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Travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo by train

Looking to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 26 hours 25 minutes to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 25 hours 6 minutes though. You'll usually find 7 trains per day running along the 939 miles (1511 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 4 changes during the journey to Palermo, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with Eurostar, Frecciarossa or Frecciargento on your way to Palermo, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo start from £205.99 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Palermo by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Palermo from Cologne (Germany)

It takes an average of 26h 25m to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo by train, over a distance of around 939 miles (1511 km). There are normally 7 trains per day travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo and tickets for this journey start from £205.99 when you book in advance.

First train

04:20

Last train

19:55

Departure stationCologne (Germany)
Arrival stationPalermo
Journey time

From 25h 6m

Distance

939 miles (1511 km)

Frequency

7 trains per day

Changes

4 changes

Price

From £205.99

Train and bus operators

Autoservizi Salemi, BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Flixbus, Italo, SNCF, TGV Lyria, Trenitalia, ÖBB

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo?

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

How do I travel from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo?

You can get from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo by train in 26 hours and 25 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 25 hours and 6 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo take?

The average journey time by train between Cologne (Germany) and Palermo is 26 hours and 25 minutes, with around 7 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

How much does the train from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo cost?

Train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo can start from as little as £205.99 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from ICE (Intercity Express) and TGV Lyria - take a look at the classes and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 25 hours and 6 minutes.

What are the train times from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo?

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
01:5206:5229h 0m, 6 changes
07:5508:2224h 27m, 4 changes
09:5510:0124h 6m, 6 changes
09:5510:5725h 2m, 4 changes
11:5516:2628h 31m, 6 changes
13:5518:0228h 7m, 5 changes
15:5521:0029h 5m, 8 changes
15:5521:5530h 0m, 4 changes
16:5521:5529h 0m, 7 changes

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), TGV Lyria and ÖBB trains from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo

You can travel from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), TGV Lyria and ÖBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, 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.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

PhotoChabe01, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).

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.

What Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Italo and Frecciargento classes are there from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Italo and Frecciargento when travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo.

What are the onboard services on Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Italo and Frecciargento?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.

Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.

You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.

For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

  • Pets are not permitted on board.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

Trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
  • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:

  • Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
  • If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
  • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
  • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

Liquids:

  • There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

Sports equipment:

  • You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
  • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
  • Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
  • Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
  • You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
  • Travellers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee.
  • If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child). 
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
  • Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat 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).

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
  • You can take your bags on board Italo trains free of charge.
  • If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat. If you’re travelling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

While there’s no bar or restaurant carriage on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.

WiFiWiFiWhat 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 sockets that are available at your seat.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • Children aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat.
  • Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re travelling in Italo’s Smart Class.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
  • You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • Pets under 10kg 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat 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.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as at-seat power sockets.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciargento trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in First Class, you’ll get a free bottle of water, coffee and a savoury or sweet snack.
WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciargento trains. Simply connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.

You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciargento trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciargento trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage with max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat 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).

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo?

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. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Palermo starts at £205.99§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. 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 Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. 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.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

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.

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