Train from Cologne to Erfurt: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Cologne to Erfurt on 23 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Flixbus + Flixtrain
    Flughafen Köln/Bonn Airport (CGN)
    Willy-Brandt-PlatzCheapest
    Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    Erfurt HbfFastest
    Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    Erfurt HbfNo tags
    InterCity + Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Hbf
    Erfurt HbfNo tags
    Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    Erfurt HbfNo tags

    Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 11:35 CET.

    Compare 3 ways to travel from Cologne to Erfurt

    We recommend carpooling

    Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Erfurt. The journey takes about 4 hours and with fares starting at just £19, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

    5carpool per day
    4hAverage duration
    178 milesDistance
    12kgCO₂ emissions
    Average price£19 - £38Average duration7h 30m
    7kg CO₂e
    Average price£48 - £189Average duration4h 26m
    7kg CO₂e
    Carpool
    Average price£19 - £32Average duration4h
    12kg CO₂e

    Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cologne to Erfurt by train

    Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

    1. How much does a train ticket cost from Cologne to Erfurt?

      The cheapest train tickets from Cologne to Erfurt start from £48. The average price for this train route is around £92. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

    2. How long is the train journey from Cologne to Erfurt?

      The average train journey time from Cologne to Erfurt is 4h 26m, covering a distance of 177 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 3h 23m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.

    3. Which train operators serve the Cologne to Erfurt route?

      Several major train operators run on this route with 29 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, Deutsche Bahn, FlixBus, FlixTrain.

    4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Cologne to Erfurt?

      The earliest train from Cologne to Erfurt departs at 06:00. And the latest train departs at 22:27.

    5. Which is the best train operator from Cologne to Erfurt?

      According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn ICE, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.

    6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Cologne to Erfurt?

      According to reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.4.

    7. Which train operator has the most punctual service from Cologne to Erfurt?

      According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

    8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Cologne to Erfurt?

      According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Deutsche Bahn ICE, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

    Find cheapest prices for trains

    Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

    Best price found
    21/12
    No data
    22/12
    £119
    Today
    £52
    24/12
    No data
    25/12
    No data
    26/12
    No data
    27/12
    No data
    28/12
    No data
    busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cologne to Erfurt was searched and found on 23 Dec 2025 with a price of £52

    To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Cologne to Erfurt as early as possible.

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