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Trip Summary
There are 55 daily trains from Budapest to Cologne. Traveling by train from Budapest to Cologne usually takes around 14 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can make the trip in 11 hours and 24 minutes.
| Distance | 594 mi (956 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 24m |
| Lowest price | €91.24 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 2 |
Price trends for trains from Budapest to Cologne
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Budapest to Cologne?
2 train services operate from Budapest to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company usually has more trains scheduled, with 29 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 26 | 14h 6m | €129.81 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 29 | 14h 16m | €185.88 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Budapest to Cologne start from €91, and on average cost . Daily there are 29 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Budapest leaves from Rákos and 5 other stations. And in Cologne trains arrive at Central Station and one other train station.
From Budapest to Cologne train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 14 hours and 16 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cologne faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 11 hours and 24 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The distance between Budapest and Cologne is approximately 594 miles, or 956 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 24 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Budapest to Cologne on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Budapest at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:00. 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 55 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 Budapest.
City Information
Budapest
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As the commercial and cultural hub of Hungary, Budapest is a multi-faceted city that appeals to many different kinds of travelers. The city’s star attraction is the blue Danube, which runs through town, dividing it in two. To explore the river to its fullest, you should go on a boat cruise. This is also a good way to enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding architecture. After enjoying the sapphire-colored water of the Danube, take a stroll around the historic Castle Hill quarter, which features cobblestone streets and quaint old buildings. While here, don’t hesitate to visit the area’s iconic Buda Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. For those who do not want to pass up a good photo shoot, Fisherman’s Bastion offers amazing panoramic views.
If you are looking for some unique Hungarian dishes, Arany Kaviar Restaurant offers a great selection. For a more casual experience, Hoppacska is a great choice.
The three main rail stations in Budapest are Keleti, Nyugati, and Déii, which offer access to various other Hungarian and European cities. The main bus station is Népliget and it is located on the edge of Budapest’s popular People’s Park. The main airport in the city is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
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 Budapest?
Main departure station: Rákos
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 7 stops and stations in Budapest where you can board the train.
All train stations in Budapest:
Rákos
Ferihegy Vasútállomás
Budapest-Déli
Budapest-Keleti
Kőbánya Felső
Rákospalota-újpest
Budapest-Kelenföld
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 Budapest?
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