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Thinking about taking the train from Mannheim to Cologne? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 9 hours 55 minutes to travel the 448 km from Mannheim to Cologne by train, although you can get there in as little as 8 hours 24 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 28 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
Train tickets from Mannheim to Cologne 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 Cologne? 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 | 3:33 am | |
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Last train | 9:34 pm | |
Departure station | Mannheim | |
Arrival station | Cologne | |
Journey time | From 8h 24m | |
Distance | 278 miles (448 km) | |
Frequency | 28 trains per day | |
Changes | 2 changes | |
Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, ÖBB, SBB CFF FFS, Trenord |
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.
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.
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.
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.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price. You can order food and drink from the FRECCIABistrò car or using the Easy Bistrò at-seat meal service.
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a total of 4 food / beverage products including: sweet or savory snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
If you’re traveling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day + Illy expresso coffee is also included.
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, unlimited drinks, and monthly menus (some of which were ideated by Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco).
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
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.
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.
From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.
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What special assistance is available? | If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply). |
What else do I need to know? | Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat. |
What baggage limits are there? |
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What food and drink is available? | You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | At the moment, Intercity trains 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? |
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Can I bring a bike on board? |
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Can I bring pets on board? |
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What special assistance is available? | If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply). |
What else do I need to know? | Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains. |
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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? |
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What special assistance is available? | Passengers with disabilities can:
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. |
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What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket. |
What special assistance is available? | All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities. |
What else do I need to know? | A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.