Stuttgart To Cologne: Travel Options And Tips

There are several ways to get from Stuttgart to Cologne, including by train, bus, night train, rideshare, car, or plane. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by train, which takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes and costs $65 - $75. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which costs $33 and takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes, or you can fly, which costs $100 - $330 and takes around 5 hours.

Travel by train

There are several ways to travel from Stuttgart to Cologne, but the best option is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes and covers a distance of roughly 288 kilometres. The fastest trains are direct, but other routes may involve up to three changes.

On weekdays, the first train from Stuttgart to Cologne departs at around 05:51, with the last train leaving at 21:51. This is the same at the weekend. There are approximately 26 trains per day, with trains departing every 26 minutes on average.

The price of a single ticket starts at $16.50, but this can increase to $44 when booking 30 days in advance, or $61.50 when booking 7 days in advance.

The train from Stuttgart to Cologne is operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, with trains departing from Hauptbahnhof station in Stuttgart and arriving at Köln Hbf station in Cologne.

Travel by bus

If you're looking to travel from Stuttgart to Cologne by bus, FlixBus is a good option to consider. FlixBus offers direct service from Stuttgart to Cologne, with 10 direct buses per day. The fastest bus from Stuttgart to Cologne takes 4 hours 25 minutes, and the journey can cost as little as $18.49 if you book in advance. FlixBus buses are equipped with comfortable seats, a toilet, Wi-Fi, and power outlets, making for a pleasant journey.

Booking your ticket

Booking your bus ticket from Stuttgart to Cologne with FlixBus is quick and easy. You can book online on their website or through their mobile app. FlixBus offers a range of payment options, including card, PayPal, Google Pay, and more. The easiest way to get the best price is to book early, as prices tend to rise closer to the travel date.

Luggage allowance

FlixBus allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. If you need to bring additional luggage or special items, such as a bike, you can refer to their website for more information.

Onboard services

Most FlixBus buses are equipped with modern amenities to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. In addition to the comfortable seats, toilet, Wi-Fi, and power outlets mentioned earlier, FlixBus also offers onboard entertainment options and a catering service, so you can stay connected and refreshed throughout your trip.

Bus stations in Stuttgart and Cologne

Both Stuttgart and Cologne have multiple bus stations, and your ticket will contain the most up-to-date address information for your specific journey. Here are some of the bus stations in each city:

Bus stations in Stuttgart

• Stuttgart Airport Busterminal (SAB)
• Stuttgart Vaihingen station
• Stuttgart Zuffenhausen bus station
• Stuttgart West (Leonberg Station)
• Stuttgart East/Kirchheim unter Teck

Bus stations in Cologne

• Cologne Airport CGN (Terminal 2)
• Leverkusen Mitte station
• Cologne East (Bergisch Gladbach, Refrath)

By choosing to travel by bus from Stuttgart to Cologne, you can enjoy a comfortable and affordable journey with the added benefit of flexibility and modern amenities. FlixBus is a reliable option that can make your trip easy and convenient.

Travel by plane

Flying from Cologne to Stuttgart is a convenient option, with several airlines offering direct or connecting flights between the two cities. Here is some information to help you plan your journey:

Airlines and Flight Options:

• Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cityline are popular choices for this route and offer competitive prices.
• Other airlines serving this route include Eurowings, British Airways, Pegasus Airlines, and Ryanair.
• The shortest flight time with stops is around 2 hours and 25 minutes.
• There are no direct flights available from Cologne to Stuttgart.

Finding Cheap Flights:

• The cheapest month to fly is typically February, while September is usually the most expensive.
• Booking your tickets in advance can help you find lower prices.
• Google Flights offers a price tracking feature that can notify you of any price changes or deals.
• Expedia also offers alerts for flight price drops and rises, and you can save money by booking flights and hotels together.

Airports:

• The main airport in Cologne is Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN).
• When flying into Stuttgart, you will arrive at Stuttgart Airport (STR).

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions:

Always check for the latest travel restrictions and requirements before your trip. Resources like Skyscanner provide updates on travel restrictions and entry requirements for your destination.

Travel by car

The road distance between Stuttgart and Cologne is approximately 233 miles (374 km), and the drive should take around 3 hours and 15 minutes in normal traffic. Here is a detailed guide on travelling by car from Stuttgart to Cologne:

Step 1: Get on the B27

• From Stuttgart, get on the B27 highway, which will be your main route towards Cologne.
• Follow the B27 as it heads northwest, passing through the towns of Kornwestheim, Ludwigsburg, and Asperg.
• Continue on the B27 as it merges with the A81 highway.

Step 2: Merge onto the A81

• After approximately 50 miles (80 km) on the A81, take the exit towards the A6 highway, heading west towards Mannheim.
• The A6 is a major highway that will be your main route for a significant portion of the journey.

Step 3: Take the A6 towards Mannheim

• The A6 will take you past the cities of Heilbronn and Mannheim.
• As you approach Frankfurt, the landscape will become more urban and industrial.

Step 4: Continue on the A6 towards Frankfurt

• After approximately 120 miles (190 km) on the A6, take the exit towards the A3 highway, heading north towards Cologne.
• The A3 is another major highway that will take you directly towards Cologne.

Step 5: Follow the A3 to Cologne

• The A3 will take you through the southern parts of the Taunus mountain range, offering scenic views along the way.
• As you approach Cologne, the landscape will become more urban, with industrial areas and suburbs surrounding the city.

Step 6: Enter Cologne

• After approximately 70 miles (110 km) on the A3, take the appropriate exit towards the city centre of Cologne.
• Navigate through the city streets to reach your final destination in Cologne.

Additional Tips:

• The route suggested above is the most direct and efficient way to travel by car from Stuttgart to Cologne. However, if you have time and wish to explore some interesting places along the way, here are some suggestions:
• Frankfurt: Take a break in Frankfurt, a significant financial centre located along the river Main. You can visit the Goethe House Museum, the reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town), and the Römerberg square.
• Heidelberg: Located southwest of Frankfurt, Heidelberg is a historic town known for its prestigious university and the stunning Heidelberg Castle.
• Koblenz: Previously known as Coblenz, Koblenz is a city located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. It offers a unique setting and a rich history.
• It is recommended to review the latest traffic conditions and road closures before starting your journey, especially during peak travel times or if there are any specific events taking place along the route.
• Make sure to obey all traffic rules and regulations, including speed limits and rest stops if needed.
• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry essential items such as a spare tire, basic repair tools, and an emergency kit.

Travel by rideshare

Ridesharing is a great option for those who don't have a driver's license or would prefer to avoid public transport. You can check out Blablacar's carpooling service for ridesharing options between Stuttgart and Cologne.

The cheapest way to get from Stuttgart to Cologne is by rideshare, which costs $14-$29 and takes 3 hours and 57 minutes. The distance between the two cities is approximately 219 miles, and the road distance is 228.4 miles.

Frequently asked questions