Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*

Book Cheaper Tickets

Book Cheaper Tickets

Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.

Efficient Customer Service

Efficient Customer Service

24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries

Fast Change and Refund

Fast Change and Refund

Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.

  1. Home
  2. Germany Train Journey
  3. Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station Train

Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station train times

Explore comprehensive train schedules from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station, featuring the fastest travel time of 4h 19m. With 33 daily departures, catch the first train at 00:00 and the last one at 19:27. Stay updated with real-time information on Trenitalia and Italo train times, prices, delays, and cancellations to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Average

€152.13

From 08 Sep to 14 Sep

Cheapest

€23.05󰄽

On Mon 08 Sep

  • Mon08 Sep
  • €23.05󰄽
    Tue09 Sep
  • €23.05󰄽
    Wed10 Sep
  • €23.05󰄽
    Thu11 Sep
  • €23.05󰄽
    Fri12 Sep
  • €23.05󰄽
    Sat13 Sep
  • €23.05󰄽
    Sun14 Sep

Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station train journey information

Find detailed DB train schedules from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station, including first and last departure times, stops, distance, journey time, train companies, and price options. Check train times and prices for a smooth journey.

First train
00:00
Last train
19:27
Departure station
Distance
283 miles (455km)
Journey time
4h 19m
Price
From €23.05
Train operators
Deutsche Bahn

Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station train travel guide

Travelling from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station with Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains is both efficient and comfortable. The average travel time is 4h 46m, and you can enjoy affordable ICE train tickets or regional train tickets.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

1. How long is the train journey from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station?

The average travel time from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station on a train is 4h 46m. For those seeking the quickest option, the fastest travel time is 4h 19m. To get more detailed train information, precise timings, and schedules, explore TrainPal and plan your trip effectively.

2. Are there direct trains from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station?

Yes, direct train services from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station are available. With TrainPal, you can access detailed information on stops, times, departure and arrival stations, and train types, such as high-speed ICE and regional trains. To secure the best fares, consider ticket options like Sparpreis, Super Sparpreis, and Flexpreis.

3. How much does a ticket from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station cost?

The lowest price for a train ticket from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station is €23.05, with the average cost being around €152.13*. Ticket prices can change based on booking time, train service, and available discounts. Therefore, check the latest prices for the best discounts. Enjoy cost-effective and flexible travel choices.

4. How often do trains run from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station?

There are frequent trains from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station, with 33 trains running each day. Enjoy convenient and regular departures throughout the day, ensuring flexible travel options. Check the latest schedules for the most accurate and up-to-date information on train timings and availability.

Onboard services

Onboard services

1. Can I bring my bike on the Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station train?

Yes, you can bring your bicycle on the train from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station. Be sure to book your bicycle ticket and parking space ahead of time to guarantee a hassle-free trip.

Key Points:

  • Train Types: Bicycles are permitted on local transportation (Interregio-Express, Regional-Express, Regionalbahn, and S-Bahn) together with long-distance transport (Intercity, Eurocity, ICE 4, ICE 3 neo, and ICE T).
  • Advance Booking:Reserve bicycle tickets, and parking space, and avoid busy periods.
  • Pricing:Long-distance bike tickets start at €7.50, and local transit bicycle day tickets vary from €6 to €6.50.
  • Check Local Regulations: Bike transport regulations differ by region.
  • Properly Park Bicycle: Place your bike in the allocated area as instructed.
Combining train and bicycle travel is both sustainable and convenient.

2. Is Wi-Fi available on the ICE train from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station?

k.train.de.a2b.check.des2_3

 Good to know

Good to know

1. Do I need to book train tickets in advance for Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station?

In Germany, last-minute train tickets from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station are available for purchase online, at ticket machines, and station counters. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to book your train tickets in advance for better availability and pricing. It is not mandatory, but especially during peak travel periods, booking in advance can guarantee better seat availability and typically lower prices. Make your travel arrangements stress-free by booking early and enjoying the benefits of planning ahead.

2. What are the peak travel times for trains from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station

In Germany, the peak travel times for trains from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station typically occur during weekday rush hours, roughly from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Furthermore, weekends, particularly Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, along with holidays and school breaks, often see higher demand. It is recommended to book tickets in advance during these times to secure a seat and possibly get lower prices.

