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    Travel from Cologne to Budapest by train in 13 hours 14 minutes

    If you want to know more about the journey from Cologne to Budapest by train, look no further!

    The average journey time from Cologne to Budapest by train is 16 hours 53 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 13 hours 14 minutes. You'll usually find 10 trains per day traveling the 730 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Budapest. You're likely to be traveling with Frecciarossa, Trenitalia or ÖBB to Budapest. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

    Book train tickets from Cologne to Budapest in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Cologne to Budapest 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.

    Cologne to Budapest by train

    First train

    6:44 am

    Last train

    10:40 pm

    Departure station

    Cologne

    Arrival station

    Budapest

    Journey time

    From 13h 14m

    Distance

    453 miles (730 km)

    Frequency

    10 trains per day

    Changes

    3 changes

    Train and bus operators

    Flixbus, Trenitalia, Trenord, ÖBB

    What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne to Budapest?

    Want to know more about your journey from Cologne to Budapest? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

    How do I get from Cologne to Budapest?

    You can travel from Cologne to Budapest by train in about 16 hours and 53 minutes. With around 10 trains available on this route each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more about times, tickets and prices using our Journey Planner.

    How long is the train trip from Cologne to Budapest?

    On average, the train trip from Cologne to Budapest takes around 16 hours and 53 minutes, with 10 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

    Can you take a high-speed train from Cologne to Budapest?

    Yes, you can travel on a high-speed train between Cologne and Budapest. The fastest journeys can take 13 hours and 14 minutes on Frecciarossa trains. High-speed trains often offer more comfort, different classes and services on board: check out the classes and onboard services available!

    What is the fastest train from Cologne to Budapest?

    The fastest trains from Cologne to Budapest can cover the distance of 453 miles (730 km) in as little as 13 hours and 14 minutes.

    What are the train times from Cologne to Budapest?

    Check out the next trains departing from Cologne to Budapest for Tuesday Mar 24th 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    5:44 am6:58 pm13h 14m, 3 changes
    7:40 am9:02 pm13h 22m, 4 changes
    8:40 am11:02 pm14h 22m, 4 changes
    12:40 pm7:02 am18h 22m, 5 changes
    12:40 pm7:29 am18h 49m, 4 changes
    5:40 pm8:02 am14h 22m, 3 changes
    6:40 pm2:02 pm19h 22m, 6 changes
    7:40 pm2:58 pm19h 18m, 6 changes
    7:40 pm3:02 pm19h 22m, 5 changes
    9:40 pm4:02 pm18h 22m, 4 changes

    Frecciarossa, Trenitalia and ÖBB trains from Cologne to Budapest

    You can travel from Cologne to Budapest on Frecciarossa, Trenitalia and ÖBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

    Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and snacks served on arrival), Business (with drinks and snacks plus larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.

    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.

    ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.

    What Frecciarossa, Trenord and ÖBB Eurocity classes are there from Cologne to Budapest?

    Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Trenord and ÖBB Eurocity when traveling from Cologne to Budapest.

    What are the onboard services on Frecciarossa, Trenord and ÖBB Eurocity?

    Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne to Budapest.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
    • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
    • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
    • Go to the FRECCIABistrò café-bar counter in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks. Or order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat on the entertainment portal FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service, or ask a member of staff.
    • In Business Class you receive a food box containing products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy espresso coffee.
    • In Executive Class, you get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu with meals ideated by the Michelin Star chef Carlo Cracco.
    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
    • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
    • You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
    • Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
    • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
    • FrecciaFAMILY offers free child travel and adult discounts.
    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
    • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
    • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated baggage racks.
    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
    • Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
    • Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
    • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +39 02 323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

    InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

    Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
    • 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.
    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    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.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    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.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    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.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
    • 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.
    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
    • 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.
    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    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.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    You can take your baggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.

    The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re traveling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    A restaurant car is available on most ÖBB Eurocity trains and offers a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. If you upgrade to First Class, your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    Unfortunately, ÖBB Eurocity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    If you’re traveling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Kids aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.

    Many ÖBB Eurocity trains offer special compartments for kids in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    You can travel with your bike for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if it can be folded and is not larger than 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). You won’t need to book a space for your bike.

    If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike so it's clearly visible to the ticket inspector.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.

    Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    ÖBB Eurocity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of car, several wheelchair bays, including one seat for an accompanying person, can be booked free of charge.

    On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the in-seat meal service on offer there.

    How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Budapest?

    If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

    1. Book in advance

    The price of train tickets from Cologne to Budapest starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

    2. Be flexible with your travel times

    If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

    3. Buy a rail pass

    If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

    4. Choose a slower or connecting train

    On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

    5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

    Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

    For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

    §Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

    * Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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