is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Travel from Madrid to Cologne by train in 25 hours 18 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Madrid to Cologne by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Madrid to Cologne by train is 28 hours 26 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 25 hours 18 minutes. You'll usually find 6 trains per day traveling the 1247 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 5 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Cologne.
Book train tickets from Madrid to Cologne in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Madrid to Cologne in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Madrid to Cologne by train
| First train | 6:40 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 7:25 pm | |
| Departure station | Madrid | |
| Arrival station | Cologne | |
| Journey time | From 25h 18m | |
| Distance | 775 miles (1247 km) | |
| Frequency | 6 trains per day | |
| Changes | 5 changes |
FAQs about the train journey from Madrid to Cologne
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Cologne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Madrid to Cologne by train?
Is it possible to get from Madrid to Cologne without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Madrid to Cologne?
What time does the first train from Madrid to Cologne leave?
What time does the last train from Madrid to Cologne leave?
How often are trains from Madrid and Cologne?
Do you need to book the train from Madrid to Cologne in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Madrid to Cologne?
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Cologne
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Madrid to Cologne by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.