Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia to Nuremberg, Bavaria from $13: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Cologne to Nuremberg: 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.

$13 RideshareBest price

210 kmDistance

2h 50m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cologne to Nuremberg 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.

See more options

Pricing table

Sort by

Compare prices for your selected dates

Type	Mo 10/03	Tu 11/03	We 12/03	Th 13/03	Fr 14/03	Sa 15/03	Su 16/03
Bus	$21	$21	$21	$21	$21	$21	$21
Train	$50	$48	$20	$50	$66	$49	$45

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Traveling From Cologne to Nuremberg

Journeying from Cologne to Nuremberg offers a fascinating contrast, with Cologne's vibrant urban scene and rich history juxtaposed against Nuremberg's medieval charm and captivating architecture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Nuremberg

Nuremberg offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Old Town (Altstadt)

• Home to the stunning Nuremberg Castle.

• Charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

St. Johannis

• Trendy cafes and boutiques line the streets.

• Known for its artistic vibe and creative community.

Gostenhof

• A hub for multicultural experiences and cuisine.

• Lively arts scene with galleries and theaters.

Best Times To Visit Nuremberg's Attractions

Timing your visit to Nuremberg's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Nuremberg Castle

Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light.

German National Museum

Weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, offer a quieter exploration.

Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market)

Aim for the first week of December to enjoy festive charm before peak crowds.

Nuremberg Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Nuremberg experiences a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters influencing your visit. Late spring and early autumn typically offer the most pleasant conditions, making these seasons ideal for outdoor exploration.

Dining Recommendation in Nuremberg

Try the Nuremberg sausages, small grilled links that pack a punch of flavor, best enjoyed at the historic restaurant, Bratwurst Röslein, known for its cozy atmosphere and local ingredients. This dining experience contrasts with Cologne's hearty dishes by offering a distinct taste of Franconian cuisine within a charming, traditional setting.

Cologne - Nuremberg operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cologne and Nuremberg, 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 Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Nürnberg Hbf

Average Duration

3h 14m

Estimated price

$70-85

Train from Köln Hbf to Nürnberg Hbf

Average Duration

3h 34m

Estimated price

$70-80

Train from Köln Hbf to D-Flughafen Bf

Average Duration

29m

Estimated price

$25-29

Train from Koeln Hbf to Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf

Average Duration

59m

Estimated price

$41-46

Train from München Hbf to Nürnberg Hbf

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$42-47

all-pages.transport_night train

Contact phone

+43 51717

Website

https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home

all-pages.transport_night train from Köln Hbf to Nürnberg Hbf

Average Duration

5h 1m

Estimated price

$55-180

all-pages.transport_night train from Bonn Hbf to Nürnberg Hbf

Average Duration

4h 25m

Estimated price

$55-180

Bus

Contact phone

+49 30 300 137 300

Website

https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Cologne Airport CGN to Nuremberg central bus station

Average Duration

4h 50m

Estimated price

$30-50

Contact phone

+420 222 222 221

Website

https://regiojet.com/

Bus from Cologne / Bonn Airport Busterminal to Nuremberg Central Bus Station

Average Duration

5h 30m

Estimated price

$21-30

Rideshare

Contact phone

+3 318 576 2228

Website

https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Cologne to Nuremberg

Average Duration

4h 29m

Estimated price

$13-28

Plane

Website

https://www.lufthansa.com

Plane from Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) to Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

Average Duration

3h 13m

Estimated price

$230-400

Plane from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

Average Duration

40m

Estimated price

$85-240

Website

https://www.eurowings.com

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

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$60-310

Plane from Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) to Munich Airport (MUC)

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$75-340

Contact phone

+31 20 649 1212

Website

https://www.klm.com

Plane from Dusseldorf Airport to Nuremberg Airport via Amsterdam Schiphol

Average Duration

3h 43m

Estimated price

$200-1400

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

Traveling between Cologne and Nuremberg 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 253-mile journey from Cologne to Nuremberg, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car through picturesque German landscapes. 💰 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from €60 to €92 for the convenience of traveling between these two vibrant cities by road.

