Magdeburg to Cologne by Train

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

Trains traveling from Magdeburg to Cologne cover a distance of around 459 miles (739 km) during the journey. You can get there in 12 hours and 57 minutes on the fastest services.

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

Yes, you can travel flight-free from Magdeburg to Cologne. Take the train - with around 22 trains per day on this route, you can get there comfortably without leaving the ground! The fastest train takes just 12 hours and 57 minutes.

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

To get from Magdeburg to Cologne, we believe that it's best to take the train! Trains are convenient and comfortable, offering a great way to get to Cologne. Plus, the fastest trains can take just 12 hours and 57 minutes, leaving you with more time to explore.

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

The first train from Magdeburg to Cologne departs around 01:23, 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 Magdeburg to Cologne?

The last train from Magdeburg to Cologne departs around 23:16, 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 Magdeburg to Cologne?

Trains from Magdeburg to Cologne operate regularly all day, offering about 22 trains each day. Use our Journey Planner to view the complete schedule.

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How to travel from Magdeburg to Cologne by train

If you want to know more about the journey from Magdeburg to Cologne by train, look no further!

On average, the train journey from Magdeburg to Cologne is around 16 hours 57 minutes. Around 22 trains run from Magdeburg to Cologne every day.

No direct trains operate from Magdeburg to Cologne; you'll need to make 4 changes.

Booking in advance can help you save money on your train tickets.

Find times and cheap tickets using our Journey Planner.

First train	1:23 am
Last train	11:16 pm
Departure station	Magdeburg
Arrival station	Cologne
Journey time	From 12h 57m
Distance	459 miles (739 km)
Frequency	22 trains per day
Changes	4 changes

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

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

How do you get to Cologne from Magdeburg?

To travel to Cologne from Magdeburg, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 16 hours and 57 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 12 hours and 57 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

How long is the train ride from Magdeburg to Cologne?

Trains from Magdeburg to Cologne take an average of 16 hours and 57 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 12 hours and 57 minutes. You'll usually find 22 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 Magdeburg and Cologne by train?

The quickest journey time between Magdeburg and Cologne by train is 12 hours and 57 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Magdeburg to Cologne?

No there are no direct trains running from Magdeburg to Cologne, you’ll usually need to make around 4 changes during the journey.

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

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

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

What time is the first train from Magdeburg to Cologne?

What time is the last train from Magdeburg to Cologne?

How often do trains go from Magdeburg to Cologne?

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

Is there a return trip from Magdeburg to Cologne?

Departs	Arrives	Duration
11:06 am	5:34 am	18h 28m, 7 changes
12:00 pm	5:34 am	17h 34m, 8 changes
12:35 pm	7:19 am	18h 44m, 5 changes
1:05 pm	7:19 am	18h 14m, 6 changes
2:14 pm	9:19 am	19h 5m, 5 changes
2:35 pm	7:19 am	16h 44m, 7 changes
4:14 pm	10:19 am	18h 5m, 9 changes
5:35 pm	10:59 am	17h 24m, 5 changes
5:35 pm	12:19 pm	18h 44m, 4 changes
6:14 pm	10:59 am	16h 45m, 6 changes

Search all times and prices for today

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

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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 Magdeburg to Cologne

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How to travel from Magdeburg to Cologne by train