1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leipzig
Showing times and prices for Dec 15
Cheapest price
$112
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
4 h 24 m
Average duration
4 h 41 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
381 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leipzig is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leipzig will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $112.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Leipzig without transferring at least once.
ICE 857 · IC 244109:45AM5h32
Cologne Hbf03:17PMLeipzig Hbf
$1121One-way
1 transfer
ICE 555 · IC 203708:44AM5h31
Cologne Hbf02:15PMLeipzig Hbf
$1121One-way
1 transfer
ICE 1513 · ICE 69208:29AM4h40
Cologne Hbf01:09PMLeipzig Hbf
$1501One-way
1 transfer
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · IC 203709:45AM4h30
Cologne Messe/Deutz02:15PMLeipzig Hbf
$1501One-way
2 transfers
ICE 529 · ICE 69208:45AM4h24
Cologne Messe/Deutz01:09PMLeipzig Hbf
$1501One-way
1 transfer
ICE 529 · ICE 69208:45AM4h24
Cologne Messe/Deutz01:09PMLeipzig Hbf
$1501One-way
1 transfer
ICE 621 · ICE 930 · IC 203709:45AM4h30
Cologne Messe/Deutz02:15PMLeipzig Hbf
$1501One-way
2 transfers
ICE 1513 · ICE 69208:29AM4h40
Cologne Hbf01:09PMLeipzig Hbf
$1501One-way
1 transfer
ICE 121 · ICE 930 · IC 203709:28AM4h47
Cologne Hbf02:15PMLeipzig Hbf
$1501One-way
2 transfers
ICE 121 · ICE 155909:28AM5h03
Cologne Hbf02:31PMLeipzig Hbf
$1701One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Leipzig
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leipzig among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €20, and a flight costs an average of €462.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€82 Average price | €32 Average price Cheapest | €569 Average price |
6h 36m Average total duration Fastest 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 13m Average total duration 6h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 33m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Leipzig train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig trains for tomorrow, Monday, December 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 5:47 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1513 · ICE 692 | On time 7:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 12:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 555 · IC 2037 | On time 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h31 | 1:15 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 529 · ICE 692 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h24 | 12:09 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 121 · ICE 1559 | On time 8:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h03 | 1:31 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 121 · ICE 930 · IC 2037 | On time 8:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h47 | 1:15 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 621 · ICE 930 · IC 2037 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h30 | 1:15 PM Leipzig Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 857 · IC 2441 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 2:17 PM Leipzig Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Leipzig by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sun
Dec 14
Dec 14
Mon
Dec 15
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29
Dec 29
Tue
Dec 30
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Dec 31
Thu
Jan 01
Jan 01
Fri
Jan 02
Jan 02
Sat
Jan 03
Jan 03
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Leipzig?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Leipzig is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Leipzig route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Leipzig per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Leipzig.
Trains
from $51Buses
from $31ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Leipzig
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
Fast ridePriceNice staffDisadvantages
WIFIDelaysToiletsThe station from Cologne to Leipzig was the first stop on my trip to Germany.
Above all, I like the mostly fast train ride. The staff were very nice and helpful. What bothered me was the poor wifi connection on board.
The hygiene in the toilets was not good enough in my opinion.
In addition, the train is always quite late, which bothers me a bit. However, in terms of price and performance, I think train travel is good.
Advantages
Good organisation in case of delayPower sockets on the squareDisadvantages
Hardly any reception on the routesomewhat unhygienic toiletsLast year, I travelled by IC from Cologne central station to Leipzig central station and found the journey to be OK. Unfortunately, the toilets were a bit unhygienic and the wifi was very poor. However, the train gets a plus point from me because the IC was quite late, but it was still possible to arrange for my connection to be waiting in Leipzig. I was rather dissatisfied with the very poor reception on the route, so that I was unable to inform my family of my late arrival. On the positive side, there were power sockets at all seats.
All in all, I can only recommend it.
Advantages
ComfortCleanlinessHygieneThat was my return journey in second class. I can heartily recommend this journey and rate it five stars. The wifi was good the whole time. My seat was comfortable and my seat was clean. Then I went to the toilet, where I found a clean and hygienic environment. The train staff were very polite and nice. The atmosphere was good throughout.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Leipzig
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 4h 21m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 6h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne to Leipzig trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne and Leipzig from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$67 (€54)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 1m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Leipzig
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leipzig by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leipzig, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Cologne to Leipzig is 236 miles (381 km).
To fully experience Leipzig's cultural, historical, and modern attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended. This timeframe allows you to explore key sites such as the Leipzig Zoo, St. Thomas Church, and the Bach Museum, as well as enjoy the vibrant local arts and music scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Leipzig.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cologne to Leipzig. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
The first train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 12:01 AM.
In Leipzig, you can explore Karl-Heine-Straße for its eclectic shops and street art, attend a world-class performance at the Leipzig Opera House, and visit the serene Leipzig Botanical Garden. Discover contemporary German history at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum and enjoy a boat tour along Leipzig's canals. Don't miss the historic St. Thomas Church linked to Bach, the modern Leipzig Zoo, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, the Leipzig Panometer with its panoramic art, and the Museum of Fine Arts with its extensive European collection.
The last train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 11:58 PM.
A day trip from Cologne to Leipzig is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 21m. Trains run 13 times per day over a distance of 236 miles (381 km).
The train journey from Cologne to Leipzig is moderately scenic, offering views of the Rhine River, rolling hills, and charming German towns, although it transitions into more industrial and urban landscapes as it approaches Leipzig.
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Leipzig can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $22 (€18), while the average price is around $102 (€82).
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Leipzig is by train, with a cost of around $22 (€18).
The train from Cologne to Leipzig takes 4h 21m and runs 13 per day.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Leipzig is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Leipzig Hbf.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Leipzig.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Leipzig
Cologne
Leipzig
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Leipzig.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln Trimbornstr
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Blauer König
- DAG Döner
- Sahra-Pizza
- Casablanca
Hotel
- Hotel Arcaden
- Maugeri Ital. Hotel
- Hotel Rahmani
The major train station for arrivals in Leipzig is Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof for your journey to Leipzig from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
23Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Willy-Brandt-Platz.
Dining
- Restaurant Zchocolat
- Vapiano Leipzig
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €1
Hotel
- Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
- a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Leipzig
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-13 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 14-23
- Hall 3: shopping and dining area
Public transit options for Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- Tram: Lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S5X, S6
- Bus: Several lines available
Leipzig-Wahren
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- China-Imbiß
- KGV-Kantine Wahren 1901
- Kantine & Bistro im BCL
- Döner-Imbiss
Hotel
- Hotel an der Laue
Leipzig-Lützschena
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
More options for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leipzig and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Leipzig
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
