Exploring Europe By Rail: Cologne To Warsaw Trip Duration

The train from Cologne, Germany, to Warsaw, Poland, covers a distance of 608 miles (980 km). The fastest trains from Cologne to Warsaw take around 10 hours and 12 minutes, but the duration can vary depending on the day of the week and holidays. The first train from Cologne to Warsaw leaves at 6:43 a.m. and the last train leaves at 10:13 p.m. The average ticket price is $211 (€182), but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93 (€80).

Fastest train times

The fastest train times from Cologne to Warsaw are around 10 hours and 12 minutes, with trains covering a distance of approximately 979-980 kilometres.

On weekdays, the first train leaving Cologne is scheduled to depart at around 04:16, with the last departure at around 23:58. On weekends, the first train of the day leaves Cologne at around 04:07, with the final departure at 00:30. There are about 37 trains per day travelling between the two cities, leaving approximately every 15 minutes.

The fastest train times from Warsaw to Cologne are around 10 hours and 9 minutes. On weekdays, the first train leaving Warsaw is scheduled to depart at around 04:00, with the last departure at around 19:00. On weekends, the first train of the day leaves Warsaw at around 04:10, with the final departure at 17:58. There are about 64 trains per day travelling between the two cities, leaving approximately every 5 minutes.

Cheapest tickets

The cheapest tickets for the train from Cologne to Warsaw can be found for as little as $45.50 (€41 or €39) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for this route is $211 (€182), but prices vary depending on the time of day, class, and demand. For example, the 7-day price in summer is likely to be more expensive than the same journey in winter.

The cheapest month to travel from Cologne to Warsaw is January.

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Warsaw is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

First and last trains

The first and last trains from Cologne to Warsaw vary depending on the day of the week. On weekdays, the first train from Cologne to Warsaw is scheduled to depart at around 4:16 am, and the last train is usually at 11:58 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train leaves at around 4:07 am, with the last train leaving at around 12:30 am.

For the return journey, the first train from Warsaw to Cologne on weekdays is scheduled to depart at around 4:00 am, and the last train is usually at 7:00 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train leaves Warsaw at around 4:10 am, with the last train departing at around 5:58 pm.

It's worth noting that these times may be subject to change and can vary on holidays or weekends, with fewer trains operating outside of peak times.

How to book in advance

Booking your train trip from Cologne to Warsaw in advance is a great way to ensure you get the best price for your journey. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book in advance:

• Decide on your preferred travel date and time: The first step is to decide when you want to travel. Keep in mind that the cheapest tickets are usually available when booking opens, and prices tend to increase closer to the travel date. Also, consider avoiding peak travel times, such as rush hour, as prices may be higher during those periods.
• Choose your departure and arrival stations: Cologne has several train stations, including Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz, and Cologne/Bonn Flughafen. Similarly, Warsaw has multiple stations, such as Warsaw Central and Warsaw Chopin Airport. Choose the stations that are most convenient for your trip.
• Check train schedules and compare prices: Look up the train schedules and prices for your desired travel date. Compare prices between different travel days, as they can vary. You can use websites like Omio and Rail Europe to find schedules and compare prices.
• Book your ticket: Once you've found the train schedule and price that works best for you, go ahead and book your ticket. Booking directly with the train company, such as Deutsche Bahn or FlixBus, is usually the best option. However, you can also use third-party booking sites if they offer a better deal.
• Consider booking with a group or rail pass: If you're travelling with others, booking group tickets can sometimes be cheaper. Additionally, if you plan to make multiple train journeys or explore more of Europe by rail, consider purchasing a rail pass, such as the InterRail or Eurail pass, which can offer significant savings.
• Book in advance for the best prices: It's recommended to book your train tickets as early as possible, especially if you want to take advantage of the lowest fares. Booking around six months in advance is ideal, as that's when tickets typically become available.
• Be flexible with your travel dates: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find cheaper fares. Prices can vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. For example, travelling during off-peak seasons, such as January, can often result in lower prices.
• Set up a booking alert: If booking for your desired travel date is not yet open, you can set a booking alert on some websites, such as Rail Europe. This will notify you when tickets for your chosen route become available, ensuring you don't miss out on the best prices.
• Review booking conditions and restrictions: Before finalizing your booking, be sure to review the booking conditions and any restrictions that may apply. This includes refund policies, exchange fees, and any applicable discounts or promotions.
• Confirm your booking: Finally, confirm your booking and make sure to keep your booking confirmation and any necessary travel documents handy for your trip.

By following these steps and booking your train trip from Cologne to Warsaw in advance, you can secure the best prices and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Travel alternatives

When travelling from Cologne to Warsaw, or vice versa, you have three options: bus, train or flight.

Bus

The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $55 (€48) one way. The journey takes approximately 17 hours.

Train

The train is a popular option for this route and is served by Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus. Trains leave from Cologne Hbf and arrive in Warsaw Central. A one-way train ticket costs between $58 (€50) and $211 (€182), and the journey takes around 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Flight

Flights are the fastest way to travel between the two cities, with an average journey time of 3 hours and 45 minutes. However, they are the most expensive option, with tickets costing around $309 (€268) one way.

Frequently asked questions