Frankfurt to Cologne Train

01/21/2025
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Frankfurt to Cologne by train

The journey from Frankfurt to Cologne by train is 94.95 mi and takes 1 hr 16 min. There are 4 connections per day, with the first departure at 8:15 AM and the last at 10:42 AM. It is possible to travel from Frankfurt to Cologne by train for as little as $18.46 or as much as $67.73. The best price for this journey is $18.46.

Lowest Price $18.46
Journey Duration 1 hr 16 min
Connection per Day 4
Lowest Price $18.46
Highest Price $67.73
First Departure 8:15 AM
Last Departure 10:42 AM
Distance 94.95 mi
Departure Frankfurt
Arrival Cologne
Carriers DB - InterCity Express (ICE)

Frankfurt to Cologne Train Times

Departure date
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025

Travelling from Frankfurt to Cologne by Train

The average journey duration for Frankfurt to Cologne by train is approximately 1 hr 16 min. Covering a distance of 94.95 mi, there are about 4 train services connecting these two major German cities every day. If you're considering a trip from Frankfurt to Cologne by train, you can expect the starting fare for this route to be around $18.46. Your train journey from Frankfurt will commence from Frankfurt am Main Hbf,Brauerei, Frankfurt a.M.,Falkstraße, Frankfurt a.M., and upon reaching Cologne, you will arrive at Koeln Messe/deutz,Cologne Bonn Airport,Köln-Mülheim ,Köln, Hbf. While most connections between these cities are direct, Virail offers information on non-stop routes and those with transfers for your convenience. To ensure a hassle-free boarding experience, arriving at least 30 minutes before your train's departure is advisable.

Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's state-owned railway company, is the primary provider for the Frankfurt to Cologne by train route. With a range of options, from the high-speed ICE (Intercity-Express) trains to the more regional options such as Regional-Express and Regionalbahn, DB ensures efficient connectivity between these two dynamic cities. Opting for the ICE trains offers a swift and comfortable journey, perfect for business travelers and tourists alike.

Discover Cologne: A Blend of Historical Grandeur and Modern Vibrancy

Upon completing your Frankfurt to Cologne by train journey, you'll be greeted by the majestic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) that dominates the skyline. Situated a stone's throw away from the central station, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a welcoming beacon to the city.

With its rich history dating back to Roman times, Cologne seamlessly combines ancient architecture with contemporary culture, offering visitors a delightful mixture of experiences. The Rhine River adds a serenity to this bustling city, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.

Things to do/see in Cologne:

  1. Marvel at the architecture and interiors of the Cologne Cathedral.
  2. Stroll along the Rhine River and enjoy the picturesque views of the city.
  3. Visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) to delve into the world of cocoa and chocolate.
  4. Explore the historic Old Town (Altstadt) with charming squares and alleys.
  5. Experience the vibrant Belgian Quarter, a fashion, art, and nightlife hub.

Things to eat/drink in Cologne:

  1. Taste the traditional "Himmel und Äd" (Heaven and Earth) - a mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and black pudding dish.
  2. Savor the local "Kölsch" beer in one of the traditional breweries.
  3. Indulge in "Halve Hahn" - a rye roll with cheese and onions.
  4. Enjoy a plate of "Reibekuchen" - crispy potato pancakes usually served with apple sauce.

Day trips from Cologne:

Considering its central location in the Rhineland, Cologne is an excellent base for day trips. Visit places like Bonn, the former German capital, the scenic Rhine Valley, or the historic town of Aachen.

Cologne Travel Tips:

When in Cologne, use its extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and local trains. If you're keen on exploring the arts, the Museum Ludwig houses a fantastic collection of modern art. Given its festive spirit, Cologne's Christmas Markets are a must-visit if you're in town during winter. And remember, while the Kölsch beer might be served in smaller glasses, its refreshing taste tends to beckon for more!

If a journey from Frankfurt to Cologne by train is on your itinerary, let us assist you in planning. We provide extensive information on various routes and fare options, ensuring your travel decisions are well-informed and efficient.

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Compare prices and tickets from Frankfurt to Cologne

Cheap train tickets from Frankfurt to Cologne
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Frankfurt to Cologne.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Frankfurt to Cologne, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Frankfurt to Cologne.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Frankfurt to Cologne travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $15.39 to $70.06 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 78% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Frankfurt to Cologne

The cheapest Frankfurt - Cologne train tickets can be found for as low as $19.86 if you’re lucky, or $31.65 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $51.27.

Find the best day to travel to Cologne by train

When travelling to Cologne by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board DB - InterCity Express (ICE) from Frankfurt to Cologne
Compare services on board when travelling from Frankfurt to Cologne by train.
Facilities DB - InterCity Express (ICE)
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Frankfurt to Cologne CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
10.7kg
Bus
11.46kg
Flight
30.56kg
Car
24.45kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Frankfurt to Cologne by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Frankfurt and Cologne are 10.7kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Frankfurt and Cologne? By taking the train between Frankfurt and Cologne you will save 19.86kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 0.76kg compared to a bus and 13.75kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne?
A train ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne is $35.68. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $18.46.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Frankfurt to Cologne is $18.46. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Frankfurt and Cologne by train?
Frankfurt to Cologne is 94.95 mi.
How long does the train between Frankfurt and Cologne take?
Frankfurt to Cologne is on average 1 hr 16 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 1 hr 6 min.
How many train connections per day go from Frankfurt to Cologne?
Frankfurt to Cologne has 4 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Frankfurt to Cologne leave?
The earliest train from Frankfurt to Cologne departs at 8:15 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Frankfurt to Cologne depart?
The latest train from Frankfurt to Cologne departs at 10:42 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $18.46 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Frankfurt to Cologne?
There are on average 2 direct connection(s) from Frankfurt to go to Cologne.
What's the fastest journey time between Frankfurt to Cologne by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Frankfurt and Cologne is 1 hr 6 min.
Is there a direct train from Frankfurt to Cologne?
Yes, there is a direct train between Frankfurt and Cologne.
What are the CO2 emissions for Frankfurt to Cologne by train?
The train journey from Frankfurt to Cologne creates 10.7kg of CO2 emissions.

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