How to take the rail journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Köln / Cologne
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Frankfurt to Köln / Cologne / Koeln by train
When taking a train from Frankfurt (Main) to Cologne / Köln there are three things to keep in mind.
- The route: Most of the trains rush along Germany's fastest high speed line, but some trains still take the slower, but much more beautiful route through the Rhine Gorge and Bonn.
- The location of your ultimate destination: Many of the fast trains which take the high-speed route arrive at a secondary station in Cologne / Köln, located on the east bank of the River Rhine.
Other trains, including all those on the slower route, arrive at the city's main station, Koln Hbf. - Price: The popularity of a departure and not the route it takes, or the station it arrives at, are what most greatly affects the cost of taking each specific train.
Routes you can take to go from Frankfurt (Main) / Francfort sur le Main to Köln / Cologne / Koeln
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
Choose one of the following options:
Route Information
Option 1: taking the high speed route
Travel Time (approx)
1hr - 1hr 15min (approx)
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
To Köln Hbf:
1 or 2 trains per hour
To Köln Messe-Deutz:
1 x train per hour
Is the journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Cologne / Köln direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is this journey scenic?
Not particularly
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Köln Hbf from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf on this journey option?
Before 06:15 daily
- Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Köln ?
Köln Hbf is conveniently located in the city centre - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighborhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Köln Hbf on this journey option
After 23:05 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Frankfurt (Main)?
Frequent local (S-Bahn) trains travel from stations in the city centre - and multiple tram and metro lines are also available.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Frankfurt to Cologne trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Germany, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Frankfurt to Cologne trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Frankfurt to Cologne trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.
Does the ticket for these Frankfurt to Cologne trains include assigned seats?
Only when booking the most expensive types of ticket = Flexpreise tickets for travel in 1st class.
So they are not included when booking tickets for travel in 2nd class, or any other type of ticket valid for travel in 1st class
They are available, so they can be added for an additional cost, when booking those types of ticket.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Frankfurt to Cologne trains?
No they are available, but are not mandatory - Though they are recommended for this route, particularly at Hamburg
- business hours,
- Fridays after midday
- Saturdays before midday
- Sundays after midday
See the rail pass guide for details of the booking options.
Is catering available on the Frankfurt to Cologne trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Is the journey from Frankfurt (Main) to C direct?(/train-travel-info/countries/germany/).
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