3. How early should I arrive at the station for my train from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station

For a trouble-free travel experience, it is often recommended to reach the train station at least 20-30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. This provides you with enough time to locate your platform, pass through any crowds, and resolve last-minute tasks such as finding your seat or purchasing snacks. If you are not familiar with the station or if it is especially large, consider arriving even earlier to ensure a smooth beginning to your trip.

4. Can I use a regional day pass for the Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station train?

Yes, regional day passes can be used on DB trains in Germany, but they are limited to regional trains within the specified region. Passes like the Bayern-Ticket or Niedersachsen-Ticket allow for unlimited travel on regional trains (such as RE, RB, and IRE) and some local public transportation, including buses, trams, and S-Bahn trains, for a day. However, they are not valid on long-distance trains such as ICE, IC, or EC. Always verify the specific terms and conditions of the regional day pass to ensure it covers your intended travel routes.

5. Can I use a Eurail pass on the Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station route?

Yes, a Eurail Pass can be used on DB trains in Germany. This pass is accepted on most DB services, including InterCity Express (ICE), InterCity (IC), and EuroCity (EC) trains. However, please note that for certain high-speed or overnight trains, seat reservations may be required and could involve extra charges. Be sure to verify the specific requirements for each train and make any necessary seat reservations to ensure a hassle-free journey.

6. Do I need a passport or visa to travel from Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station by train?

Domestic Travel Within Germany:
  • Passport: You don't need a passport to travel on DB trains within Germany. However, it is recommended to bring a valid ID, such as an ID card or driving licence, especially if your flight tickets require proof of identity.
  • Visa: If you have legal residency in Germany, you can travel on DB trains within Germany without a visa.
International Travel:
  • Passport: If you are using DB trains for international journeys, like traveling to neighbouring countries, you will require a valid passport or other acceptable travel documents.
  • Visa:
    • 1) Schengen Area: Travelling to or from a Schengen Area country usually doesn't require separate visas for each Schengen Zone country if you hold a valid Schengen visa or come from a visa-exempt nation.
    • 2) Non-Schengen Countries: When travelling to or from a non-Schengen country, you might require a visa based on that country's specific entry requirements.

Check the specific entry and travel regulations for your nationality and intended destinations. Contact the embassies or consulates for the most precise and latest information.

Find cheap Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station ticket prices

Sparpreis tickets

󰾅
Saver Fare

Super Sparpreis tickets

󰾅
Super Saver Fare

Flexpreis tickets

󰾅
Flexible Fare
 Find cheap Munich Central Station to Cologne Central Station ticket prices

Exchange and cancellation

  • Super Saver Fare:No exchange or cancellation.
  • Saver Fare: No exchange. Cancel for a €10 fee and receive a voucher refund.
  • Flexible Fare:No exchange. Free cancellation before the start of validity; €19 fee on or after the start date.
  • Regional Day TicketsNo exchange or cancellation.
  • Train fare typesEXchangeCancellation
    Super saver fare󱕤󱕤
    Saver fare󱕤 €10 cancellation fee, refund as a voucher
    Flexible fare󱕤

    - Cancel for free before the first day of validity

    - Cancelling on or after the first day of validity costs €19

    Regional day ticket in Germany󱕤󱕤

    How to buy cheap DB train tickets

    󰄶

    Use TrainPal

    Find affordable train tickets with TrainPal. We list second and first-class prices, and our journey planner secures the best deals. Use discount codes for extra savings.

    Super Saver from €17.99

    Super Saver fares start at €17.99 for second class and €23.99 for first class.

    Book early for ICE trains

    Secure lower prices by booking German long-distance train tickets (IC, ICE, EC) early; prices increase closer to travel.

    Regional Day Ticket

    Regional Day Ticket (Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket) offers unlimited regional travel in Germany for one day, from €46.

    IC and ICE overnight trains

    Discover destinations in Germany and neighbouring countries on IC and ICE overnight trains with super saver fares from €17.99 and saver fares from €21.99.

    Group travel for 6+ people

    Group of six or more? DB offers super saver fares from €8.90, and European fares from €13.90 per person.

    󰄽

    * The lowest price is based on historical data to predict the cheapest fare over the next 7 days, but actual prices may vary.