Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Edinburgh

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Cologne to Edinburgh. Travelling by train from Cologne to Edinburgh usually takes 1 day, 4 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 1 day, 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Distance
542 mi (872 km)
Fastest train
26h 21m
Lowest price
$196.29
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
FlixTrain
Train lines
1

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Cologne to Edinburgh Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Cologne to Edinburgh?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Cologne to Edinburgh.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$207.48Avg. Price$172.74Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips3
Duration28h 24mDuration27h 26mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Edinburgh?

In the last month, train tickets from Cologne to Edinburgh cost about $196 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $27.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Cologne to Edinburgh by travel date

$225$150$75NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Cologne to Edinburgh will cost between $201 and $223. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Prices as travel date approaches

$225$180$135$90$45

Which train should you take from Cologne to Edinburgh?

FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Edinburgh. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixTrain128h 24m$207.48
  • Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard washrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 1 daily trip to Edinburgh from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Edinburgh Bus Station in Edinburgh after about 1 day, 4 hours and 24 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Cologne to Edinburgh

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Cologne to Edinburgh for $124.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between Cologne and Edinburgh is approximately 872 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 4 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 2 hours and 21 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

542

Distance (km)

872

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Cologne at 4:14 p.m. and arrives in Edinburgh around 26 hours later.

First train

4:14pm

Last train

5:01pm

Trains from Cologne to Edinburgh are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Cologne

Cologne - DEMTE-0Cologne - DEMTE-1Cologne - DEMTE-2

There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.

Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.

Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travellers coming from afar.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, UK - GBQDN-0Edinburgh, UK - GBQDN-1Edinburgh, UK - GBQDN-2

As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!

For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.

On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.

If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.

Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Cologne?

Main departure station: Cologne Central Station

There is one train station in Cologne.

All train stations in Cologne:

  • Cologne Central Station

Where is the train station in Edinburgh?

Main arrival station: Edinburgh Bus Station

Edinburgh Bus Station  - GBQDNGBNXP-0

Edinburgh Bus Station is a local and long-distance bus station located beneath the luxury shopping area, Multrees Walk. It is less than five minutes on foot from Waverley train station, with the primary pedestrian access on St Andrew Square. Luggage lockers, a small convenience store, café, and pay-for washrooms occupy the underground waiting lounge. Megabus and National Express operate service to destinations such as Glasgow, Aberdeen, Belfast, and York. International travellers can reach the Edinburgh Airport via the tram at St Andrew Square.

All train stations in Edinburgh:

  • Edinburgh Bus Station

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