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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Milan to Cologne. The train trip from Milan to Cologne is usually about 9 hours and 20 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can get you there in as little as 8 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 392 mi (630 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 44m |
| Lowest price | €100.27 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Milan to Cologne?
Deutsche Bahn is the one and only train line which connects Milan to Cologne. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 1 | 9h 20m | €100.27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Milan and Cologne is approximately 392 miles, or 630 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 44 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 Milan to Cologne tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Milan at 11:00 and arrives in Cologne around 8 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Cologne to Milan.
City Information
Milan
The fashion capital of the world, Milan, is a busy city brimming with activities and lavish nightlife. In spite of its frenetic modern lifestyle, Milan is also blessed with some amazing landmarks, of which the Milan Cathedral should be given special attention. Considered the largest and most unique Gothic structure in Italy, the cathedral took about 600 years to build, and its impressive gothic details will amaze all fans of architecture. The roof of the cathedral itself is accessible, so visitors can climb up to marvel at the city’s skyline and see the cathedral’s details up close. Another spot to consider is the Santa Maria delle Grazie, which currently houses “The Last Supper,” a masterpiece by the legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci. For those who enjoy old books, the Ambrosiana Library & Picture Gallery houses a vast collection of artworks, as well as rare ancient manuscripts.
For a taste of the unique Milanese cuisine, you could consider the Gente di Mare in Darsena, which offers superb seafood. If you wish to enjoy great local pizzas, Pizzium - Via Vigevano offers great dishes.
Milano Centrale is the city’s main train station, offering access to international destinations such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. The main bus station in Milan is Lampugnano, serving as the local hub for bus carriers like FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus and Union Ivkoni. The main airport in Milan is Malpensa Airport located about 32 miles northwest of the city center.
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 Milan?
Image credit: Zairon
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Milano Centrale
Milano Centrale is the primary railway station in Milan, welcoming 120 million passengers every year. This huge amount of traffic makes it the largest train station in Europe by volume. The station, built in 1931, is an opulent building with grand columns outside and glass-topped archways inside. It offers high-speed railway connections throughout Italy, plus numerous cross-border train lines. Amenities inside the station range from retail shops to restrooms and sushi restaurants to Starbucks. Connect to the metro in the Centrale subway station, and quickly reach some of Milan's top sights in just a few stops.
All train stations in Milan:
Milano Centrale
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
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