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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Cologne and Kassel. The average train journey from Cologne to Kassel takes 8 hours and 52 minutes, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 8 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 112 mi (181 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 2m |
| Lowest price | £11.13 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cologne to Kassel?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Kassel. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 8h 53m | £17.23 |
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 restrooms, 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 2 daily trips to Kassel from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Central Bus Station in Kassel after about 8 hours and 53 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cologne and Kassel is approximately 112 miles, or 181 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 2 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 from Cologne to Kassel are the most crowded on Friday. 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 traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Cologne twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Kassel to Cologne.
City Information
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.
Kassel
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Located in central Germany, Kassel is a city with roots dating to the 10th century. These days, Kassel is perhaps best known for hosting documenta, a remarkable contemporary art exhibition that takes place every five years. However, if you're visiting outside of a documenta year, Kassel has many other exciting experiences to offer.
One of the most popular sites in Kassel is the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a landscape park covering over 2.5 square kilometres of hillside. Construction of the park began in 1689, and the Baroque style of the Bergpark took 150 years to complete. The park's defining feature is a giant statue of Hercules, surrounded by a system of fountains and waterworks.
Kassel is also famed for being near the hometown of the legendary writers, the Brothers Grimm, and Grimm World is the newest attraction in the city. It commemorates the brothers' legacy through interactive and multimedia exhibits inspired by their iconic works, such as Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Frog Prince, and Snow White. The museum is not just for children, though. Prepare your worst insults to shout into the swear word generator, which translates modern German curse words into older linguistic versions.
The easiest way to reach Kassel is via one of the ICE (Inter-City Express) trains that run throughout Europe. Rail service is convenient and affordable from nearby destinations like Berlin, Leipzig, and Hamburg. Buses also provide easy travel into Kassel, and FlixBus and Sindbad operate most bus routes.
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 Kassel?
Main arrival station: Central Bus Station
Kassel has one train station.
Train stations in Kassel:
Central Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Kassel to Cologne?
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