The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Salzburg
Cheapest price
$216
Average price
$251
Fastest journey
6 h 13 m
Average duration
6 h 52 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
562 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Salzburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Salzburg will cost around $251 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $216.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Salzburg without transferring at least once.
ICE 515+
790259:54 AM6h52Cologne Hbf4:46 PMSalzburg Hbf$2161One-way1 transfer
ICE 915+
790239:31 AM6h15Cologne Messe/Deutz3:46 PMSalzburg Hbf$2161One-way1 transfer
ICE 219 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+
9679:58 AM7h23Cologne Messe/Deutz5:21 PMSalzburg Hbf$2261One-way3 transfers
IC 1940 · ICE 515+
790258:42 AM8h04Cologne Hbf4:46 PMSalzburg Hbf$2301One-way2 transfers
ICE 915+
9679:31 AM7h50Cologne Messe/Deutz5:21 PMSalzburg Hbf$2541One-way1 transfer
ICE 529 · RJX 678:45 AM6h13Cologne Messe/Deutz2:58 PMSalzburg Hbf$3141One-way1 transfer
ICE 915+
790239:31 AM6h15Cologne Messe/Deutz3:46 PMSalzburg Hbf$2161One-way1 transfer
ICE 515+
790259:54 AM6h52Cologne Hbf4:46 PMSalzburg Hbf$2161One-way1 transfer
ICE 219 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+
9679:58 AM7h23Cologne Messe/Deutz5:21 PMSalzburg Hbf$2261One-way3 transfers
ICE 621+
9679:45 AM7h36Cologne Messe/Deutz5:21 PMSalzburg Hbf$2541One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Salzburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Salzburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a flight costs an average of $185.
Distance: 349 miles (562 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$129 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $657 Average price |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 2m Average total duration 9h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Salzburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Salzburg trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S11 · IC 1940 · ICE 515+ 969 | 6:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 10h50 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S11 · IC 1940 · ICE 515+ 967 | 6:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 8h50 | 3:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1940 · ICE 515+ 79025 | On time 6:42 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h04 | 2:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 529 · RJX 67 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h13 | 12:58 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529+ 969 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 10h36 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529+ 967 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 8h36 | 3:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915+ 967 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h50 | 3:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915+ 969 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h50 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915+ 79023 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h15 | 1:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621+ 967 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h36 | 3:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621+ 969 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h36 | 5:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515+ 79025 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h52 | 2:46 PM Salzburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 219 · ICE 575 · ICE 565+ 967 | On time 7:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h23 | 3:21 PM Salzburg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Salzburg 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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Salzburg trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Salzburg.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Salzburg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Salzburg.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Salzburg.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Salzburg?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Salzburg
Trains from Cologne to Salzburg run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 349 miles (562 km) distance in 6h 13m.
Distance 349 miles (562 km) |
Average train duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 13m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, Intercity from Cologne to Salzburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Salzburg from $24 (€20). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Nightjet
Intercity
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Salzburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Salzburg 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 Salzburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Salzburg
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Südtiroler Platz.
- Restaurant Imlauer
- Stieglitz
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europa Salzburg
- Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
- H+ Hotel Salzburg
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for ÖBB and Westbahn trains
- Hall 2: platforms 6-11 for regional and international trains
- Bus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 25
- S-Bahn: Line S3
- Trolleybus: Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
More options for your journey from Cologne to Salzburg
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