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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.
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Taking the train from Mannheim to Cologne in 8 hours 24 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Mannheim to Cologne? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 10 hours 15 minutes to travel the 448 km from Mannheim to Cologne by train, although you can get there in as little as 8 hours 24 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 28 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
Train tickets from Mannheim to Cologne are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Cologne? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train schedule below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Mannheim to Cologne by train
| First train | 1:21 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:35 pm | |
| Departure station | Mannheim | |
| Arrival station | Cologne | |
| Journey time | From 8h 24m | |
| Distance | 278 miles (448 km) | |
| Frequency | 28 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Trenord, ÖBB, Italo |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains from Mannheim to Cologne
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
IC (Intercity)
EC (Eurocity)
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.
More information
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.
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An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
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EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
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- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
Frecciarossa, Italo, Intercity and Regional trains classes from Mannheim to Cologne
Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Intercity and Regional trains when traveling from Mannheim to Cologne.
Frecciarossa
Italo
Intercity
Regional trains
Standard
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Premium
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service supplying a complimentary sweet or salty snack and a drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Business
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free snack box is also served to your seat.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Executive
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Smart
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:
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Prima
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.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Club Executive
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.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Second Class Easy
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
- Air conditioning
- Hanger
- Vending machine
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Fold-down table
- Power outlets at each seat
- Reading light
- More legroom
First Class Plus
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
- Air conditioning
- Hanger
- Vending machine
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Fold-down table
- Power outlets at each seat
- Reading light
- More legroom
Second Class
Enjoy your journey with Trenitalia's regional trains. A First Class service may be available on some routes.
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Intercity and Regional trains
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Mannheim to Cologne.
Frecciarossa
Italo
Intercity
Regional trains
- You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- 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 Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
- You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. 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.
- Kids 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 kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
- Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant cars.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
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).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
- You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat.
- If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
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.
- 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 outlets that are available at your seat.
- Kids 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 traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
- 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 (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage
- Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
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.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
At the moment, Intercity trains 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.
- 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).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Intercity trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches). Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- If you can't fold your bike, some Intercity trains allow you to take your bike on board. However, you’ll need to book a space and buy a ticket. There are 6 bike spaces in car 3 and 2 e-bike chargers.
- Small pets can travel on all Intercity trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
- 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.
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).
Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenitalia's regional trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenitalia's regional trains 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.
Kids under 4 can travel for free if they’re accompanied by an adult and a seat is not assigned to them. Children aged 4-11 can get 50% off. Older children will need to have a full-price ticket.
- You can take your bike, hoverboard, monowheel or e-scooter free of charge if it can be folded and doesn’t exceed these dimensions: 120 x 80 x 45cm (47.2 x 31.4 x 17.7 inches).
- If your bike can’t be folded, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket or another Second Class ticket.
- Small pets can travel on Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
- 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.
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).
Air-conditioning is available on Trenitalia's regional trains.
Cheap train tickets from Mannheim 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 Mannheim 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.
FAQs about the train journey from Mannheim to Cologne
Want to know more about your journey from Mannheim to Cologne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Mannheim to Cologne?
How close is Mannheim to Cologne by train?
Which train companies operate from Mannheim to Cologne?
Is it possible to get from Mannheim to Cologne without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Mannheim to Cologne?
What time does the first train from Mannheim to Cologne leave?
What time does the last train from Mannheim to Cologne leave?
How often are trains from Mannheim and Cologne?
Do you need to book the train from Mannheim to Cologne in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Mannheim to Cologne?
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.