Travel Guide: Prague From Cologne, Germany

There are several ways to get from Prague, Czechia, to Cologne, Germany. The fastest way is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and costs $60–$300. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which costs $26–$70 and takes 9–10 hours, or a train, which costs $21–$124 and takes 7–10 hours.

Travel by plane, bus, train, night train or car

Travel by plane

The fastest way to get from Prague to Cologne is to fly, which takes approximately 4 hours and costs $60-$300. Eurowings and Lufthansa fly from Prague (PRG) to Cologne Bonn (CGN) three times a day.

Travel by bus

The cheapest way to get from Prague to Cologne is by bus, which costs $60-$70 and takes about 9 hours. There is no direct bus from Prague to Cologne, so you will need to transfer at Nuremberg Central Bus Station.

Travel by train

Taking the train from Prague to Cologne costs $23.86 when booked in advance. The journey takes around 10 hours and 20 minutes, with 12 trains running per day. There are no direct trains, so you will need to change at least once.

Travel by night train

You can also take a night train from Prague to Cologne. This option takes approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes and costs $110-$140. The night train from Erfurt Hbf to Koeln Hbf is operated by Nightjet and offers sleeper cabins and seating compartments.

Travel by car

Finally, you can drive from Prague to Cologne, which is a distance of about 430 miles. The drive takes approximately 5 hours and 58 minutes.

Travel times and schedules

There are several ways to get from Cologne, Germany to Prague, Czechia. Here is some information on travel times and schedules for each option.

By Plane

The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane. The flight itself takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, when factoring in getting to and from the airport, as well as check-in times, the total travel time is closer to 4 hours. There are several airlines that operate this route, including Eurowings and Lufthansa.

By Train

Taking the train is a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of travelling to and from the airport. The journey takes around 7 hours and 47 minutes to 10 hours and 20 minutes, depending on the number of changes. There is usually one change along the route, with Berlin being a common connection point. The first train typically leaves Cologne at around 4:10 am or 4:13 am, and the last train leaves at around 11:30 pm or 11:55 pm. There are approximately 41 trains per day, departing every 16 minutes or so.

By Bus

Taking the bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at $26 (€22). However, it is also the slowest option, with the journey taking around 9 to 10 hours. There is no direct bus, so you will have to make at least one change along the way.

By Car

Finally, you can drive between the two cities. The distance is around 430 miles, and the drive will take approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes to 6 hours.

Ticket prices

By Train:

For example, booking 30 days in advance, tickets can cost around US$45, while booking 7 days in advance may cost around US$88. It is recommended to book early and be flexible with travel times to find lower-priced tickets. Additionally, there are usually around 11 trains per day running between Cologne and Prague, and the journey takes approximately 9 hours.

By Bus:

Taking a bus from Cologne to Prague is a more affordable option, with tickets starting at US$34.99. On average, tickets for this route cost around US$38.99. Booking in advance and avoiding peak travel times can help you find the best prices. There are up to 15 buses per day between the two cities, and the journey takes a minimum of 8 hours and 55 minutes.

By Flight:

Flight prices between Cologne and Prague can vary, but it is possible to find cheap flights starting at around US$50 one way. According to Trip.com, the lowest price for this route is around US$301. However, prices can change based on various factors, and it is recommended to compare prices across different providers. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Direct vs. indirect travel

When travelling from Cologne, Germany, to Prague, there are a few different options for direct and indirect travel.

Direct Travel

Direct travel from Cologne to Prague is possible by bus or plane. There are no direct trains from Cologne to Prague.

Indirect Travel

Indirect travel from Cologne to Prague is possible by bus, train, car, or a combination of train and plane.

Comparison

Direct travel by plane is the fastest option, taking approximately 4 hours. The cheapest option is direct travel by bus, which costs around $40.

Indirect travel by bus and train is the cheapest option, costing around $60. The fastest indirect option is a combination of train and plane, which takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Travel restrictions

Germany

As of May 2021, Germany has implemented certain travel restrictions for both its citizens and visitors to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Germany's travel restrictions change as the COVID-19 situation in the country evolves, so it is important to stay updated with the latest information.

• Germany has banned all passengers from entering the country from India. Only German citizens or passengers with a German residency permit will be allowed. These passengers must provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate before departure and undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
• Passengers transiting through Germany must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
• Entry is partially restricted for passengers arriving from France.
• Germany does not have any other travel restrictions on international or domestic travellers.
• A negative COVID-19 PCR test result is required to enter Germany without any exceptions.
• Social distancing of 1.5 metres and wearing masks when outdoors are mandatory in Germany.

Prague

As of June 2022, there are no COVID-19 restrictions for entry into the Czech Republic. However, masks are required in certain public areas.

• Travellers from Prague to Cologne must present a negative COVID-19 test (either a PCR test performed within 3 hours before arrival or an antigen test performed within 2 hours before arrival).
• Travellers with a certificate of vaccination or those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 9 months are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test.
• Social distancing of 1.5 metres and wearing masks are mandatory in Germany.
• When returning from Cologne to Prague, unvaccinated travellers are required to take a PCR test between days 5 and 7 after arrival.
• Travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months or have received the booster shot are exempt from undergoing a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Frequently asked questions