The cheapest and fastest trains from Leipzig to Cologne
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$169
Fastest journey
5 h 32 m
Average duration
5 h 59 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leipzig to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leipzig to Cologne will cost around $169 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Of the 14 trains that leave Leipzig for Cologne on Thu, Apr 02, 1 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 381 km distance in an average of 5 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 32 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 6 h 13 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.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain7:40 AM10h03Leipzig, Hbf5:43 PMCologne Hbf$881One-way1 transfer
FlixBus+
FlixTrain7:50 AM9h53Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe)5:43 PMCologne Hbf$881One-way1 transfer
FlixTrain+
FlixBus10:35 AM9h45Leipzig Hbf8:20 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$891One-way1 transfer
FlixTrain10:35 AM7h08Leipzig Hbf5:43 PMCologne Hbf$1101One-way0 transfers
ICE 1708 · ICE 6408:49 AM6h45Leipzig Hbf3:34 PMCologne Hbf$1861One-way1 transfer
ICE 505 · 4616 · ICE 1228 · ICE 1089:33 AM5h32Leipzig Hbf3:05 PMCologne Hbf$2021One-way3 transfers
S3 · ICE 371 · ICE 7228:12 AM6h02Leipzig Hbf2:14 PMCologne Messe/Deutz$2021One-way2 transfers
S3 · ICE 373 · ICE 62810:12 AM6h02Leipzig Hbf4:14 PMCologne Messe/Deutz$2021One-way2 transfers
ICE 2512 · ICE 7209:08 AM6h06Leipzig Hbf3:14 PMCologne Messe/Deutz$1861One-way1 transfer
S3 · ICE 373 · ICE 171610:12 AM6h13Leipzig Hbf4:25 PMCologne Hbf$2021One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Leipzig to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leipzig to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 20m. 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 $22, and a flight costs an average of $273.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $568 Average price |
6h 50m Average total duration Fastest 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 7h 14m 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
Leipzig to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Leipzig to Cologne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:40 AM Leipzig, Hbf | 10h03 | 3:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:50 AM Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe) | 9h53 | 3:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 371 · ICE 124 | On time 6:12 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h31 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 371 · ICE 722 | On time 6:12 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h02 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1708 · ICE 640 | On time 6:49 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h45 | 1:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2512 · ICE 1516 | On time 7:08 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h25 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2512 · ICE 720 | On time 7:08 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h06 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 611 | On time 7:30 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h18 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 505 · 4616 · ICE 1228 · ICE 108 | On time 7:33 AM Leipzig Hbf | 5h32 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 505 · ICE 1746 · ICE 611 | On time 7:33 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h15 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 373 · ICE 1716 | On time 8:12 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h13 | 2:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S3 · ICE 373 · ICE 628 | On time 8:12 AM Leipzig Hbf | 6h02 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 8:35 AM Leipzig Hbf | 7h08 | 3:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:35 AM Leipzig Hbf | 9h45 | 6:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leipzig to Cologne 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.
Apr 02
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Apr 05
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Apr 07
Apr 08
Why should you book Leipzig 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 FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Leipzig 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leipzig to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leipzig to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Leipzig to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Leipzig to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Leipzig to Cologne
Trains from Leipzig to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) 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 15m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 6h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Leipzig to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Leipzig and Cologne from $17 (€14). 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.
FlixTrain
FAQs: Trains from Leipzig to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leipzig 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 Leipzig to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Willy-Brandt-Platz.
- Restaurant Zchocolat
- Vapiano Leipzig
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
- a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Leipzig
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- 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
- 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
- China White
- Cafe Barbakane
- X-Maza
- Vodkaria
- Seaside Park
- Pentahotel Leipzig
- Victors Residenzhotel
- Marriott
- Cơm Quê
- Abtnaundorfer Hof
- Salehs Bistro
- Bistro Oriental
- 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
Most popular train connections from Leipzig
More options for your journey from Leipzig to Cologne
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