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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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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.
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Taking the train from Cologne to Frankfurt
The fastest way to make the 152km trip from Cologne to Frankfurt is by train, with Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed ICE (Intercity-Express) and IC (InterCity) trains able to make this city-to-city journey in just one hour, without any worries of traffic or delays.
Once you get to Frankfurt, home of legendary writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, you'll be able to explore both the modern and old sides of this diverse city. Visit the Goethe House Museum, stroll around the Römerburg square, grab a bite at one of Frankfurt’s best restaurants, and make your own magical memories. Scroll down to find out more about this train journey, including train times and FAQs.
Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train
It takes an average of 1h 17m to travel from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train, over a distance of around 95 miles (152 km). There are normally 41 trains per day traveling from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and tickets for this journey start from $12.27 when you book in advance.
| First train | 3:21 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:55 pm | |
| Departure station | Köln Hbf | |
| Arrival station | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | |
| Journey time | From 1h 3m | |
| Distance | 95 miles (152 km) | |
| Frequency | 41 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $12.27 | |
| Train and bus operators | Regiojet, Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus |
FAQs about the train journey from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Want to know more about your journey from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the fastest train from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
Is there a direct train from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
How far is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Köln Hbf by train?
Which trains run from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
Can I get from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf without flying?
What is the best way to get from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
When is the first train from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
When is the last train from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
How often do trains run from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
Looking for a return trip from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and IC (Intercity) trains from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
IC (Intercity)
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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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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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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Intercity Express (ICE), Intercity (IC) and Regiojet classes from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Express (ICE), Intercity (IC) and Regiojet when traveling from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Intercity Express (ICE)
Intercity (IC)
Regiojet
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Second Class
Enjoy comfortable seats with power outlets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Low Cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business Class
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Onboard services on Intercity Express (ICE), Intercity (IC) and Regiojet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Intercity Express (ICE)
Intercity (IC)
Regiojet
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.
You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
Cheap train tickets from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
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 Köln Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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.