The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 6 m
Trains per day
45
Distance
152 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 45 trains that leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for Cologne on Thu, Apr 02, 34 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 152 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 1 h 6 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 2225:34 AM1h09Frankfurt (Main) Hbf6:43 AMCologne Hbf$251One-way0 transfers
ICE 6184:46 AM1h18Frankfurt (Main) Hbf6:04 AMCologne Hbf$251One-way0 transfers
ICE 8265:41 AM1h33Frankfurt (Main) Hbf7:14 AMCologne Messe/Deutz$391One-way0 transfers
ICE 52211:11 PM2h27Frankfurt (Main) Hbf1:38 AMCologne Hbf$391One-way0 transfers
ICE 699 · IC 604022:36 AM3h21Frankfurt (Main) Hbf5:57 AMCologne Hbf$421One-way1 transfer
ICE 31412:34 PM1h05Frankfurt (Main) Hbf1:39 PMCologne Hbf$701One-way0 transfers
ICE 142:34 PM1h05Frankfurt (Main) Hbf3:39 PMCologne Hbf$791One-way0 transfers
ICE 186:34 AM1h06Frankfurt (Main) Hbf7:40 AMCologne Hbf$501One-way0 transfers
ICE 8247:08 AM1h06Frankfurt (Main) Hbf8:14 AMCologne Messe/Deutz$571One-way0 transfers
ICE 8228:08 AM1h06Frankfurt (Main) Hbf9:14 AMCologne Messe/Deutz$621One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 94 miles (152 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$25 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest |
2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 4m Average total duration 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 822 | Delayed 6:10 AM 6:08 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 7:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1612 | On time 6:12 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 7:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 316 | On time 6:33 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 7:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S8 · ICE 614 | On time 6:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h31 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 820 | On time 7:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 8:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 699 · IC 60402 | 12:36 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h21 | 3:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 618 | 2:46 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h18 | 4:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 222 | 3:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h09 | 4:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 826 | 3:41 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h33 | 5:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 18 | 4:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 5:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 824 | 5:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h06 | 6:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
29508 · ICE 1014 | On time 5:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h20 | 6:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Apr 02
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Why should you book Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne
Trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:13, the last at 22:34. The fastest train covers the 94 miles (152 km) distance in 1h 6m.
Distance 94 miles (152 km) |
Average train duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 1h 6m |
First train 2:13 AM |
Last train 10:34 PM |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Cologne from $9 (€7). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- 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.
- 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
Most popular train connections from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
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