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Trip Summary
There are 23 daily trains from Erlangen to Cologne. Traveling by train from Erlangen to Cologne usually takes around 5 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can make the trip in 4 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 202 mi (325 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 7m |
| Lowest price | €59.01 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Erlangen to Cologne?
Deutsche Bahn is the one and only train line which connects Erlangen to Cologne. However, there are 23 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 23 | 5h 12m | €104.28 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Erlangen and Cologne is approximately 202 miles, or 325 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 7 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 Erlangen to Cologne are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Erlangen at 01:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. 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 23 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cologne to Erlangen.
City Information
Erlangen
Erlangen is a small city in the German state of Bavaria, located just north of Nuremberg. Most of Erlangen's residents are enrolled or employed at either the Friedrich-Alexander University or the Siemens company. Visitors to Erlangen often stay near the historic core, where quaint streets lead to some of the city's most impressive buildings. These include the 18th century Palais Stutterheim, historically Erlangen's town hall and now home to the museum Kunstpalais and the city's public library. Don't forget to visit one of the oldest churches in the city, the Huguenot Church, which boasts an impressive size and architecture, and reflects the influence of Huguenots in Erlangen's history.
Erlangen also offers plenty of scenic spots for outdoor activity or relaxation. The Schlossgarten quickly fills up with sunbathing students on sunny days, and the nearby Botanical Garden includes a unique attraction in its artificial stalactite cave.
The closest airport to Erlangen is in Nuremberg, but you can easily connect to Erlangen via Deutsche Bahn or commuter S-Bahn trains. Intercity trains from Munich to Berlin often stop in Erlangen, and connections from these hubs open up the entire country and continent for exploration. Plus, several intercity bus companies, including FlixBus, offer affordable ground travel from Erlangen to destinations throughout Germany.
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 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 travelers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Erlangen?
Main departure station: Erlangen-Bruck
There are two stations in Erlangen where you can board the train to Cologne.
All train stations in Erlangen:
Erlangen-Bruck
Eltersdorf
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Main arrival station: Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Cologne receives travelers from Erlangen at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Cologne:
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Central Station
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Need a return trip from Cologne to Erlangen?
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