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Trip Summary
There are usually 27 daily train trips available from Cologne to Bayreuth. Traveling by train from Cologne to Bayreuth usually takes 6 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can make the trip in 4 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 214 mi (345 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 36m |
| Lowest price | $46.95 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Cologne to Bayreuth?
2 train services operate from Cologne to Bayreuth. Deutsche Bahn usually has more trains scheduled, with 27 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity-Express | 7 | 5h 28m | $83.84 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 27 | 6h 27m | $79.41 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cologne and Bayreuth is approximately 214 miles, or 345 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 36 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 Cologne to Bayreuth on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 27 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 Bayreuth 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.
Bayreuth
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: David Schiersner
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Jan Beck
Link to image attributionBayreuth is a small city in Bavaria, sitting on the bank of the Red Main river. The city was founded in the 12th century, and visitors can see many traces of its medieval era in the existing town. However, the most well-known attraction in Bayreuth is the Margravial Opera House, a Baroque theater and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ornate venue is part of what inspired famous composer Richard Wagner to move to Bayreuth. His life and legacy are celebrated every summer in Bayreuth with the Richard Wagner Festival. You can also learn about Wagner at his former residence, now the Richard Wagner Museum.
Bayreuth features many more historic buildings to explore, notably the Hermitage (Old Palace) and the Neue Schloss (New Palace). The Court Garden near the New Palace is an especially scenic place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
International travelers to Bayreuth will likely fly into nearby Nuremberg. From the airport, you can take a bus or train to Bayreuth. Additionally, Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus routes connect Bayreuth to other cities in the region, including Dresden and Bamberg.
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 Bayreuth?
Main arrival station: Train Station
There are more train stations and stops in Bayreuth than most cities. Most trains from Cologne will stop at one (or more) of the 4 following stations in Bayreuth:
All train stations in Bayreuth:
Train Station
Laineck
Bayreuth-St Georgen
Friedrichsthal(b Bayreuth)
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Need a return trip from Bayreuth to Cologne?
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