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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Cologne to Erfurt. Traveling by train from Cologne to Erfurt usually takes around 10 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 9 hours and 4 minutes.
| Distance | 177 mi (285 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 4m |
| Lowest price | £17.22 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cologne to Erfurt?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Erfurt. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 10h 7m | £28.12 |
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 Erfurt from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Erfurt Central Train Station in Erfurt after about 10 hours and 7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cologne and Erfurt is approximately 177 miles, or 285 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 4 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 Cologne to Erfurt tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
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 Erfurt 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.
Erfurt
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Erfurt is the capital and largest city in the German state of Thuringia. Most of the city was built and designed in the Middle Ages, so prepare to be charmed by narrow pedestrian streets, quaint bridges, and gorgeous green spaces like the Egapark. As you stroll around the city centre, keep your eyes peeled for as many as 25 churches of different architectural styles. A unique sight in Erfurt is the Krämerbrücke, or merchants' bridge, arguably the most popular attraction in the city. This 15th-century arched bridge has houses built on either side, in a design that was common in medieval Europe.
Fitting for a large city, Erfurt does not disappoint when it comes to dining options. The most popular local restaurants you should consider visiting are EAT Erfurt and Gasthaus Feuerkugel. Or simply stop at any of the many stalls offering Thüringer Bratwurst, a regional delicacy!
Although there is a small airport for Erfurt, the route options are very limited. Most air passengers will travel through the Frankfurt airport and connect to Erfurt via coach or train. Erfurt's train station is actually one of the central hubs of Germany's Deutsche Bahn rail system. Much of the train service to and from Erfurt is on high-speed trains, so journeys to Munich, Berlin, and Nuremberg take hardly any time. FlixBus connects Erfurt to many additional destinations via affordable coach trips.
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 Erfurt?
Main arrival station: Erfurt Central Train Station
Erfurt receives travelers from Cologne at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Erfurt:
Erfurt Central Train Station
Central Station
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Need a return trip from Erfurt to Cologne?
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