What is the cheapest way to get from Heidelberg to Cologne?

The cheapest way to get from Heidelberg to Cologne is to rideshare which costs €10 - €20 and takes 2h 45m.

What is the fastest way to get from Heidelberg to Cologne?

The fastest way to get from Heidelberg to Cologne is to drive which takes 2h 14m and costs €35 - €55.

Is there a direct bus between Heidelberg and Cologne?

No, there is no direct bus from Heidelberg station to Cologne. However, there are services departing from Heidelberg central train station and arriving at Köln via Frankfurt, Hauptbahnhof FOB. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 48m.

Is there a direct train between Heidelberg and Cologne?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof and arriving at Köln Hbf. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 2h 42m.

How far is it from Heidelberg to Cologne?

The distance between Heidelberg and Cologne is 257 km. The road distance is 250.7 km.

How do I travel from Heidelberg to Cologne without a car?

The best way to get from Heidelberg to Cologne without a car is to train via Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof which takes 2h 20m and costs €40 - €110.

How long does it take to get from Heidelberg to Cologne?

It takes approximately 2h 20m to get from Heidelberg to Cologne, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Heidelberg to Cologne bus from?

Heidelberg to Cologne bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Heidelberg central train station.

Where do I catch the Heidelberg to Cologne train from?

Heidelberg to Cologne train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), depart from Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof station.

Train or bus from Heidelberg to Cologne?

The best way to get from Heidelberg to Cologne is to train via Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof which takes 2h 20m and costs €40 - €110. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €30 - €40 and takes 4h 48m.

Where does the Heidelberg to Cologne bus arrive?

Heidelberg to Cologne bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Frankfurt central train station.

Where does the Heidelberg to Cologne train arrive?

Heidelberg to Cologne train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), arrive at Köln Hbf station.

Can I drive from Heidelberg to Cologne?

Yes, the driving distance between Heidelberg to Cologne is 251 km. It takes approximately 2h 14m to drive from Heidelberg to Cologne.

How do I get a train ticket from Heidelberg to Cologne?

Book your Heidelberg to Cologne train tickets online with Omio.

How do I get a bus ticket from Heidelberg to Cologne?

Book your Heidelberg to Cologne bus tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Cologne?

There are 1847+ hotels available in Cologne.

Can I share a ride from Heidelberg to Cologne?

Check out Blablacar's carpooling service for rideshare options between Heidelberg and Cologne. A great option if you don't have a driver's licence or want to avoid public transport.

Heidelberg to Cologne - 6 ways to travel via train, bus, car, and rideshare

How to get fromHeidelberg to Cologne

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 6 ways to get from Heidelberg to Cologne by train, bus, car, or rideshare

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Train via Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof
best
1. Take the train from Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbftrain 42 / ...
2h 20m
€43–103
Rideshare
cheapest
1. Take the rideshare from Heidelberg to Colognerideshare 249.8 km
2h 45m
€10–20
Bus
1. Take the bus from Heidelberg central train station to Frankfurt central train stationbus FlixBus 108 / ...
2. Take the bus from Frankfurt, Hauptbahnhof FOB to Kölnbus Ivano-Frankivsk
4h 48m
€32–40
Drive 250.7 km
1. Drive from Heidelberg to Colognecar 250.7 km
2h 14m
€37–54
Train
1. Take the train from Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbftrain 55 / ...
2h 42m
€45–100
Train via Mainz
1. Take the train from Ludwigshafen, Mitte to Mainz, Hauptbahnhoftrain S5 / ...
2. Take the train from Mainz, Hauptbahnhof to Köln West Bftrain Rb26
5h 34m
€46–114

Heidelberg to Cologne by train

160Weekly Trains

2h 20mAverage Duration

€43Cheapest Price

See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Heidelberg to Cologne.

Launch map view

Distance: 257.1 km
Duration: 2h 20m

What companies run services between Heidelberg, Germany and Cologne, Germany?

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) operates a train from Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf hourly. Tickets cost €40–90 and the journey takes 1h 31m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Heidelberg central train station to Köln via Frankfurt, Hauptbahnhof FOB in around 4h 48m.

Train operators

Bus operators

Other operators

Want to know more about travelling around Germany

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.