Trains from Cologne to Leipzig
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Take the train from Cologne to Leipzig in 11 hours 12 minutes
If you want to travel from Cologne to Leipzig by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Cologne to Leipzig by train to take around 14 hours 40 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 11 hours 12 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 13 trains per day running on this route, which spans 666 km. You'll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Leipzig. Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Cologne to Leipzig start from $59.19 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Cologne to Leipzig by train
It takes an average of 14h 40m to travel from Cologne to Leipzig by train, over a distance of around 414 miles (666 km). There are normally 13 trains per day traveling from Cologne to Leipzig and tickets for this journey start from $59.19 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:58 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:30 | |
| Departure station | Cologne | |
| Arrival station | Leipzig | |
| Journey time | From 11h 12m | |
| Distance | 414 miles (666 km) | |
| Frequency | 13 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From $59.19 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Italo, Trenord, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS |
Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and SBB trains from Cologne to Leipzig
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenitalia
SBB
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 welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and 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.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
More information
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
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).
More information
Frecciarossa and Italo classes from Cologne to Leipzig
Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa and Italo when traveling from Cologne to Leipzig.
Frecciarossa
Italo
Standard
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi, but at a cheaper price.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome service
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Gourmet menu
- Free magazines/newspapers
Premium
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service supplying complimentary snacks and drinks, newspapers and gourmet meals.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome service
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Gourmet menu
- Free magazines/newspapers
Business
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, Easy Gourmet meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome service
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Gourmet menu
- Free magazines/newspapers
Executive
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 8 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome service
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Gourmet menu
- Free magazines/newspapers
Smart
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Prima
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Club Executive
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Leipzig
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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig
How long does the train from Cologne to Leipzig take?
The average journey time by train between Cologne and Leipzig is 14 hours and 40 minutes, with around 13 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 Leipzig by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cologne to Leipzig is 11 hours and 12 minutes.
How much does the train from Cologne to Leipzig cost?
Train tickets from Cologne to Leipzig can start from as little as $59.19 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 Leipzig?
No, there are no direct train services from Cologne to Leipzig. Travelling from Cologne to Leipzig by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Cologne to Leipzig leave?
The first train from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 06:58. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cologne to Leipzig leave?
The last train from Cologne to Leipzig 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 Leipzig by train?
Trains travelling from Cologne to Leipzig cover a distance of around 414 miles (666 km) during the journey.