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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.
First train | 3:33 am | |
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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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
Enjoy your journey with Trenitalia's regional trains. A First Class service may be available on some routes.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.§
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.
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!
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.