | On time 18:28 Munich Hbf | 4h42 | 23:10 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 522 | On time 18:51 Munich Hbf | 4h40 | 23:31 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 | On time 18:51 Munich Hbf | 6h14 | 01:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 698 · IC 60402 | On time 21:46 Munich Hbf | 7h11 | 04:57 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| Thursday 25 December | |||||
57002 · 59110 · ICE 1022 · ICE 204 | On time 00:59 Munich Hbf | 7h06 | 08:05 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 614 | On time 04:33 Munich Hbf | 4h32 | 09:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 · IC 2409 | On time 04:33 Munich Hbf | 5h33 | 10:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 820 | On time 04:50 Munich Hbf | 4h24 | 09:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 820 · ICE 1020 | On time 04:50 Munich Hbf | 6h15 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 · IC 2407 | On time 06:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 12:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 | On time 06:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 726 | On time 06:54 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 11:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 07:19 Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 11:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 07:19 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 13:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 610 | On time 08:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 610 · IC 2405 | On time 08:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 14:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 722 | On time 08:54 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 918 | On time 09:19 Munich Hbf | 4h10 | 13:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 598 · ICE 108 | On time 09:45 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 518 · IC 2012 | On time 10:28 Munich Hbf | 5h38 | 16:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 518 | On time 10:28 Munich Hbf | 4h37 | 15:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 628 | On time 10:54 Munich Hbf | 4h20 | 15:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Munich 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.
24 Dec
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31 Dec
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Munich to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Munich to Cologne
Trains from Munich to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £22 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 19m.
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 4h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 19m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, TGV from Munich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, TGV trains will get you between Munich and Cologne from £22. 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.
TGV
FAQs: Munich to Cologne train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Munich and Cologne
- 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
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
More options for your journey from Munich to Cologne
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