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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Cologne to Munich per day. The average train journey from Cologne to Munich takes 11 hours and 45 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 284 mi (456 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 45m |
| Lowest price | €82.67 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Cologne to Munich
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Cologne to Munich?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Munich. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 1 | 11h 45m | €82.67 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 1 daily trips to Munich from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Central Bus Station in Munich after about 11 hours and 45 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cologne and Munich is approximately 284 miles, or 456 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 45 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 from Cologne to Munich are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Cologne at 6:00am and arrives in Munich around 11 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 Munich 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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne Central Station
Where is the train station in Munich?
Image credit: Unsplash
Main arrival station: Central Bus Station
Munich's Central Bus Station (or ZOB) is very close to the city's train station and within a short walk of Old Town. As the center of Munich's intercity bus travel services, this station welcomes bus lines like FlixBus and RegioJet. The station is expansive, with multiple stories of offices that overlook the train tracks outside. Passengers will find many fast-food options, as well as convenience stores, ATMs, and public restrooms inside the station.
All train stations in Munich:
Central Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Munich to Cologne?
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