Exploring Germany: Frankfurt To Cologne Distance And Attractions

Frankfurt and Cologne are two cities in Germany, with Cologne located about 118 miles (191 kilometres) northwest of Frankfurt. The cities are easily accessible from one another via train, bus, car, or plane. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by train, which takes about one hour and costs between $19 and $88. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which is the cheapest option at around $9, but it will take over two hours. Driving is also an option, as the trip will take about two hours via the Autobahn A3, and renting a car is a great way to see the German countryside.

Frankfurt to Cologne by train

The German cities of Frankfurt and Cologne are only 152 kilometres or 95 miles apart. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by train, with journey times of just over an hour.

Train Operators

There are several train operators running on this route, including:

• Intercity-Express (ICE)
• Intercity (IC)
• ÖBB
• Eurocity (EC)
• Hamburg-Köln-Express

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary depending on the operator, the time of booking, the class of service and the type of train. Tickets can be purchased online or at the railway station. The cheapest tickets start from as little as $17.00 for a single journey, while booking in advance can result in significant savings.

Train Times

On weekdays, the first train from Frankfurt to Cologne departs at around 04:44, with the last train leaving at around 23:24. During the weekend, the train times remain largely the same. There are approximately 62-74 trains travelling between the two cities every day, departing every 9 minutes on average.

Advantages of Train Travel

In addition to being the fastest way to travel between Frankfurt and Cologne, taking the train has several other advantages. The modern and efficient trains offer a comfortable journey with amenities such as air conditioning, dining cars, children's compartments and power sockets. The train journey also offers beautiful views of the German countryside and, upon arrival in Cologne, the famous Cologne Cathedral is just a short walk away from the Central Station.

Frankfurt to Cologne by bus

Buses are a cheap and easy way to travel from Frankfurt to Cologne. The two cities are 111 miles (152-191 km) apart, and the journey takes as little as 2 hours 5 minutes.

Bus Companies

FlixBus is the most popular bus company operating this route, known throughout Europe for its cheap fares. Other companies include RegioJet, BlaBlaCar Bus, and Infobus.

Amenities

Most modern coaches are comfortable and include onboard Wi-Fi, toilets, electrical outlets, and air conditioning. FlixBus buses also have large and comfortable seats and power outlets.

Tickets

Bus tickets between Frankfurt and Cologne can cost as little as $9, with an average price of $17. FlixBus tickets start at $11.99, and you can save even more money by booking online and in advance.

Stations

Buses to Cologne can be boarded at Frankfurt Central Station or Frankfurt Airport. In Cologne, buses arrive at Cologne Airport, Leverkusen Mitte station, Cologne East (Bergisch Gladbach, Refrath), or Cologne Central Station.

Frankfurt to Cologne by car

The distance between Frankfurt and Cologne is around 118 miles (190 km) and the journey takes about 2 hours. The fastest route is the Autobahn A3, which goes directly to both cities. However, if you want to take the scenic route, you can drive along the Rhine River, which takes about 20 minutes longer and covers 126 miles (203 km).

Directions

To get on the scenic route, take the A3 from Frankfurt for 88 miles (142 km), continue onto the B48, and then take Exit 11 to merge onto the B42. After driving through the town of Neuwied, this highway travels right along the river until you pass Drachenburg Castle on your right and B49 changes to A59. Stay left at the fork to continue onto A559 and follow signs to Cologne.

Things to See and Do in Cologne

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and entertainment. Here are some highlights:

• Cologne Cathedral: This UNESCO-recognized site took over 600 years to build and is one of Germany's most famous landmarks.
• Romano-Germanic Museum: Learn about the city's beginnings as an outpost of the Roman Empire.
• University of Cologne: Visit one of Europe's oldest universities, established in 1388.
• Cologne Chocolate Museum: Indulge your sweet tooth and explore the history of chocolate.
• Eau de Cologne House: Discover the birthplace of the famous perfume that gave the city its name.
• Rhine River: Take a stroll or a boat ride along the beautiful Rhine River.
• Roman monuments and medieval gates and walls: Explore the city's rich historical heritage.

Frankfurt to Cologne by plane

Frankfurt and Cologne are very close to each other, and the high-speed trains and Autobahn that connect the two cities mean that there are no direct flights between their respective airports. However, if you are determined to travel by plane, you could take a flight to Dusseldorf, which is 37 miles (60 km) north of Cologne and just a 45-minute drive on the Autobahn. Lufthansa is the only airline that offers non-stop flights between Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, and one-way flights typically cost between $84 and $180.

If you are travelling from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne, you can take a train or drive. The train is the fastest option, taking just 57 minutes, while driving will take around 1 hour and 34 minutes. There are also direct trains from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne, which take about 1 hour and 13 minutes. These trains depart every 30 minutes and tickets cost $20-$50.

Frankfurt to Cologne: travel times and prices

Cologne is a German city on the Rhine River, located just 118 miles (191 kilometres) northwest of Frankfurt. The cities are already very close to each other, but they feel even closer thanks to Germany's high-speed trains and the Autobahn, which is famous for its lack of speed limits.

By Plane

If you want to travel from Frankfurt to Cologne by plane, you could fly to Dusseldorf, which is 37 miles (60 kilometres) north of Cologne and just a 45-minute drive on the Autobahn. Lufthansa is the only airline that offers non-stop flights between these two cities, and one-way flights typically cost between $84 and $180. The fastest flight with stops from Cologne to Frankfurt takes 2 hours and 50 minutes.

By Train

The train is the fastest way to get to Cologne from Frankfurt. The journey from Frankfurt (either from Frankfurt Central Station or Frankfurt International Airport) to Cologne will take a little more than an hour, and there are plenty of trains going in both directions. Every hour, there are up to three Intercity Express (ICE) trains available, which reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. The Eurocity (EC) train has more stops but is cheaper. Depending on the time of day you travel and whether you opt for a direct train or a route where you have to change trains, one-way tickets are between roughly $25 and $88. You can buy your tickets online or at the railway station.

By Bus

The cheapest option is by bus, with tickets costing as little as $9. There are many bus companies that operate this route, but the most popular is FlixBus, which is known throughout Europe for its cheap fares. Buses to Cologne can be boarded either at Frankfurt Central Station or at the airport. The journey by bus takes about an hour longer than by train.

By Car

Going by car from Frankfurt to Cologne will take about 2 hours. The fastest route is the Autobahn A3, which goes directly to both cities. If you'd prefer to take the scenic route, many travellers recommend driving along the Rhine River, which takes about 20 minutes longer and measures 126 miles (203 kilometres).

Frequently asked questions