1map logoGo to main page

Munich to Cologne from $24: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Munich, Germany
to
Cologne, Germany

How to Get from Munich 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.

$24 RideshareBest price
458.4 kmDistance
3h 6m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Munich 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
4h  24m
Estimated price
$55-180
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
6h 
Estimated price
$24-40
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 458.4 km
Duration: 3h 6m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
8h  22m
Estimated price
$45-70
Company
Nightjet
Train
Average Duration
4h  49m
Estimated price
$55-180
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  6m
Estimated price
$79-258
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  55m
Estimated price
$90-140
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  45m
Estimated price
$95-369
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$166-406

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $22 $20 $23 $22 $27 $26 $30
Train $58 $55 $58 $56 $39 $62 $56
Fly $89 $89 $91 $96 $90 $96 $96
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Munich to Cologne

Traveling from Munich to Cologne offers a striking contrast between Munich's rich Bavarian traditions and the modern, vibrant atmosphere of Cologne, known for its iconic cathedral and lively arts scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences to visitors.

Altstadt (Old Town)
• Home to the stunning Cologne Cathedral.
• Charming cobblestone streets and vibrant cafes.
Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)
• Known for its trendy boutiques and art galleries.
• Popular nightlife scene with lively bars and restaurants.
Lindenthal
• Offers a peaceful, residential atmosphere.
• Beautiful parks and green spaces for relaxation.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Timing your visits to Cologne's top attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Cologne Cathedral
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light.
Museum Ludwig
Midweek afternoons are quieter, allowing you to enjoy the artwork at your own pace.
Hohenzollern Bridge
Sunset offers breathtaking views; weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. For the best travel experience, spring and early fall offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring outdoor sights and events.

Dining Recommendation in Cologne

A must-try dish in Cologne is the Himmel un Ääd, a delicious combination of black pudding, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce, showcasing a hearty yet distinct flavor profile compared to Munich's Bavarian fare. Dining in Cologne often captures a lively and relaxed atmosphere, with many restaurants featuring local ingredients that reflect the Rhineland's culinary heritage.

Munich - Cologne operators

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

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

Train from München Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf

Average Duration
4h 24m
Estimated price
$95-110
Contact phone
+43 51717
Website
https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home

Train from München Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf

Average Duration
4h 49m
Estimated price
$55-180
Contact phone
0221 13 999 444
Website
http://nationalexpress.de

Train from Düsseldorf Flughafen to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$11-17
Contact phone
+33 1 84 94 36 35
Website
https://sncf.com

Train from Düsseldorf Flughafen to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$10-21
Contact phone
+32 70 66 77 88
Website
https://www.thalys.com/fr/en

Train from Düsseldorf Flughafen to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$28-65
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Munich central bus station to Leverkusen

Average Duration
8h 22m
Estimated price
$45-70
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Munich to Cologne

Average Duration
6h
Estimated price
$24-40
Plane Show flights
Website
http://lufthansa.com

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$75-300
Website
http://eurowings.com

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$60-310
Website
http://lufthansa.com

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Düsseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$95-410

Munich to Cologne: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Munich 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 Munich to Cologne, covering a distance of 576.1 km. 💰 Save on travel expenses with prices ranging from €83 to €129 for the journey by car.
Average price
€83 - €129
🚆 Begin your journey from Munich Hauptbahnhof on a direct train to Cologne Messe/Deutz Bahnhof. 💰 Ticket prices for the Munich to Cologne train ride can vary between €51 to €165, depending on the class and booking time.
Departure Point
München Hbf station
Arrival Point
Köln Messe/Deutz Bf station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Munich to Cologne, you can enjoy catering services provided by the Deutsche Bahn (DB). On-board dining options include snack boxes, light meals, and beverages available from the onboard bistro in first class. In the economy class, you can purchase drinks and snacks from the trolley service. You can also pre-order meals if you're in First Class.
• The train service from Munich to Cologne offers both First Class and Second Class seating. First Class provides more spacious and comfortable seats with extra legroom and power outlets. Economy Class features standard seating arrangements that are still comfortable for the journey but less spacious. Be sure to check availability while booking and consider upgrading if you prefer more comfort on this approximately 4-hour trip.
• Several train operators run the route from Munich to Cologne, including Deutsche Bahn (DB) and FlixTrain. For booking and further information, you can visit their websites at: - Deutsche Bahn: bahn.com - FlixTrain: flixtrain.com
🛫 Flying from Munich to Cologne is quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Both Eurowings and Lufthansa operate flights between Munich Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport. 🌆 Once in Cologne, visitors can explore the city's iconic attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the Rhine River. 💸 The price of a flight between Cologne and Munich can vary, with tickets typically ranging from €73 to €237.
Departure Point
Munich Airport
Arrival Point
Cologne Bonn Airport
🚌 Starting from Munich central bus station, travelers can embark on a scenic journey to Cologne with FlixBus. The route includes transfers at stations such as Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf, making the total travel time approximately 8 hours and 22 minutes. 🚌 Travelers can enjoy the convenience and affordability of FlixBus, with ticket prices ranging from €41 to €64 for the Munich to Cologne route.
Departure Point
Munich central bus station
Arrival Point
Leverkusen station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Munich to Cologne.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Munich and Cologne is approximately 458.7 km. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation vary. By car, it takes about 5 hours to drive the 576.9 km. By train, it takes 4 hours and 27 minutes. Taking a flight to Dusseldorf and then a train to Cologne takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes. Lastly, by plane, it takes about 3 hours and 1 minute to reach Cologne from Munich.
When traveling from Munich to Cologne, the prices for a train ticket range from €64 to €91. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Cologne and Munich can range from €46 to €82.
If you want to avoid public transportation, a good option to consider is carpooling with Blablacar. They offer rideshare options between Munich and Cologne, which can be convenient if you don't have a driver's license or prefer not to use public transport. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 576.1 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes to drive from Munich to Cologne. The prices for carpooling with Blablacar vary depending on the specific ride, but they generally range from €82 to €128.
The best way to travel from Munich to Cologne without a car is by train. It takes approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes and costs between €64-€91. Another option is taking a bus, which takes 7 hours and 15 minutes and costs between €46-€87. Lastly, you could also fly, which takes 3 hours and 1 minute and costs between €69-€220.
Yes, there is a direct link between Munich and Cologne. There is a train service operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express that departs from Munich Hauptbahnhof and arrives at Cologne Messe/Deutz Bahnhof. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes.
The flight between Munich and Cologne typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. Flights between the two cities can cost anywhere from €70 to €218, with prices varying depending on the airline, time of booking, and class of service.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Cologne with over 1145 hotels available in the area. Prices for hotels start at €41, providing a range of choices that suit various budgets.