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Trip Summary
42 trains operate daily from Cologne to Stuttgart. The train trip from Cologne to Stuttgart is usually about 3 hours and 30 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 179 mi (288 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 33m |
| Lowest price | €32.01 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Cologne to Stuttgart?
2 train services operate from Cologne to Stuttgart. Deutsche Bahn usually has more trains scheduled, with 42 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 42 | 3h 29m | €67.08 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 4 | 4h 30m | €77.17 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Cologne to Stuttgart start from €77, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Stuttgart. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Cologne leaves from Central Station . And in Stuttgart trains arrive at Stuttgart Universität and 3 other train stations.
From Cologne to Stuttgart train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 4 hours and 30 minutes. If you are looking to get to Stuttgart faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 33 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 4 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Stuttgart.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Cologne to Stuttgart on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. 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 42 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 Stuttgart 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 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.
Stuttgart
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Though less recognizable than other German cities like Munich or Berlin, Stuttgart is no less fascinating to visit. Plus, since it's less famous than other destinations, you might find more authentic culture and less touristy prices.
Your first stop should be Schlossplatz. This palace square is located right at the city center, in the shadow of the Baroque New Palace and the 10th-Century Old Palace. The square is a lively area, with events hosted year-round, most notably Stuttgart's Christmas market; check out our itinerary of 10 famous Christmas markets in Germany for more.
Got a car fan in your travel party? The famed Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates the beloved German vehicle, and the Porsche Museum showcases legendary racing cars.
The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden will entice you with acres and acres of open spaces for everyone to enjoy, plus several thousands of different animal and plant species. It's on the grounds of another castle if you haven't seen enough German castles yet. Next, stop at the Markthalle to embrace your inner foodie and try a spread of international and local delicacies. The huge public market has over 33 stalls that offer all kinds of delicious goodies.
Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and Railjet trains make it easy to reach Stuttgart from cities like Strasbourg, Zurich, and Frankfurt. Bus options abound, too, with FlixBus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni and more providing routes in the area. Stuttgart Airport is only about 20 minutes outside of the city, so flying is definitely an option, too.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Where is the train station in Stuttgart?
Main arrival station: Stuttgart-Sommerrain
There are more train stations and stops in Stuttgart than most cities. Most trains from Cologne will stop at one (or more) of the 4 following stations in Stuttgart:
Train stations in Stuttgart:
Stuttgart-Sommerrain
Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
Stuttgart Universität
Stuttgart-Österfeld
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