Exploring Cologne: A Munich Departure Guide

Cologne and Munich are two cities in Germany with a distance of approximately 282 miles or 358.5 miles by car. There are several ways to travel between the two cities, including by train, bus, plane, car, or a combination of these. The fastest way to get from Munich to Cologne is by plane, which takes around 3 hours, while the cheapest option is by ridesharing, which costs around €21-€36. The train is a popular choice for this route, with direct trains available and an average journey time of around 4 to 5 hours.

Travel by train

Taking the train is a great option when travelling from Munich to Cologne. The high-speed ICE trains connect the two cities, and the journey offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel across Germany. The train journey is approximately 450 km (280 miles), and the average travel time is around 4 hours and 30 minutes, with some services taking as little as 3 hours and 50 minutes.

There are multiple daily departures from Munich's main train station, München Hauptbahnhof, to Cologne's main station, Köln Hauptbahnhof. Most journeys require one change, usually at Mannheim or Frankfurt. The first train departs Munich early in the morning, and the last train leaves in the early evening, with departures spread throughout the day. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for busy travel periods, to ensure you get your preferred departure time.

Onboard the ICE trains, you'll find comfortable seating, ample legroom, and often a restaurant car serving meals and refreshments. Power outlets are available at your seat, and free Wi-Fi is provided, making it easy to stay connected during your journey. If you wish to travel in style, you can book a seat in First Class, which offers more spacious seating, extra amenities, and an even more comfortable journey.

When booking your train tickets, you'll have the option to choose between different fare types, including Saver Fares, which offer discounted prices for advance bookings, and Flex Fares, which provide more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. Children under 15 travel for free when accompanied by a parent or grandparent, making this a family-friendly travel option.

Travel by plane

The fastest way to travel from Munich to Cologne is by plane. The flight itself takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes, and the whole journey, including transfers, takes 3 hours and 10 minutes. The distance between the two cities is 282 miles (455 km).

Flights depart from Munich International Airport (MUC) and arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). The two airports are also connected via Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

When flying from Munich to Cologne, you can choose between several airlines, including Eurowings, Lufthansa Cityline, Lufthansa, TUIfly, Air Dolomiti, Eurowings Europe, and Smartwings. The cheapest tickets for this route start at $58 (€50) or $93 (€80), depending on the source.

When booking your flight, keep in mind that ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week. Generally, prices tend to be higher on weekends and holidays. To get the best deal, consider travelling during the week and booking your ticket in advance.

In addition to the flight duration, remember to account for the time needed to get to and from the airports and for any potential layovers if you're taking a connecting flight. Also, don't forget to arrive at the airport early enough to go through security and boarding, especially during peak travel times.

Travel by bus

Traveling by bus from Munich to Cologne is a great option, with 8 to 11 direct buses per day, and a minimum of 3 stops along the way. The earliest bus leaves just after midnight, and the latest around 11 p.m., with a journey time of around 7 to 10 hours.

Departure and Arrival Points

The main departure point for buses from Munich to Cologne is the Munich Central Bus Station, or ZOB. This station is very accessible, being only one stop away from the city center. Alternatively, some buses leave from the Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz, which is a little further out. All buses arrive at the Cologne Airport bus station. From here, it takes between 20 and 50 minutes to get to the city center.

Bus Companies and Onboard Services

The Munich to Cologne route is operated by FlixBus, which offers comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a restroom. You can bring one carry-on and two checked bags, and you can choose your seat for a small fee. Tickets start at $24.49.

Tips for Your Journey

• Book your ticket in advance to get the best price.
• The overnight bus tends to be the fastest option, as there is less traffic.
• If you're traveling with a bicycle, you'll need to book a bicycle ticket and reservation.

Travel by car

The driving distance between Munich and Cologne is approximately 356 to 358 miles. The journey takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes.

To get from Munich to Cologne by car, you can take the following route:

Get on A9 in Munich from Schenkermühlstraße and Ludwigsfelder Straße. Follow A9 and A3 to Cologne. Take exit 29-Köln-Mülheim from A3. Then, follow Mülheimer Zubringer to your destination in Cologne.

Alternatively, you can take the A6 and A3 route:

Get on A6 in Nuremberg from Frankenschnellweg and Münchener Straße. Follow A6 and A3 to Cologne. Take exit 29-Köln-Mülheim from A3. Then, follow Mülheimer Zubringer to your destination in Cologne.

Other Travel Options

In addition to driving, there are several other ways to travel from Munich to Cologne. These include:

• By train: The train journey from Munich to Cologne takes approximately 4 hours and 26 minutes to 5 hours and 10 minutes. There are direct trains available, and the distance covered is around 282 to 455 kilometres.
• By bus: Taking the bus is another option, with a direct bus service available. However, the journey takes significantly longer, at around 7 hours to 10 hours.
• By plane: Flying is the fastest way to get from Munich to Cologne, with the flight time being approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. However, you will also need to factor in time for getting to and from the airports and any layover time if you are not flying directly.

Travel by rideshare

Ridesharing is a great option if you don't have a driver's license or would prefer to avoid public transport. Blablacar is a popular ridesharing service that offers carpooling between Munich and Cologne. The distance between the two cities is around 356 miles, and the journey usually takes about 6 hours.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft may also be available in Munich, but their availability for longer trips like Munich to Cologne cannot be confirmed. You may also be able to use a taxi for this journey, which you can hail on the street or call directly for pickup.

Frequently asked questions