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Munich, Bavaria to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia from $24: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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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 $54 $58 $56 $38 $61 $55
Fly $88 $88 $90 $94 $89 $94 $94
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Munich to Cologne

The journey from Munich to Cologne offers a fascinating shift from Bavaria’s traditional charm to the vibrant, modern energy of the Rhineland.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Altstadt
• Historic sights like the Cologne Cathedral nearby.
• Lively bars and restaurants line the streets.
Ehrenfeld
• Known for its creative arts scene and street art.
• Offers trendy cafes and vintage shops.
Belgisches Viertel
• Features boutique stores and stylish eateries.
• A hub for nightlife and cultural events.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Planning your visit to Cologne's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Cologne Cathedral
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid large crowds.
Museum Ludwig
Weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, offer quieter visits.
Rhine River Promenade
Sunset hours provide stunning views and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate maritime climate, making spring and early autumn the best times to enjoy the city with mild temperatures and fewer crowds; however, rain can surprise you at any time, so packing an umbrella is a wise choice.

Dining in Cologne: A Taste of the Rhineland

Try the iconic dish of Sauerbraten at a local restaurant like RheinEnergie Stadion; this pot roast, marinated in a tangy mixture, showcases Cologne's distinctive flavor profile compared to the hearty schnitzels you find in Munich, and the casual atmosphere invites you to savor each bite alongside a refreshing Kölsch beer.

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 an exciting road trip from Munich to Cologne, covering a distance of 358 miles. The journey takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes, offering scenic views along the autobahn. 💰 Discover budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from €83 to €129 for the Munich to Cologne route by car. Whether solo or with companions, there are affordable ways to reach your destination.
Average price
€83 - €129
🕒 The trip typically takes around 4 hours and 24 minutes, giving you ample time to relax and take in the countryside views along the way. With services operating every day, it's a convenient and efficient way to travel between these vibrant German cities. 💰 Ticket prices for the Munich to Cologne train range from €51 to €165, offering options to suit various budgets. Experience the comfort and convenience of train travel while exploring the cultural treasures of both Munich and Cologne on this picturesque route.
Departure Point
München Hbf station
Arrival Point
Köln Messe/Deutz Bf station
Useful tips for train travellers
On your train journey from Munich to Cologne, you can enjoy onboard catering services provided by Deutsche Bahn. They offer a variety of snacks and beverages, including coffee, tea, and light meals. In First Class, meals are often served at your seat, while in Economy, you can visit the bistro car for purchases. Prioritize checking the menu in advance on Deutsche Bahn's website to see what's available.
The train operators for the Munich to Cologne route include Deutsche Bahn (DB) and FlixTrain. Deutsche Bahn offers comfortable seating options including First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class seats provide extra legroom and complimentary meals, while Economy Class is budget-friendly. Check their websites for real-time schedules and seat availability: Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain.
Upon your arrival at Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station), you can easily navigate using signs in English and German. The station features luggage lockers available for short-term storage, allowing you to explore Cologne without your bags. Clean restrooms are also available. From the station, the fastest way to reach the city center is by taking tram line 5 or bus 133. Both options will get you there in about 10-15 minutes.
🛫 Flying from Munich to Cologne is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Both Eurowings and Lufthansa operate flights between Munich Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport. 🌆 The journey by plane from Munich to Cologne will take approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination in a relatively short amount of time. This efficient mode of transportation is ideal for travelers looking to minimize travel time. 💰 Flight prices between Cologne and Munich can vary, typically ranging from €73 to €238.
Departure Point
Munich Airport
Arrival Point
Cologne Bonn Airport
🚌 The trip from Munich to Cologne by bus is not direct but involves transfers at Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf. The total journey duration is approximately 8 hours and 22 minutes. 🚌 The ticket prices for the bus from Cologne to Munich can range from €42 to €65, offering an affordable option for those looking to explore Germany by road. Plan ahead for this scenic journey through the German countryside.
Departure Point
Munich central bus station
Arrival Point
Leverkusen station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• As there is a transfer at Leverkusen before reaching Köln Heumarkt, make sure to check the transfer times in advance and stay alert for announcements to ensure a smooth change of buses.
• When you arrive at Köln Heumarkt, you will find yourself in a vibrant part of the city with plenty of dining options and shops nearby, and if you wish to navigate public transport, you can download the KVB (Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe) app for the latest on metro and tram services to reach your final destination quickly: https://www.kvb.koeln/en/home.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Munich to Cologne.

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The distance between Munich and Cologne is approximately 285 miles or 358.5 miles by car. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: it takes 4 hours and 27 minutes to reach Cologne from Munich by train, 3 hours and 40 minutes by taking a flight to Dusseldorf and then a train, and 3 hours and 1 minute by plane. Conversely, it takes 4 hours and 55 minutes to reach Munich from Cologne by car and 7 hours and 15 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Munich to Cologne is ridesharing, which costs €21-€36 but takes approximately 6 hours. This option allows you to split the travel expenses with other passengers. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and costs €68-€218. This allows you to reach Cologne in the shortest amount of time, but at a higher cost.
The prices for a train ticket from Munich to Cologne range from €64 to €91. For a bus ticket from Cologne to Munich, the prices vary between €45 and €82. It is important to keep in mind that the prices might change based on factors such as the time of travel, availability, and booking in advance. It is advisable to check with the specific transportation companies for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
To travel from Munich to Cologne without using public transportation, you can consider using a carpooling service like Blablacar. This is a convenient option if you don't have a driver's license or wish to avoid public transport. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 358 miles, with an estimated travel time of around 4 hours and 55 minutes. Prices for carpooling services can range from €82 to €127, depending on various factors.
Without a car, the best way to travel from Munich to Cologne is by train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes and costs between €64 and €91. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus, which takes about 7 hours and 15 minutes and costs between €45 and €86. Another option is to take a flight, which is the fastest option, taking around 3 hours and 1 minute and costing between €68 and €218.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Munich and Cologne. The train operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express departs from München Hbf station and arrives at Köln Messe/Deutz Bf station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes, and the trains run hourly, operating every day.
The flight between Munich and Cologne typically takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary between €70 and €216. It is important to note that these prices are subject to change depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Cologne. With over 1,145 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in the area start at €41 per night. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy guesthouse, or a budget-friendly hostel, you'll be able to find a suitable accommodation option near Cologne.