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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.
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Take the train from Cologne to Linz in 8 hours 35 minutes
If you want to travel from Cologne to Linz by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Cologne to Linz by train to take around 10 hours 34 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 8 hours 35 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 10 trains per day running on this route, which spans 448 km. You'll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Linz. DB, ÖBB or WESTbahn 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 – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Cologne to Linz if 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 Linz by train
| First train | 6:44 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:40 pm | |
| Departure station | Cologne | |
| Arrival station | Linz | |
| Journey time | From 8h 35m | |
| Distance | 278 miles (448 km) | |
| Frequency | 10 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Westbahn, Trenord |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne to Linz?
Want to know more about your journey from Cologne to Linz? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Cologne to Linz by train?
Which train companies operate from Cologne to Linz?
Is it possible to get from Cologne to Linz without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Cologne to Linz?
What time does the first train from Cologne to Linz leave?
What time does the last train from Cologne to Linz leave?
How often are trains from Cologne and Linz?
Do you need to book the train from Cologne to Linz in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Cologne to Linz?
ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn trains from Cologne to Linz
ÖBB
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
More information
What Trenord and WESTbahn classes are there from Cologne to Linz?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord and WESTbahn when traveling from Cologne to Linz.
Trenord
WESTbahn
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
Standard
Westbahn's Standard Class offers comfort at a great price. Enjoy free WiFi and a dining car with plenty of snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Food and drink cart
- Extra baggage
- Leather seats
- More legroom
Comfort
Enjoy comfortable leather seats and plenty of baggage storage in Comfort Class. Hungry? Take advantage of the catering trolley with a large offering of snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Food and drink cart
- Extra baggage
- Leather seats
- More legroom
First Class
Why not upgrade to Westbahn's First Class? Take advantage of more legroom and delicious food served at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Food and drink cart
- Extra baggage
- Leather seats
- More legroom
What are the onboard services on Trenord and WESTbahn?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne to Linz.
Trenord
WESTbahn
- 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.
In general, there is no limit to your baggage on WESTbahn trains. However, a member of staff is authorized to charge a €5 supplement for bulky baggage or starting from a third piece of luggage.
On WESTbahn trains, you'll find a luggage rack in the lower deck of each car, so that you can secure your suitcase or bag with a metal band. You can unlock the corresponding lock by using a €1 coin which will be returned to you at the end of your journey.
All WESTbahn trains have a bar car (WESTcafé) where you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks, salads, and sandwiches. You can then eat or drink in the bar car or take your drink or snack back to your seat. Alternatively, you can buy snacks or drinks from the self-service vending machines available on board.
If you’re traveling in WESTbahn’s First Class, an in-seat meal service is available, meaning that your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.
WESTbahn do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, they do have free WiFi - simply log into WESTlan and use the internet throughout your journey.
Kids under the age of 6 travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children between the age of 6 and 15 pay €2 if they're with a full-paying adult or get a half-price ticket if they're traveling alone.
If your bike can’t be folded, you’ll need to pay a supplement of €4.90, €6.90 or €9.90 to take your bike on your WESTbahn train, depending on your chosen route. If you don’t book your bike space online prior to departure, you’ll need to pay an additional fee of €5.10.
Please note that trains with high passenger demand don’t always allow space for bikes and bike reservations are excluded from specific train services. Folding bikes and e-scooters can be stored free of charge.
Small pets can travel on all WESTBahn trains free of charge, provided they’re in a carrier or cage. You’ll need to pay €2 for pets that are kept on a leash or are equipped with a muzzle.
WESTbahn staff can refuse entry to any dangerous pets without a leash and muzzle. Pets and pet carriers must not occupy seats, otherwise a full-priced ticket will be charged. Registered guide and assistance dogs are excluded from this regulation.
WESTbahn trains have step-free access. If you travel with a wheelchair or a stroller, we recommend using car 400 in the middle of the train. This car is designed for the needs of people with reduced mobility – it offers a wider aisle than the other cars, two bookable wheelchair spaces, and access to a PRM toilet with baby-changing facilities.
Please note that WESTbahn’s wheelchair spaces cannot be reserved for strollers.
How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Linz?
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 Linz 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.