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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Nuremberg to Cologne. Traveling by train from Nuremberg to Cologne usually takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest DB Intercity-Express train can make the trip in 3 hours and 13 minutes.
| Distance | 209 mi (336 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 13m |
| Lowest price | €28.03 |
| Trains per day | 16 |
| Most frequent service | DB Intercity-Express |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Nuremberg to Cologne?
2 train services operate from Nuremberg to Cologne. DB Intercity-Express usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity-Express | 3 | 3h 54m | €98.33 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 2 | 5h 42m | €84.57 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Nuremberg and Cologne is approximately 209 miles, or 336 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 13 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.
Trains departing from Nuremberg to Cologne tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Nuremberg at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 16 of these are direct connections to Cologne. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cologne to Nuremberg.
City Information
Nuremberg
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Although often overshadowed by Bavaria's largest city, Munich, Nuremberg is more than capable of challenging Munich as a top tourist spot. Nuremberg entices travellers with its rich history, political significance, world-class museums, and exciting local culture.
Nuremberg is a fantastic destination year-round; however, it becomes particularly spectacular in the weeks before Christmas. Nuremberg's Christkindlemarkt is a world-famous market illuminated by thousands of lights displaying handmade ornaments, toys, and crafts. Enjoy lebkuchen and mulled wine while wandering through the stalls to get in the Christmas spirit, and see why Nuremberg is an essential stop along our train itinerary to visit Germany's best Christmas markets.
Nuremberg's castle, Kaiserburg, is another must-see while in the city. Standing since the Middle Ages, visitors can explore Nuremberg's history while also enjoying some of the best views of the city. No wonder it's one of Germany's most-Instagrammed castles.
Transport around Germany is highly efficient, making travel to Nuremberg simple. The city is served by its own international airport and a large train station that welcomes many Deutsche Bahn trains every day. FlixBus, Sindbad, BlaBlaCar Bus, and more coach services also run frequently to Nuremberg from various destinations across Europe.
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
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 coach 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 travelers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Nuremberg?
Main departure station: Nürnberg Train Station
There is one train station in Nuremberg.
All train stations in Nuremberg:
Nürnberg Train Station
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Central Station
Cologne Central Station is, unsurprisingly, the central station and main transport hub of Cologne. Multiple nationwide and regional trains stop here and connect to other routes. Thalys and Deutsche Bahn ICE provide service to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and many more. Inside the station, you can kill some time perusing souvenir shops and grab a meal at one of the restaurants- or skip straight to desert at one of the multiple bakeries available. There's even a shop for clothes and a bank in the building. Once outside, you'll be in the center of Cologne, so there are plenty of attractions and restaurants nearby.
Train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
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Need a return trip from Cologne to Nuremberg?
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