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Looking to travel from Rome to Cologne (Germany) by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 13 hours 52 minutes to travel from Rome to Cologne (Germany) by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 11 hours 49 minutes though. You'll usually find 17 trains per day running along the 678 miles (1091 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Cologne (Germany), as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with Frecciarossa, Frecciargento or ICE on your way to Cologne (Germany), as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Rome to Cologne (Germany) start from £214.63 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Cologne (Germany) by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
First train | 05:38 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 20:10 | |
Departure station | Rome | |
Arrival station | Cologne (Germany) | |
Journey time | From 11h 49m | |
Distance | 678 miles (1091 km) | |
Frequency | 17 trains per day | |
Changes | 2 changes | |
Price | From £214.63 | |
Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, ÖBB, Flixbus, SBB CFF FFS, Italo, Autoservizi Salemi, Trenord, Itabus, Marino, Meridian |
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi connection and 4 levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). You can now also travel with Frecciarossa between Milan and Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The new Frecciarossa trains have 4 levels of service – Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room – and two types of carriage: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
Frecciargento "silver arrow" high-speed trains connect the main cities of the north-west, central and southern Italy at speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h). All Frecciargento trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi, reclining seats and power sockets. There are two levels of service – First Class and Second Class. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi, but at a cheaper price.
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and luggage space, as well as a welcome service offering a complimentary sweet or salty snack and 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 foodbox containing a fresh product, a snack and a drink 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 fancy travelling in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free entry to Italo Club Lounge.
Frecciargento's Standard Class comes with plenty of amenities, including reclining seats, power sockets, a Bistrò bar, free WiFi and an entertainment portal.
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, Frecciargento's First Class also offers a welcome service including a complimentary sweet or savoury snack and a bottle of water of 0.25L.
Enjoy comfy seats with power sockets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
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 sockets you can find at your seat.
While there’s no bar or restaurant carriage 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 at-seat power sockets.
You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciargento trains. Simply 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.
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 sockets you can find at your seat.
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.
You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
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 Rome to Cologne (Germany) 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.
The average journey time by train between Rome and Cologne (Germany) is 13 hours and 52 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Rome to Cologne (Germany) is 11 hours and 49 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Rome to Cologne (Germany) can start from as little as £214.63 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
No, there are no direct train services from Rome to Cologne (Germany). Travelling from Rome to Cologne (Germany) by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
The first train from Rome to Cologne (Germany) leaves at 05:38. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Rome to Cologne (Germany) leaves at 20:10. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Rome to Cologne (Germany) cover a distance of around 678 miles (1091 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cologne (Germany) to Rome.