Trains from Cologne to Heidelberg
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How to travel from Cologne to Heidelberg by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Cologne to Heidelberg? Look no further.
You'll usually find 20 trains per day running between Cologne and Heidelberg, which usually take 10 hours 58 minutes to complete the 436 km journey. It can take as little as 9 hours 1 minute on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Heidelberg from Cologne, you'll just need to make 3 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be traveling with ICE, Trenitalia or DB, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Cologne to Heidelberg if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from $66.02. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Cologne to Heidelberg by train
It takes an average of 10h 58m to travel from Cologne to Heidelberg by train, over a distance of around 271 miles (436 km). There are normally 20 trains per day traveling from Cologne to Heidelberg and tickets for this journey start from $66.02 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:30 | |
| Departure station | Cologne | |
| Arrival station | Heidelberg | |
| Journey time | 9h 1m | |
| Distance | 436 miles (271 km) | |
| Frequency | 20 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Price | From $66.02 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, Trenord, SBB CFF FFS |
Trenitalia, SBB, Deutsche Bahn and IC (Intercity) trains from Cologne to Heidelberg
Trenitalia
SBB
Deutsche Bahn
IC (Intercity)
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.
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The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
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The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
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Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Heidelberg
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 Cologne to Heidelberg 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.
FAQs for Cologne to Heidelberg
How long does the train from Cologne to Heidelberg take?
The average journey time by train between Cologne and Heidelberg is 10 hours and 58 minutes, with around 20 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Cologne and Heidelberg by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cologne to Heidelberg is 9 hours and 1 minute.
How much does the train from Cologne to Heidelberg cost?
Train tickets from Cologne to Heidelberg can start from as little as $66.02 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Cologne to Heidelberg?
No, there are no direct train services from Cologne to Heidelberg. Travelling from Cologne to Heidelberg by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Cologne to Heidelberg leave?
The first train from Cologne to Heidelberg leaves at 05:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cologne to Heidelberg leave?
The last train from Cologne to Heidelberg leaves at 22:30. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Cologne and Heidelberg by train?
Trains travelling from Cologne to Heidelberg cover a distance of around 271 miles (436 km) during the journey.