Nuremberg, Bavaria to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia from $13: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Nuremberg to Cologne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$13 RideshareBest price

407 kmDistance

3h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

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Type	Mo 20/01	Tu 21/01	We 22/01	Th 23/01	Fr 24/01	Sa 25/01	Su 26/01
Bus	$20	$20	$20	$20	$20	$20	$20
Train	$38	$37	$51	$51	$51	$31	$46

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Traveling From Nuremberg to Cologne

The journey from Nuremberg to Cologne presents a delightful shift from the medieval charm of the former to the vibrant, modern energy of the latter.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe and experience.

Altstadt (Old Town)

• Cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings.

• Home to Cologne Cathedral and lively beer halls.

Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)

• Trendy cafes and boutique shops abound.

• Vibrant nightlife with a local atmosphere.

Südstadt (South City)

• Known for its artsy feel and street art.

• Family-friendly parks and cozy eateries.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your Cologne experience.

Cologne Cathedral

Visit early in the morning to enjoy fewer crowds and stunning light.

Rheinauhafen (Riverside District)

Late afternoon offers a relaxing stroll with picturesque sunset views.

Museum Ludwig

Weekdays, especially Thursday evenings, are less crowded and quieter.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Late spring and early fall are ideal for visiting, as comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists create an enjoyable travel experience.

Culinary Delights in Cologne

Try the local favorite, Himmel und Äd, a flavorful dish made of black pudding served with mashed potatoes and apple sauce, which showcases a different side of German cuisine compared to the hearty sausages of Nuremberg. Dining in Cologne often includes a vibrant atmosphere, where you can enjoy your meal alongside locally brewed Kölsch beer, providing a refreshing contrast that celebrates both flavors and community.

Nuremberg - Cologne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Nuremberg 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 Nuernberg Hbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12

Average Duration

4h 38m

Estimated price

49-161

Train from Nürnberg Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf

Average Duration

5h 14m

Estimated price

49-161

Train from Nürnberg Hbf to Bonn Hbf

Average Duration

5h 16m

Estimated price

53-158

Train from D-Flughafen Bf to Köln Hbf

Average Duration

32m

Estimated price

23-124

Train from Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12

Average Duration

2h 14m

Estimated price

125-126

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+49 30 300 137 300

Website

https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Nuremberg central bus station to Cologne Airport CGN

Average Duration

5h 13m

Estimated price

23-63

Bus from Nuremberg central bus station to Cologne / Bonn Airport Busterminal

Average Duration

5h 20m

Estimated price

246-1611

Rideshare

Contact phone

+3 318 576 2228

Website

https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Nuremberg to Cologne

Average Duration

4h 30m

Estimated price

12-24

Plane Show flights

Website

lufthansa.com

Plane from Nuremberg (NUE) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration

2h 50m

Estimated price

1613-1614

Plane from Nuremberg (NUE) to Frankfurt (FRA)

Average Duration

47m

Estimated price

1615-1616

all-pages.transport_night train

Contact phone

+43 51717

Website

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

all-pages.transport_night train from Nürnberg Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf

Average Duration

5h 14m

Estimated price

49-161

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

Average Duration

4h 19m

Estimated price

49-161

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

Traveling between Nuremberg 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 picturesque road trip from Nuremberg to Cologne, covering a distance of 253 miles in approximately 3 hours and 36 minutes. Enjoy the diverse landscapes as you cruise through the German countryside. 💰 Prices for the journey from Nuremberg to Cologne by car range from €60 to €92. Consider utilizing BlaBlaCar's carpooling service for affordable rideshare options between the two cities, especially if you prefer not to drive or use public transportation.

Average price

€60 - €92

🚆 Traveling by train from Nuremberg to Cologne is a convenient and efficient way to explore Germany. The direct train service departs from Nuernberg Hbf and arrives at Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12, with trains operating hourly every day. 🌇 The journey between these vibrant cities takes approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views as you make your way to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express operates the Nuremberg to Cologne train services, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride from Nuremberg to Cologne range from €51 to €166, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Whether you're exploring historic Nuremberg or visiting the iconic Cologne Cathedral, this train journey provides a hassle-free way to experience the beauty of Germany.

