Cologne to Ljubljana by Train

Q: Are there any direct trains from Cologne to Ljubljana?

There are no direct trains that run between Cologne and Ljubljana. You’ll need to make around 2 changes along the way.

Q: How far is the train ride from Cologne to Ljubljana?

The train ride from Cologne to Ljubljana covers a distance of around 223 miles (359 km). The quickest journeys on this route can take 7 hours and 38 minutes.

Q: Who operates the trains from Cologne to Ljubljana?

Your train trip from Cologne to Ljubljana will be with Italo, Trenitalia, and ÖBB as they run the services on this route. Find out more about the classes and onboard services they have available.

Q: Can I take a flight-free trip from Cologne to Ljubljana?

Yes, you can get from Cologne to Ljubljana without taking a flight. Check our Journey Planner to see available times and routes - the fastest trains take 7 hours and 38 minutes, with around 6 trains per day.

Q: What is the best way to travel to Ljubljana from Cologne?

With the fastest journeys taking just 7 hours and 38 minutes, we think the best way to travel between Cologne and Ljubljana is to take the train! Check out our Journey Planner for times, tickets and prices, or explore the classes and onboard services available on the train.

Q: What time does the first train run from Cologne to Ljubljana?

The first train from Cologne to Ljubljana usually leaves at 07:40, but times can vary depending on the day and train operator. Use our Journey Planner to check the schedule on your day of travel.

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About the train journey from Cologne to Ljubljana

Want to travel from Cologne to Ljubljana by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Cologne to Ljubljana usually takes 12 hours 14 minutes on average to travel 359 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 7 hours 38 minutes. You can expect to find 6 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Cologne and Ljubljana, you'll need to make 2 changes on your way to Ljubljana. You can choose to travel with Trenitalia or ÖBB to get to Ljubljana – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Cologne to Ljubljana in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Ljubljana, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

First train	7:40 am
Last train	8:40 pm
Departure station	Cologne
Arrival station	Ljubljana
Journey time	From 7h 38m
Distance	223 miles (359 km)
Frequency	6 trains per day
Changes	2 changes
Train and bus operators	Flixbus, Itabus, Italo, Trenitalia, Trenord, ÖBB

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

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

How do you travel to Ljubljana from Cologne?

To get to Ljubljana from Cologne, why not take the train? With 6 trains per day and an average journey time of 12 hours and 14 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Cologne to Ljubljana by train?

On average it takes around 12 hours and 14 minutes to travel from Cologne to Ljubljana by train, although you can get there in 7 hours and 38 minutes on the fastest services. With 6 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

Are there high-speed trains from Cologne to Ljubljana?

Yes, there are high-speed trains available for the trip from Cologne to Ljubljana. Italo trains offer various classes and onboard services. You'll be able to get there in around 7 hours and 38 minutes on the fastest services.

How fast can trains travel from Cologne to Ljubljana?

The fastest time a train can travel the 223 miles (359 km) from Cologne to Ljubljana is 7 hours and 38 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Cologne to Ljubljana?

How far is the train ride from Cologne to Ljubljana?

Who operates the trains from Cologne to Ljubljana?

Can I take a flight-free trip from Cologne to Ljubljana?

What is the best way to travel to Ljubljana from Cologne?

What time does the first train run from Cologne to Ljubljana?

How late does the train from Cologne to Ljubljana run?

How many trains go from Cologne to Ljubljana per day?

When do tickets from Cologne to Ljubljana go on sale?

Planning a round trip from Cologne to Ljubljana?

Departs	Arrives	Duration
6:40 am	2:37 pm	7h 57m, 2 changes
6:59 am	2:37 pm	7h 38m, 2 changes
11:40 am	9:30 pm	9h 50m, 3 changes
12:40 pm	5:21 am	16h 41m, 5 changes
5:40 pm	7:09 am	13h 29m, 3 changes
7:40 pm	1:32 pm	17h 52m, 4 changes

Search all times and prices for today

Italo
Trenitalia
ÖBB

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

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.

More information

What Italo and Trenord classes are there from Cologne to Ljubljana?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Italo and Trenord when traveling from Cologne to Ljubljana.

Italo
Trenord

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

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

What are the onboard services on Italo and Trenord?

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

Italo
Trenord

What baggage limits are there?	You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat. If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat. In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
What food and drink is available?	While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
What onboard entertainment is available?	Italo trains offer free WiFi and a free entertainment portal called ItaloLive, where you can choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
What facilities are there for travel with children?	Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat. Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
Can I bring a bike on board?	You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks. You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
Can I bring pets on board?	Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
What special assistance is available?	Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.
What else do I need to know?	Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.

What 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.
What 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.
What 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.
What 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.
Can 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.
Can 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.
What 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.

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

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 Ljubljana 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.

Trains from Cologne to Ljubljana

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About the train journey from Cologne to Ljubljana