Munich to Cologne train
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Trip Summary
29 trains operate daily from Munich to Cologne. The train trip from Munich to Cologne is usually about 5 hours and 14 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest DB Intercity-Express train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 284 mi (456 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 55m |
| Lowest price | $18.96 |
| Trains per day | 31 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Munich to Cologne?
There are 4 train lines with service from Munich to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 22 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Eurocity | 1 | 6h 14m | $92.57 |
| DB Intercity-Express | 10 | 4h 48m | $90.21 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 22 | 5h 29m | $99.37 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 1 | 4h 41m | $106.34 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Munich to Cologne start from $70, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Munich leaves from München Train Station . And in Cologne trains arrive at Central Station .
From Munich to Cologne train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 4 hours and 41 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 3 hours and 55 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Cologne on a weekend there is typically one Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Munich.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Munich and Cologne is approximately 284 miles, or 456 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 55 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 Munich to Cologne on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday 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 Munich at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 29 scheduled trains on most days. 31 of these are direct connections to Cologne. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cologne to Munich.
City Information
Munich
Boasting a quaint beauty that has withstood the test of time, Munich is a vibrant city where the old meets the new. One of the most noticeable events in the city is Oktoberfest. The festival is the largest beer festival in the world, and it is here that you can enjoy a huge variety of beers, as well as local specialties and themed entertainment. For those who want to learn more about the city’s architectural history, consider visiting the Church of Our Lady, which features two unique dome-topped towers, forming an eye-catching part of Munich’s skyline. If you simply wish to enjoy a stroll around town, the English Garden, with its signature Chinesischen Turm, will offer the reprieve you need.
Among the local favorites in the city are Spatenhaus and Haxnbauer, both of which serve authentic hearty Munich dishes. For a more affordable dinner, you could check out the beer gardens such as Seehaus Biergarten or Augustinerkeller.
München Hauptbahnhof, located at the center of Munich, is the principal train station in the city serving all Deutsche Bahn trains that pass through town. Munich’s Central Bus Station is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to catch a bus by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus or Sindbad. The main airport is the Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, which lies 19 miles northeast 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 Munich?
Image credit: Unsplash
Main departure station: München Train Station
Munich's central station, München Train Station, welcomes more than 450,000 passengers every day. The station was first built in 1839 and has been rebuilt and renovated numerous times. As a result, the current station spans numerous buildings and wings, each with its own architectural style. You can find all the necessary amenities such as public restrooms and waiting lounges in the station, and there are even shops for last-minute souvenir shopping! Many Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain routes stop in Munich, heading to cities including Dresden, Berlin, and Cologne. The station is conveniently located just west of Munich's Old Town, with easy connections to the subway (U-Bahn) via the Hauptbanhof station in the same building.
All train stations in Munich:
München Train Station
München-Langwied
München-Neuaubing
München-Karlsfeld
München Leienfelsstr.
München-Allach
München-Westkreuz
München-Aubing
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.
All train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Cologne to Munich?
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