Departure Point

Nuernberg Hbf station

Arrival Point

Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12 station

Useful tips for train travellers

• While traveling from Nuremberg to Cologne, the main operator for this route is Deutsche Bahn (DB). Onboard, you can enjoy their catering services, which include a selection of hot meals, snacks, and drinks available for purchase. In First Class, complimentary drinks are often provided, and you can enjoy a larger dining menu.

• This route typically features several seating options through Deutsche Bahn. First Class offers spacious, comfortable seating with extra legroom, while Business Class provides a slightly more economical option with comfortable seating arrangements. Economy Class is more budget-friendly, with standard seating but still ample room for a pleasant journey. Make sure to reserve your seats ahead of time, especially during peak travel times to ensure availability.

• For your trip, remember that Deutsche Bahn operates the primary service, but you might also consider FlixTrain as a budget alternative. You can check schedules and book tickets at their respective websites: Deutsche Bahn (bahn.com) and FlixTrain (flixtrain.com). Upon arriving in Cologne, the main station, Köln Hauptbahnhof, offers luggage storage services on the ground floor. Restrooms are available at the station, but note that showers are not typically offered.

🛫 Flying from Nuremberg to Cologne involves taking a connecting flight with a minimum travel time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. This route does not have a direct flight option available.

Departure Point

Nuremberg Airport

Arrival Point

Dusseldorf Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 50m and has one stopover

🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Nuremberg to Cologne, spanning approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes. 💰 Discover affordable travel options, with bus ticket prices between €24 to €65 for the route connecting Cologne and Nuremberg.

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Book your bus ticket in advance through operators like FlixBus (flixbus.de) or Eurolines (eurolines.de) to secure the best fare and ensure availability, as prices can range between €23 and €64.

• The main bus station in Cologne is located at 'Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)', which is right next to the Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof); familiarize yourself with the ZOB map (cologne.de) to easily navigate upon arrival.

• Expect to transfer to local transport after your arrival in Cologne; consider purchasing a 'Tageskarte' (day pass) for public transport that includes buses, trams, and the U-Bahn, available at the station or via the KVB app (kvb.koeln) for convenient city exploration.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Nuremberg to Cologne.

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The distance between Nuremberg and Cologne is 210 miles or 252.9 miles by road. The typical travel time by train is 3 hours and 15 minutes, while taking a flight from Nuremberg to Dusseldorf and then a train to Cologne takes about 4 hours and 54 minutes. If traveling by car, it typically takes around 3 hours and 36 minutes from Nuremberg to Cologne. Taking a bus, on the other hand, would usually take around 5 hours and 10 minutes to reach Cologne from Nuremberg.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Nuremberg to Cologne is by train. It takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the cost ranges from €50-€72. Another option is ridesharing, which is cheaper but takes slightly longer at around 4 hours and 30 minutes, with fares between €12-€24. Considering both factors, the train is a convenient and efficient choice for traveling between these two cities.

The prices for traveling from Nuremberg to Cologne by train range from €50 to €72, depending on factors such as the class of travel and available discounts. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey from Cologne to Nuremberg vary between €34 and €66. These prices can also fluctuate depending on factors such as the time of booking and the bus company chosen.

To get from Nuremberg to Cologne without using public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service. It offers rideshare options between the two cities, which can be a great choice if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance is approximately 253 miles and it takes around 3 hours and 36 minutes to drive from Nuremberg to Cologne. The prices for carpooling vary between €59 and €91, depending on the specific arrangements made with fellow travelers.

The best way to travel from Nuremberg to Cologne without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes and the ticket prices range from €50 to €72. The train provides a convenient and efficient option for travelers to reach Cologne from Nuremberg.

Yes, there is a direct train link between Nuremberg and Cologne. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the trains operate every day, departing every three hours. The train services are operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express and depart from Nürnberg Hbf station, arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz Bf station.

The flight duration between Nuremberg and Cologne can vary depending on the number of stopovers. The quickest flight with one stopover takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. However, please note that there are no direct flights between Nuremberg Airport and Dusseldorf Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, date, and time of booking. It is recommended to check with different airlines and travel websites to find the best available fares.

There are numerous options for accommodation near Cologne. There are over 1145 hotels available in the area, catering to various budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels start at €41 per night. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, or something in between, you should be able to find suitable accommodation near Cologne to meet your needs.