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Taking the train from Mannheim to Cologne in 8 hours 32 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Mannheim to Cologne? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 9 hours 44 minutes to travel the 448 km from Mannheim to Cologne by train, although you can get there in as little as 8 hours 32 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 25 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 2 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

3:33 am

Last train

10:46 pm

Departure station

Mannheim

Arrival station

Cologne

Journey time

From 8h 32m

Distance

278 miles (448 km)

Frequency

25 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Trenord, ÖBB, Italo

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.

How do I travel from Mannheim to Cologne?

You can get from Mannheim to Cologne in 9 hours and 44 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 8 hours and 32 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Mannheim to Cologne take?

The average journey time by train between Mannheim and Cologne is 9 hours and 44 minutes, with around 25 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.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Mannheim to Cologne?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Mannheim to Cologne. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from ICE (Intercity Express) - take a look at theclasses and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 8 hours and 32 minutes.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Mannheim to Cologne is 8 hours and 32 minutes.

Mannheim to Cologne train times

Check out the next trains departing from Mannheim to Cologne for Tuesday Dec 31st 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
6:34 am3:39 pm9h 5m, 4 changes
6:37 am3:39 pm9h 2m, 5 changes
7:47 am4:19 pm8h 32m, 4 changes
7:47 am4:39 pm8h 52m, 2 changes
8:34 am5:19 pm8h 45m, 5 changes
8:34 am5:39 pm9h 5m, 4 changes
8:34 am6:19 pm9h 45m, 3 changes
9:35 am6:19 pm8h 44m, 4 changes
10:35 am7:19 pm8h 44m, 5 changes
10:35 am7:39 pm9h 4m, 4 changes

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains from Mannheim to Cologne

You can travel from Mannheim to Cologne on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) 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.

PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

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.

PhotoQualle, under licence CC3.0

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.

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.

Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Intercity and Regional trains

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • 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.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • 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.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • 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).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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.
PetPetPets
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

InfoInfoOther

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • 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).
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • 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.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • 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.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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).
PetPetPets
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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.

InfoInfoOther

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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.
PetPetPets
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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.
PetPetPets
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

InfoInfoOther

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.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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