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

The cheapest way to get from Munich to Cologne is to rideshare which costs €22 - €35 and takes 6h.

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

The fastest way to get from Munich to Cologne is to fly which takes 3h 12m and costs €80 - €230.

Is there a direct bus between Munich and Cologne?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from München, ZOB and arriving at Köln. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 11h 25m.

Is there a direct train between Munich and Cologne?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from München Hbf and arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz Bf. Services depart hourly, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 4h 9m.

How far is it from Munich to Cologne?

The distance between Munich and Cologne is 581 km. The road distance is 552.7 km.

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

The best way to get from Munich to Cologne without a car is to train which takes 4h 9m and costs €35 - €460.

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

The train from München Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf takes 4h 9m including transfers and departs hourly.

Where do I catch the Munich to Cologne bus from?

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

Where do I catch the Munich to Cologne train from?

Munich to Cologne train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), depart from München Hbf station.

Train, bus or fly from Munich to Cologne?

The best way to get from Munich to Cologne is to train which takes 4h 9m and costs €35 - €460. Alternatively, you can bus via Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf, which costs €45 - €85 and takes 8h 21m, you could also fly, which costs €80 - €230 and takes 3h 12m.

Where does the Munich to Cologne bus arrive?

Munich to Cologne bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Leverkusen station.

Where does the Munich to Cologne train arrive?

Munich to Cologne train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), arrive at Köln Messe/Deutz Bf station.

Can I drive from Munich to Cologne?

Yes, the driving distance between Munich to Cologne is 553 km. It takes approximately 5h 16m to drive from Munich to Cologne.

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

Book your Munich to Cologne train tickets online with Omio.

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

Book your Munich to Cologne bus tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Cologne?

There are 1862+ hotels available in Cologne.

Can I share a ride from Munich to Cologne?

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

Munich to Cologne - 10 ways to travel via train, bus, night train

How to get fromMunich to Cologne

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 10 ways to get from Munich to Cologne by train, bus, night train, rideshare, car train, car, or plane

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

Train
best
1. Take the train from München Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bftrain 47 / ...
4h 9m
€35–460
Rideshare
cheapest
1. Take the rideshare from Munich to Colognerideshare 552.7 km
6h
€22–35
Bus via Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf
1. Take the bus from Munich central bus station to Leverkusenbus N28
8h 21m
€45–85
Night train
1. Take the nighttrain from Muenchen Ost to Koeln Hbfnighttrain Nj
7h 43m
€35–110
Car train, drive
1. Take the cartrain from München Ost to Fuldacartrain
2. Drive from Fulda to Colognecar
7h 8m
€125–160
Bus
1. Take the bus from München, ZOB to Kölnbus Ivano-Frankivsk
11h 25m
Drive 552.7 km
1. Drive from Munich to Colognecar 552.7 km
5h 16m
€78–113
Fly to Cologne Bonn Airport
1. Fly from Munich International Airport (MUC) to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)plane MUC - CGN
3h 12m
€81–227
Fly to Düsseldorf International Airport, train
1. Fly from Munich International Airport (MUC) to Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)plane MUC - DUS
2. Take the train from Düsseldorf Hbf to Köln Hbftrain
3h 43m
€90–254
Fly to Frankfurt, train
1. Fly from Munich International Airport (MUC) to Frankfurt (FRA)plane MUC - FRA
2. Take the train from Frankfurt to Köln Messe/Deutz Bftrain
3h 42m
€109–345

Munich to Cologne by train

193Weekly Trains

4h 9mAverage Duration

€35Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Munich to Cologne.

Launch map view

Distance: 580.8 km
Duration: 4h 9m

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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) operates a train from München Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf hourly. Tickets cost €100–460 and the journey takes 4h 9m. Three other operators also service this route. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Munich central bus station to Leverkusen once daily. Tickets cost €45–85 and the journey takes 7h 20m.

Airlines

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.