Average price

€60 - €92

🌆 Enjoy a comfortable ride that takes approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes through the picturesque German countryside. The train offers a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two vibrant cities, allowing you to relax and take in the sights along the way. 💰 Ticket prices for the Cologne to Nuremberg train range from €65 to €78, offering affordable options for your travel plans. Whether you're heading to Nuremberg for business or leisure, the train journey provides a hassle-free and enjoyable transportation experience.

Departure Point

Köln Messe/Deutz Bf station

Arrival Point

Nürnberg Hbf station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard services on the trains from Cologne to Nuremberg, especially with Deutsche Bahn, include a range of catering options. You can enjoy a snack bar or a dining car that offers hot meals, refreshing beverages, and snacks. The menu often features regional specialties, so be sure to check the daily offerings and consider pre-ordering if you're traveling during peak hours.

• The seating options available on this route typically include First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class offers spacious seating with power outlets, complimentary newspapers, and a quieter environment. Business Class provides a comfortable and efficient working atmosphere, while Economy Class is more budget-friendly, with standard seating. Ensure you book your preferred class in advance as seat availability varies.

• There are multiple operators for this route, primarily Deutsche Bahn (DB) which you can learn more about at bahn.com, and occasionally FlixTrain. Always check both options for the best schedule and price. Useful links include local transportation schedules from the Nuremberg Transport authority (VAG) at vag.de, station maps, and options for dining near the train station.

🛫 Flying from Cologne to Nuremberg by plane is convenient, although there are no direct flights available. The quickest option with one stopover takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes in total.

Departure Point

Dusseldorf Airport

Arrival Point

Nuremberg Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 30m and has one stopover

🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Cologne to Nuremberg by bus, taking approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes to reach your destination. 💰 Explore budget-friendly travel options, with bus ticket prices between Nuremberg and Cologne ranging from €24 to €67, providing flexibility for every traveler's budget.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cologne to Nuremberg.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Cologne and Nuremberg is 210 miles by road. By train, it takes approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes to reach Nuremberg from Cologne. If you opt for a combination of train and flight, it would take around 4 hours and 47 minutes. Driving by car takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, while a bus journey would take about 6 hours and 2 minutes. These travel time estimates may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Cologne to Nuremberg is the train and fly combination. This option takes 2 hours and 44 minutes, making it the quickest way to reach Nuremberg. However, it may be a bit more expensive, with prices ranging from €91 to €272. If you are looking for a more affordable option, ridesharing is a good choice, costing between €12 and €24 and taking 4 hours and 29 minutes.

The prices for traveling from Cologne to Nuremberg by train range from €50 to €72. Alternatively, taking a bus from Nuremberg to Cologne will cost between €32 and €53. Prices may vary depending on the time of travel and the class of service chosen. It is recommended to check with the specific train or bus company for the most up-to-date pricing information.

To travel from Cologne to Nuremberg without using public transportation, you can consider carpooling with BlaBlaCar's rideshare service. This allows you to share a ride with someone driving in that direction, even if you don't have a driver's license. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 253 miles, and it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Cologne to Nuremberg. The prices for carpooling can vary between €59 and €91, depending on the specific arrangement you make.

The best way to travel from Cologne to Nuremberg without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes and the cost varies between €50-€72. Trains in Germany are known for their efficiency and comfort, making the train a convenient option for this trip.

Yes, there is a direct train link between Cologne and Nuremberg. The train service, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, departs from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf station and arrives at Nürnberg Hbf. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes, with trains departing hourly, every day. This direct train connection provides a convenient and efficient travel option between the two cities.

The flight duration between Cologne and Nuremberg typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight from Dusseldorf Airport to Nuremberg Airport, so passengers would need to make a connecting flight. The cost of the flight may vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability, so it is recommended to check with different airlines for the most accurate pricing.

There are plenty of accommodation options available near Nuremberg. With over 782 hotels to choose from, there is something to fit everyone's budget and preferences. Prices start at €46 per night, making it affordable for travelers. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, Nuremberg offers a range of accommodations to suit different needs.