Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Barcelona
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Cologne to Barcelona. Traveling by train from Cologne to Barcelona usually takes 31 hours, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 26 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 698 mi (1124 km) |
| Fastest train | 26h 34m |
| Lowest price | $86.97 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Cologne to Barcelona Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Cologne to Barcelona?
There are usually 12 daily bus trips available from Cologne to Barcelona.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$169.89 | Avg. Price$165.97Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips12 |
Duration | Duration31h | Duration25hFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Cologne to Barcelona:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Barcelona?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Cologne to Barcelona was $153.19. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 4 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $24.79 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Cologne to Barcelona by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Cologne to Barcelona will cost between $118 and $176. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Cologne to Barcelona by month
Ticket prices for the train from Cologne to Barcelona often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $91. If you're thinking of traveling from Cologne to Barcelona during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $193 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Cologne to Barcelona on Wanderu at least 4 days ahead of time, you can save about $24.79 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Cologne to Barcelona?
There are multiple trains that travel from Cologne to Barcelona, including FlixTrain. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 5 | 31h | $169.89 |
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 5 daily trips to Barcelona from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Carrer d'Ali Bei 80 in Barcelona after about 31 hours and 0 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Cologne to Barcelona
There are 5 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Cologne to Barcelona for $84.
TRIPS PER DAY
5
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Cologne and Barcelona is approximately 698 miles, or 1124 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 31 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 26 hours and 34 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
698
DISTANCE (KM)
1124
The earliest train departs Cologne at 8:14am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:01pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:14am
LATEST TRAIN
5:01pm
Trains from Cologne to Barcelona are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Cologne
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.
Barcelona
Featuring a mix of bizarre modern vibes and quaint buildings, Barcelona is a great destination for tourists seeking fun and cultural activities alike. Barcelona takes great pride in its unique architecture, and the most prominent example of its uniqueness is the La Sagrada Família, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Boasting a unique Gothique-esque architectural style, the cathedral will leave you in awe. The most interesting part is that the church is actually still in construction, and is expected to be finished by 2026. If you want to stroll around the streets of Barcelona, the Barri Gòtic, the oldest part of the city, will be a perfect choice. Here visitors will find old buildings with Medieval or Roman architecture. If you are looking to enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife, head over to Las Ramblas, the most fun area around.
For the best Catalonian dishes, don’t hesitate to head over to Babula Bar 1937, which offers top-tier local cuisine. Barcelona is also rather famous for its seafood, so don’t hesitate to give that a try at one of the many restaurants the city has to offer.
For buses, Estació del Nord serves as the central hub of intercity services. The Barcelona Sants is the city’s main train station, offering access to many cities in Europe. Commercial air services are provided by the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is located 11 miles from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
- Cologne Central Station
Where does the train arrive in Barcelona?
Main arrival station: Carrer d'Ali Bei 80
Originally a train station, Barcelona Nord is now a bus station located at Carrer d'Ali Bei 80. The station was built in 1862 for rail service to Barcelona but was partially converted into a bus station and a sports hall in recent years. The station is conveniently located within a short distance of famous landmarks such as the Plaça de Catalunya. Intercity buses like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus stop at the station and offer service to other cities like Madrid, San Sebastian, and Marseille. You will find the usual amenities at the station, such as public restrooms, ATMs, shops, and restaurants. The station also features large waiting areas with seats. You can also access the nearby Arc de Triomf Metro station to travel throughout the rest of Barcelona.
All train stations in Barcelona:
- Carrer d'Ali Bei 80
- Sants
- Barcelona Airport - El Prat T2
Need a return trip from Barcelona to Cologne?
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