Travel Guide: Cologne To Frankfurt Airport By Train

Getting from Cologne to Frankfurt Airport by train is a straightforward journey. The fastest way to get to the airport is by train, which takes around 46 minutes to cover the 151 kilometres between the two locations. The first train on weekdays is scheduled to depart at 04:58, and the last train is usually around 23:39. On weekends, the schedule remains the same, with the first train departing at 04:22 and the last train at 23:55. There are up to three Intercity Express (ICE) trains available every hour, reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. The Eurocity (EC) train is a cheaper option but makes more stops. The cheapest tickets start at $17.50, and tickets can be purchased online or at the railway station.

The journey from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne by train takes around 46-57 minutes

There are frequent services on this route, with up to three trains available every hour. On average, there are 66-81 trains travelling between the two cities each day, departing from Frankfurt station and arriving at Köln Hbf station. The first train usually leaves Frankfurt Airport around 04:58, and the last train departs around 23:39. This schedule remains the same on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The price of a single ticket starts from $17.50, with standard fares offering full flexibility and special fares providing discounted prices for specific trains. Tickets can be purchased online, at the railway station, or at the Frankfurt Airport train station, which is connected to Terminal 1 via escalators and walkways. If you are arriving at Terminal 2, you can reach Terminal 1 by taking the free Skytrain or shuttle bus.

There are up to three Intercity Express (ICE) trains available every hour

When travelling from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne, you can expect to take advantage of the up to three Intercity Express (ICE) trains that are available every hour. The ICE train is one of the fastest ways to get to your destination, reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour.

The ICE train is a great option for those looking for a quick and efficient way to get from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne. With a journey time of around 46 minutes to cover the 151-kilometre distance, it is one of the fastest train options available. On weekdays, the first ICE train from Frankfurt Airport typically departs around 4:58 a.m., with the last departure usually scheduled for around 11:39 p.m. This schedule is maintained on weekends as well, ensuring consistent service throughout the week.

The ICE train is just one of the many train options available for this route. You can also consider travelling on the Eurocity (EC) train, which offers a more economical option but with more stops along the way. Additionally, there are regional trains that provide a slower but cheaper alternative, allowing you to enjoy the scenic route along the Rhine River.

When planning your trip, it's important to consider the different fare options available. Regular fares offer flexibility and are valid for all trains on the day of purchase, while special fares are cheaper but come with more restrictions. These include being valid only for the booked train with no changes or refunds.

By utilising the ICE train, you can efficiently travel from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne, taking advantage of the high-speed and frequent service that Germany's rail network offers.

The cheapest tickets for this route are around $17.50

Cologne to Frankfurt Airport by Train

The cheapest train tickets for the route from Cologne to Frankfurt Airport are around $17.50. This price is for a single ticket and is the lowest fare ever found for this journey. The price of tickets varies due to availability, which depends on factors like the day of the week or time of year. For example, tickets are likely to be more expensive in the summer than in the winter.

You can save money on train tickets by booking in advance. Tickets usually start from $17.50, but if you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around $26 to $29. If you book 7 days in advance, the price is around $32 to $36. Booking on the day of travel is likely to be more expensive, so it's worth booking ahead of time if you can.

Trains in Germany usually open for booking around 6 months in advance. If booking is not yet open for your travel dates, you can set a booking alert and you'll receive an email as soon as the cheapest tickets are released for your train journey.

The fastest trains from Cologne to Frankfurt Airport take around 46 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 151 kilometres. There are about 66 to 81 trains per day travelling between the two locations, leaving approximately every 8 to 9 minutes.

The first train from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne is at 04:58 on weekdays, and the last is at 23:39

The train is also a good option if you are travelling in the opposite direction, from Cologne to Frankfurt Airport. The fastest trains from Cologne to Frankfurt Airport also take around 46 minutes, and the route is served by a similar number of trains.

The train is not the only way to travel between Frankfurt Airport and Cologne. You could also rent a car and drive, or take a bus. Cologne is just 118 miles (191 kilometres) northwest of Frankfurt, and the fastest route is the Autobahn A3, which goes directly between the two cities. This journey will take you about 2 hours.

The Regional train is slower but cheaper than the ICE train

The Regional train is a slower option for travelling from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne, but it is also cheaper than the ICE train. While the ICE train takes around 50 minutes, the Regional train takes a little over 2 hours. This is still a quick and efficient way to travel between the two cities, and the Regional train has the added benefit of offering a scenic view of the Rhine River, castles and vineyards along the way.

The Regional train runs along the Rhine, providing a wonderful opportunity to take in the German countryside. The ICE train, on the other hand, travels mostly through tunnels, so the journey is not as picturesque.

If you are not in a rush and would like to save some money, the Regional train is a great option. You can purchase tickets for the Regional train anytime, so there is no need to worry about flight delays or making advance bookings. This flexibility can be especially useful if you are unsure about how long it will take to get through customs and reach the train station.

The Regional train station in Frankfurt Airport is located in the basement of Terminal 1. This is different from the long-distance station, which is connected to Terminal 1 and can be reached via escalators and walkways.

The Regional train is a convenient and cost-effective choice, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey while taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Frequently asked questions