Ulm to Cologne by Train

Q: Are there direct trains from Ulm to Cologne?

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

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

Trains traveling from Ulm to Cologne cover a distance of around 195 miles (314 km) during the journey. You can get there in 8 hours and 52 minutes on the fastest services.

Q: Who runs the trains from Ulm to Cologne?

Trains running from Ulm to Cologne are operated by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, and Italo. Find out more about the onboard services and classes available during the journey.

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

Yes, you can travel flight-free from Ulm to Cologne. Take the train - with around 36 trains per day on this route, you can get there comfortably without leaving the ground! The fastest train takes just 8 hours and 52 minutes.

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

To get from Ulm 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 8 hours and 52 minutes, leaving you with more time to explore.

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

The first train from Ulm to Cologne departs around 00:18, but the time may vary by day and train operator. For exact times, check the schedule on your travel day using our Journey Planner .

ℹ️ Wildfires in the South West of France: to limit journeys to/from affected regions, you can exchange or cancel your tickets for free until August 4. More information here.

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Traveling from Ulm to Cologne by train

Looking to travel from Ulm to Cologne by train? You've come to the right place.

You can expect the train journey from Ulm to Cologne to take 10 hours 32 minutes on average. 36 trains usually run every day from Ulm to Cologne.

You'll need to make 3 changes along the way, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by DB and ÖBB.

If you book in advance, tickets are usually cheaper.

Start a search using our Journey Planner to see the latest times and prices.

First train	12:18 am
Last train	10:47 pm
Departure station	Ulm
Arrival station	Cologne
Journey time	From 8h 52m
Distance	195 miles (314 km)
Frequency	36 trains per day
Changes	3 changes
Train and bus operators	Deutsche Bahn, Italo, Trenord, ÖBB

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

Want to know more about your journey from Ulm 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 Ulm?

To travel to Cologne from Ulm, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 10 hours and 32 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 8 hours and 52 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

How long is the train ride from Ulm to Cologne?

Trains from Ulm to Cologne take an average of 10 hours and 32 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 8 hours and 52 minutes. You'll usually find 36 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Ulm to Cologne?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Ulm to Cologne in as little as 8 hours and 52 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from Italo offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

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

The quickest journey time between Ulm and Cologne by train is 8 hours and 52 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Ulm to Cologne?

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

Who runs the trains from Ulm to Cologne?

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

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

What time is the first train from Ulm to Cologne?

What time is the last train from Ulm to Cologne?

How often do trains go from Ulm to Cologne?

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

Departs	Arrives	Duration
8:17 am	5:39 pm	9h 22m, 4 changes
8:19 am	5:39 pm	9h 20m, 5 changes
8:47 am	5:39 pm	8h 52m, 6 changes
9:02 am	5:59 pm	8h 57m, 3 changes
9:17 am	6:39 pm	9h 22m, 5 changes
9:47 am	6:39 pm	8h 52m, 6 changes
9:47 am	7:39 pm	9h 52m, 4 changes
10:19 am	7:39 pm	9h 20m, 5 changes
10:36 am	8:19 pm	9h 43m, 3 changes
10:47 am	7:39 pm	8h 52m, 6 changes

Search all times and prices for today

Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB
Italo

Photo: JoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

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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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.

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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 three comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), 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).

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

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

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 neighboring 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 Ulm to Cologne.

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?	Children aged 0-3 travel for free if they don’t occupy a seat. If an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat. Italo Famiglia offer: children under the age of 14 travel for free in Smart and Prima class. The family must consist of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 travellers, and include at least 1 adult. Children aged 0 to 36 months are not included in the count and may travel without an assigned seat, sitting on an adult’s lap. Adults in the group have 50% off the Flex fare.
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. The transport of traditional bicycles is not permitted.
Can I bring pets on board?	Pets under 5kg can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage Pets over 10kg 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 Ulm 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 Ulm to Cologne

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Traveling from Ulm to Cologne by train