Cologne to Magdeburg by Train

Q: What's the distance between Cologne and Magdeburg by train?

Trains traveling from Cologne to Magdeburg cover a distance of around 459 miles (739 km) during the journey. You can get there in 12 hours and 10 minutes on the fastest services.

Q: Can you travel from Cologne to Magdeburg without taking a flight?

Yes, you can travel flight-free from Cologne to Magdeburg. Take the train - with around 21 trains per day on this route, you can get there comfortably without leaving the ground! The fastest train takes just 12 hours and 10 minutes.

Q: What is the best way to get to Magdeburg from Cologne?

To get from Cologne to Magdeburg, we believe that it's best to take the train! Trains are convenient and comfortable, offering a great way to get to Magdeburg. Plus, the fastest trains can take just 12 hours and 10 minutes, leaving you with more time to explore.

Q: What time is the first train from Cologne to Magdeburg?

The first train from Cologne to Magdeburg departs around 00:20, but the time may vary by day and train operator. For exact times, check the schedule on your travel day using our Journey Planner .

Q: What time is the last train from Cologne to Magdeburg?

The last train from Cologne to Magdeburg departs around 21:40, but the time may vary by day and train operator. For exact times, check the schedule on your travel day using our Journey Planner .

Q: How often do trains go from Cologne to Magdeburg?

Trains from Cologne to Magdeburg operate regularly all day, offering about 21 trains each day. Use our Journey Planner to view the complete schedule.

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Taking the train from Cologne to Magdeburg in 12 hours 10 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Cologne to Magdeburg? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 16 hours 12 minutes to travel the 739 km from Cologne to Magdeburg by train, although you can get there in as little as 12 hours 10 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 21 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Train tickets from Cologne to Magdeburg are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Magdeburg? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train schedule below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

First train	12:20 am
Last train	9:40 pm
Departure station	Cologne
Arrival station	Magdeburg
Journey time	From 12h 10m
Distance	459 miles (739 km)
Frequency	21 trains per day
Changes	3 changes

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

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

How do you get to Magdeburg from Cologne?

To travel to Magdeburg from Cologne, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 16 hours and 12 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 12 hours and 10 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

How long is the train ride from Cologne to Magdeburg?

Trains from Cologne to Magdeburg take an average of 16 hours and 12 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 12 hours and 10 minutes. You'll usually find 21 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Cologne and Magdeburg by train?

The quickest journey time between Cologne and Magdeburg by train is 12 hours and 10 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Cologne to Magdeburg?

No there are no direct trains running from Cologne to Magdeburg, you’ll usually need to make around 3 changes during the journey.

What's the distance between Cologne and Magdeburg by train?

Can you travel from Cologne to Magdeburg without taking a flight?

What is the best way to get to Magdeburg from Cologne?

What time is the first train from Cologne to Magdeburg?

What time is the last train from Cologne to Magdeburg?

How often do trains go from Cologne to Magdeburg?

Do you need to prebook train tickets from Cologne to Magdeburg?

Is there a return trip from Cologne to Magdeburg?

Departs	Arrives	Duration
11:40 am	4:24 am	16h 44m, 4 changes
12:40 pm	4:24 am	15h 44m, 7 changes
12:40 pm	4:50 am	16h 10m, 4 changes
1:40 pm	4:50 am	15h 10m, 5 changes
1:40 pm	5:57 am	16h 17m, 4 changes
2:40 pm	6:54 am	16h 14m, 7 changes
2:40 pm	7:58 am	17h 18m, 5 changes
2:40 pm	8:54 am	18h 14m, 4 changes
3:40 pm	7:58 am	16h 18m, 7 changes
3:40 pm	8:54 am	17h 14m, 6 changes

Search all times and prices for today

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

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 Magdeburg 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 Magdeburg

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Taking the train from Cologne to Magdeburg in 12 hours 10 minutes