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Travelling from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf by train

Looking to travel from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 10 hours 34 minutes to travel from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 8 hours 42 minutes though. You'll usually find 24 trains per day running along the 271 miles (436 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 3 changes during the journey to Heidelberg Hbf, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with ICE, Trenitalia or DB on your way to Heidelberg Hbf, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf.

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 Heidelberg Hbf by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Heidelberg Hbf from Cologne

First train

00:20

Last train

21:40

Departure stationCologne
Arrival stationHeidelberg Hbf
Journey time

From 8h 42m

Distance

271 miles (436 km)

Frequency

24 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, Trenord, Italo

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

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

How do I get from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf?

You can travel from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf by train in about 10 hours and 34 minutes. With around 24 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf?

On average, the train journey from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf takes around 10 hours and 34 minutes, with 24 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

Can you take a high-speed train from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf?

Yes, you can travel on a high-speed train between Cologne and Heidelberg Hbf. The fastest journeys can take 8 hours and 42 minutes on Italo trains. High-speed trains often offer more comfort, different classes and services on board: check out the classes and onboard services available!

What is the fastest train from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf?

The fastest trains from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf can cover the distance of 271 miles (436 km) in as little as 8 hours and 42 minutes.

What are the train times from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf?

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf for Tuesday 23rd September 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:4017:239h 43m, 3 changes
08:4017:459h 5m, 6 changes
08:4018:349h 54m, 5 changes
09:4019:4610h 6m, 4 changes
11:4020:499h 9m, 5 changes
11:4021:4910h 9m, 4 changes
12:4021:499h 9m, 6 changes
12:4022:5010h 10m, 4 changes
13:4022:509h 10m, 5 changes
13:4000:0410h 24m, 3 changes

Italo, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn and Trenord trains from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf

You can travel from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf on Italo, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn and Trenord 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.

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).

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

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.

Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.

What Italo, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC) classes are there from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Italo, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC) when travelling from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf.

What are the onboard services on Italo, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC)?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf.

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 as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free 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 travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

When travelling 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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite 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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan 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.

PetPetCan 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 travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat 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.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on their EC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

When travelling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

When travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

If you’re travelling on a EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

The Mobility Service can help you with board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Heidelberg Hbf?

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 to Heidelberg Hbf starts at § 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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