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Frankfurt am Main to Cologne from €6.73: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
to
Cologne, Germany

How to Get from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$6.73 RideshareBest price
191 kmDistance
1h 5m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Train
Average Duration
1h  5m
Estimated price
€40.37-46.63
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
2h  12m
Estimated price
€6.73-17.29
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 191 km
Duration: 1h 5m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Try Tours
Bus
Average Duration
2h  40m
Estimated price
€0-0
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  44m
Estimated price
€29.11-408.58
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  42m
Estimated price
€32.63-162.58
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
4h  12m
Estimated price
€39.62-55.94
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
3h  8m
Estimated price
€408.73-409.71

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $9 $9 $9 $9 $9 $9 $9
Train $22 $19 $19 $21 $27 $31 $20
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Traveling From Frankfurt am Main to Cologne

The route from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne offers a fascinating contrast between Frankfurt's modern skyline and Cologne's historic architecture, allowing you to experience two distinct facets of German culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne boasts vibrant neighborhoods that each offer a distinct experience.

Old Town (Altstadt)
• Home to Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Charming streets lined with bars and traditional breweries.
Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
• Trendy area filled with boutiques and cafes.
• Popular nightlife destination with vibrant bars.
Ehrenfeld
• Known for its street art and creative scene.
• Features unique shops and diverse dining options.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your Cologne experience.

Cologne Cathedral
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid large crowds.
Museum Ludwig
Weekdays, especially Tuesdays, offer a quieter atmosphere for exploring.
Rheinauhafen District
Evenings provide stunning sunset views and fewer tourists along the waterfront.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early autumn the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Understanding the weather patterns helps you plan outings and activities, ensuring that you enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Cologne Dining: A Taste of Tradition

Try the traditional 'Himmel un Ääd' (Heaven and Earth) at a cozy restaurant like Wirtshaus H atualmente, featuring a comforting blend of black pudding, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce, a stark contrast to Frankfurt's hearty but more modern offerings. This dish, rooted in local ingredients and prepared with a rustic flair, immerses you in Cologne's rich culinary heritage while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Frankfurt am Main - Cologne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Frankfurt am Main and Cologne, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from Frankfurt(Main)Hbf to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
38-43

Train from Neuwied Bf to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
389-430
all-pages.transport_night train
Contact phone
+43 51717
Website
https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home

all-pages.transport_night train from Frankfurt(Main)Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
31-152
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+38139423824
Website
http://try-tours.com

Bus from Frankfurt to Cologne

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
0-0
Plane
Website
lufthansa.com

Plane from Frankfurt (FRA) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
383-384
Rideshare
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Frankfurt to Cologne

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
6.3-16
Drive

Drive from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
27-380

Frankfurt am Main to Cologne: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Frankfurt am Main and Cologne offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne, covering 119 miles of picturesque German countryside in just 1 hour and 44 minutes. 💰 Explore budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from €28 to €42 for the journey by car, making it a cost-effective and convenient way to reach your destination.
Average price
€28 - €42
🚆 The direct train from FrankfurtHbf to Köln Hbf is a convenient option for travelers, with services departing hourly and operating every day. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it a quick and efficient way to travel between the two cities. 🛤️ Covering a distance of approximately 180 km, the train ride from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne offers scenic views and comfortable seating onboard. Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express operates this route, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. Prices for the train tickets can range from €40 to €44, depending on the class and booking time.
Departure Point
Frankfurt(Main)Hbf station
Arrival Point
Köln Hbf station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary depending on the operator. For example, Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers a dining car with options ranging from snacks to full meals, and seat reservation can be made in advance. Also, in First Class, you'll find complimentary newspapers and a wider selection of refreshments. It’s worth checking the specific services available before your trip on DB's website.
• The train options between Frankfurt and Cologne generally include First Class and Second Class seating. First Class provides more spacious seating with additional legroom and quieter compartments, while Second Class is comfortable and offers standard seating arrangements. When booking, be sure to select the class that suits your comfort and budget. You can check details and make reservations on operators’ websites like Deutsche Bahn (bahn.com) and FlixTrain (flixtrain.com).
• Upon arrival at Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), you will find various facilities including luggage storage services, which allow you to securely leave your baggage while you explore the city. The station is well-equipped with restrooms, but showers are not available. For navigating through the station, signage is clear, and you can always ask staff for assistance.
🛫 Experience a seamless journey from Frankfurt Airport to Dusseldorf Airport with a quick direct flight lasting just 50 minutes. Lufthansa, a trusted airline carrier, provides convenient flights along this route.
Departure Point
Frankfurt Airport
Arrival Point
Dusseldorf Airport
🚌 The journey between these two German cities takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes by bus. Departing from Frankfurt station, the bus arrives at Cologne station, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel. 🚌 With comfortable seating and scenic views along the route, passengers can sit back and relax as they make their way from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne by bus in under 3 hours.
Departure Point
Frankfurt station
Arrival Point
Cologne station

Trips from Frankfurt am Main