Read real reviews from real users
Want to find out more about taking the train from Würzburg to Cologne? Look no further.
You'll usually find 25 trains per day running between Würzburg and Cologne, which usually take 13 hours 22 minutes to complete the 470 km journey. It can take as little as 9 hours 55 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Cologne from Würzburg, you'll just need to make 3 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be traveling with Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Würzburg to Cologne if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
| First train | 2:29 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:56 pm | |
| Departure station | Würzburg | |
| Arrival station | Cologne | |
| Journey time | From 9h 55m | |
| Distance | 292 miles (470 km) | |
| Frequency | 25 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Italo, Trenitalia, Trenord, ÖBB |
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.
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.
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 four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), 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).
Enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, fold-down tables and free WiFi, but at a cheaper price. Order food and drink from the FRECCIABistrò car or using the Easy Bistrò at-seat meal service.
Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and luggage space.
Frecciarossa Business offers extra legroom, glass dividers for privacy, a four-seat Salottino compartment, and a complimentary food box with fresh items and Illy espresso.
Frecciarossa Executive offers up to 10 spacious leather armchairs, ample legroom, lounge access, unlimited drinks, and rotating menus, including creations by Michelin-star chef Carlo Cracco.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò car where you can buy snacks and drinks.
In addition to all the amenities available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
What baggage limits are there? |
|
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? |
|
What onboard entertainment is available? |
|
What facilities are there for travel with children? |
|
Can I bring a bike on board? |
|
Can I bring pets on board? |
|
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 +39 02 323232, 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? |
|
|---|---|
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? |
|
What facilities are there for travel with children? |
|
Can I bring a bike on board? |
|
Can I bring pets on board? |
|
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? |
|
|---|---|
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? |
|
Can I bring pets on board? |
|
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. |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take unlimited luggage for free without reservation, including sports equipment. Store items under seats, overhead racks (70 × 50 × 30 cm), or larger racks by the doors for bigger suitcases. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | 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. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | 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. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.