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How to travel from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf? Look no further.
There are around 28 trains per day running between Cologne Bonn Airport and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, which usually take 1 hour 40 minutes to complete the 86 miles (139 km) journey. It can take as little as 1 hour 3 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with ICE, DB or Regiojet, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £18.76. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train
It takes an average of 1h 40m to travel from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train, over a distance of around 86 miles (139 km). There are normally 28 trains per day travelling from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £18.76 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:09 | |
| Departure station | Cologne Bonn Airport | |
| Arrival station | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | |
| Journey time | From 1h 3m | |
| Distance | 86 miles (139 km) | |
| Frequency | 28 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £18.76 | |
| Train and bus operators | Regiojet, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus |
Deutsche Bahn and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
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.
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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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ICE and RegioJet classes from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE and RegioJet when travelling from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
ICE
RegioJet
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Low cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low-Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, comfy leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business
Travel in RegioJet’s Business class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet carriage and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Onboard services on ICE and RegioJet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
ICE
RegioJet
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.
When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel 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.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
There are no weight limits when it comes to luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper carriages or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf take?
The average journey time by train between Cologne Bonn Airport and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 hour and 40 minutes, with around 28 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.
What's the fastest journey time between Cologne Bonn Airport and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 hour and 3 minutes.
How much does the train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cost?
Train ticket prices from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf can start from as little as £18.76 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.
Is there a direct train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf without having to change trains. There are 3 direct trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The first train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 03:34. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The last train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 23:09. 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.
What's the distance between Cologne Bonn Airport and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
Trains travelling from Cologne Bonn Airport to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cover a distance of around 86 miles (139 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne Bonn Airport.