Exploring Germany: Train Travel From Munich To Cologne

The train ride from Munich to Cologne covers a distance of approximately 455 kilometres. The duration of the journey varies depending on the day of the week and the number of changes. The fastest trains from Munich to Cologne take around 3 hours and 55 minutes, while the slowest trains can take up to 8 hours and 24 minutes. On weekdays, the first train from Munich to Cologne usually departs around 4:12 am, and the last train leaves around 12:01 am. On weekends, the first train typically departs around 4:48 am, and the last train leaves at 12:01 am. The price of a single ticket starts at $20.50.

Fastest journey time

The fastest train from Munich to Cologne takes around 3 hours and 51 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 455 kilometres. The first train leaving Munich is scheduled to depart at around 04:12 on weekdays and 04:48 on weekends. The last departure is usually at around 00:01. There are about 32 trains per day travelling between the two cities, leaving approximately every 18 minutes.

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains from Munich to Cologne are the main train operators on this route. The ICE train is the fastest connection without a change and takes about 4 hours and 18 minutes.

The price of a single ticket between the two cities starts from $20.50.

Cheapest tickets

The cheapest tickets for the train ride from Munich to Cologne can be found for as little as $20.50. The price of train tickets from Munich to Cologne can start from as low as $20.68 for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. The cheapest tickets can be found for only €49. The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from Munich to Cologne are US$23.00. The cheapest price is the lowest fare we've ever found for this journey. These prices can usually be found by searching when booking opens but they vary due to availability, which depends on factors like the day of the week or time of year.

The average ticket from Munich to Cologne will cost around €102 if you buy it on the day. The average number of trains departing Munich for Cologne is 16 a day. The average train ticket price is $34 (€30). The average journey time by train between Munich and Cologne is 5 hours and 38 minutes, with around 13 trains per day. The average train duration is 5 h 1 min. The average train ticket price is $34 (€30) one way.

First and last train times

The first and last train times from Munich to Cologne vary depending on the day of the week.

On weekdays, the first train from Munich to Cologne is scheduled to depart at around 4:12 am, with the last train usually leaving at around 12:01 am. On Saturdays, the first train of the day leaves Munich at 4:48 am, and the last train departs at 12:01 am. On Sundays, the first train leaves at 4:18 am, and the last train departs at 12:01 am. There are approximately 32 trains travelling between the two cities every day, with a new train departing about every 18 minutes.

For the return journey, the first train from Cologne to Munich typically departs at 4:10 am on weekdays and 4:18 am on weekends. The last train of the day leaves at 11:57 pm on weekdays and 12:28 am on weekends. There are approximately 40 trains travelling from Cologne to Munich each day, with a new train departing about every 21 minutes.

How often trains run

Trains from Munich to Cologne run frequently throughout the day, with around 11 trains per day making the journey. The first train from Munich to Cologne on weekdays is scheduled to depart at around 00:01, with the last departure usually at 19:48. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train leaves Munich at around 04:48, with the final departure at 00:01. On average, there are about 32 trains per day travelling between the two cities, departing approximately every 18 minutes.

On the return journey, the first train leaving Cologne on weekdays is scheduled to depart at around 04:10, with the last departure usually at 23:57. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train leaves Cologne at around 04:18, with the final departure at 00:28. There are frequent services on this rail route, with about 40 trains per day travelling between the two cities. They leave approximately every 21 minutes.

How to book cheap train tickets

The train ride from Munich to Cologne covers a distance of approximately 455 kilometres and takes around 3 hours and 51 minutes to 5 hours and 38 minutes. The fastest trains from Cologne to Munich take around 3 hours and 51 minutes, while the slowest trains can take up to 8 hours and 24 minutes. On weekdays, the first train leaving Cologne is scheduled to depart at around 04:10, and the last train is usually at around 23:57. On weekends, trains leave Cologne at around 04:18, with the last train leaving at around 00:28.

Now, here are some tips on how to book cheap train tickets for this route:

Book in Advance

The best way to find cheap train tickets is to book your ticket as far in advance as possible. Train tickets usually start from $20.68 for this route if you book early. Buying your ticket on the day of travel will cost you more, with the average ticket price being around €102. By booking in advance, you can save up to 25-33% on your ticket price.

Avoid Rush Hour

Another way to find cheap fares is to avoid travelling during rush hour. This is usually between 06:00 and 10:00, and 15:00 and 19:00 on weekdays.

Compare Prices

Use a platform that allows you to compare prices from different rail companies. This way, you can find the best deal for your journey. Some popular train companies for this route include Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), EC (Eurocity), and ÖBB.

Choose a Slower or Connecting Train

If you're flexible with your travel time, consider taking a slower or connecting train. While it may take longer, you might be able to find cheaper fares.

Look Out for Special Deals

Keep an eye out for special deals and offers on train tickets. Many train companies release promotional prices and discounts for early bookings.

By following these tips, you can find cheap train tickets for your journey from Munich to Cologne and save money on your travel expenses.

Frequently asked questions