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Trains from Ingolstadt to Cologne

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Ingolstadt to Cologne

How to travel from Ingolstadt to Cologne by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Ingolstadt to Cologne? Look no further.

There are around 15 trains per day running between Ingolstadt and Cologne, which usually take 12 hours 49 minutes to complete the 231 miles (371 km) journey. It can take as little as 8 hours 56 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 Ingolstadt, you'll just need to make 3 changes along the way.

You can save money on train tickets from Ingolstadt 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 timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Cologne from Ingolstadt

First train

00:38

Last train

23:11

Departure stationIngolstadt
Arrival stationCologne
Journey time

From 8h 56m

Distance

231 miles (371 km)

Frequency

15 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

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

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

How do I travel from Ingolstadt to Cologne?

You can get from Ingolstadt to Cologne by train in 12 hours and 49 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 8 hours and 56 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Ingolstadt to Cologne take?

The average journey time by train between Ingolstadt and Cologne is 12 hours and 49 minutes, with around 15 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.

What's the fastest journey time between Ingolstadt and Cologne by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Ingolstadt to Cologne is 8 hours and 56 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Ingolstadt to Cologne?

No, there are no direct train services from Ingolstadt to Cologne. Travelling from Ingolstadt to Cologne by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.

What are the train times from Ingolstadt to Cologne?

Check out the next trains departing from Ingolstadt to Cologne for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
05:0014:199h 19m, 3 changes
05:5715:199h 22m, 8 changes
07:0316:199h 16m, 3 changes
09:0317:598h 56m, 3 changes
11:0420:199h 15m, 3 changes
13:0404:3415h 30m, 3 changes
15:0507:1916h 14m, 5 changes
16:0507:1915h 14m, 6 changes
16:0807:1915h 11m, 7 changes
18:0708:1914h 12m, 4 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Ingolstadt 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. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Ingolstadt to Cologne 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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