The average train between Madrid and Cologne takes 23h 40m and the fastest train takes 22h 25m. The train service runs several times per day from Madrid to Cologne. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Trains run twice daily between Madrid and Cologne. The earliest departure is at 12:50 PM in the afternoon, and the last departure from Madrid is at 8:56 PM which arrives into Cologne at 9:15 PM. All services require a transfer at Barcelona-Sants and take an average of 23h 40m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.
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22h 25m • 3 changes
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24h 19m • 3 changes
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22h 25m • 3 changes
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24h 45m • 3 changes
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22h 25m • 3 changes
Arrives next day



24h 45m • 3 changes
Want to know about travelling from Madrid to Cologne? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct train from Madrid to Cologne. However, there are services departing from Madrid station and arriving at Cologne station via Barcelona-Sants. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 23h 40m.
Madrid to Cologne train services, operated by Ouigo, depart from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station.
Madrid to Cologne train services, operated by Ouigo, arrive at Koeln Hbf station.
Book your Madrid to Cologne train tickets online with Ouigo, TGV inOui and 5 other operators.
The distance between Madrid and Cologne is 1,429.5 km. The road distance is 2,211 km.
You can take a train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Koeln Hbf via Barcelona-Sants, Paris Gare de Lyon, and Paris Nord in around 15h 19m.