is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Popular in Cologne
Let's do this trip right
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Travel from Budapest to Cologne by train in 12 hours 24 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Budapest to Cologne by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Budapest to Cologne by train is 14 hours 42 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 12 hours 24 minutes. You'll usually find 10 trains per day traveling the 730 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Cologne. During your journey, you'll either be traveling with Trenitalia or Regiojet, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Book train tickets from Budapest to Cologne in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Budapest to Cologne in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Budapest to Cologne by train
| First train | 5:55 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:55 pm | |
| Departure station | Budapest | |
| Arrival station | Cologne | |
| Journey time | From 12h 24m | |
| Distance | 453 miles (730 km) | |
| Frequency | 10 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | Regiojet, Trenitalia, Trenord |
FAQs about the train journey from Budapest to Cologne
Want to know more about your journey from Budapest to Cologne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How far is Cologne from Budapest by train?
Which trains run from Budapest to Cologne?
Can I get from Budapest to Cologne without flying?
What is the best way to get from Budapest to Cologne?
When is the first train from Budapest to Cologne?
When is the last train from Budapest to Cologne?
How often do trains run from Budapest to Cologne?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Budapest to Cologne?
Looking for a return trip from Budapest to Cologne?
Trenitalia trains from Budapest to Cologne
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
Trenord, Trenitalia Eurocity and Regiojet classes from Budapest to Cologne
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord, Trenitalia Eurocity and Regiojet when traveling from Budapest to Cologne.
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
Regiojet
Second Class
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat - just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your bags in the dedicated baggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
First Class
Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
Low Cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business Class
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Onboard services on Trenord, Trenitalia Eurocity and Regiojet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Budapest to Cologne.
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
Regiojet
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
- Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
- Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
- A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
Cheap train tickets from Budapest to Cologne
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Budapest to Cologne by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.