Cologne is well connected with Frankfurt. You can get from Frankfurt to Cologne by bus, train, BlaBlaCar, or rental car.
If you’re looking to visit a city that offers beautiful buildings, outstanding museums, and attractions, you’ll love Cologne!
Its location on the Rhine River’s banks and its significance as an important trading center has resulted in rich architectural structures and cultural offerings enriching not just Cologne but many parts of Germany!
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A few things that make this place unique include the cathedral, the Cologne Carnival, and of course, Kölsch beer. Here you can also find Gothic churches, Roman towers, and stunning examples of modern architecture!
Of course, a trip to Cologne would never be complete without stopping by the Ludwig Museum, the Chocolate Museum, and the Museum of Applied Art!
Plenty will be going on in this historic German city to keep you entertained because Cologne is also a city of music and art. In addition, it’s a fantastic location all year round with spectacular riverfronts and a wealth of cultural attractions.
So, be prepared because you’ll want to experience everything this vibrant city offers!
Tip: Read here everything you need to know about Germany transportation.
Traveling between Frankfurt and Cologne is easy, and you can choose between a bus, train, BlaBlaCar, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Frankfurt to Cologne.
How far is Cologne from Frankfurt?
The distance from Frankfurt to Cologne is 117.4 miles or 189 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Frankfurt to Cologne
The following table outlines all transportation options from Frankfurt to Cologne:
| Method | Travel time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 2 hours 40 minutes | EUR 8+ |   |
| Train | 1 hour | EUR 18+ | |
| BlaBlaCar | ~2 hours | – | |
| Rental Car | ~2 hours | – |
Getting to Cologne from Frankfurt
1. Bus from Frankfurt to Cologne
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Bus travel is the cheapest way to get from Frankfurt to Cologne. And the cost of the trip can be as little as EUR 8!
Despite the slower pace of travel, there are certain advantages. With WiFi, restrooms, outlets, and air conditioning on board, modern coaches are equally as comfortable as trains. Moreover, if there are no traffic problems, they usually arrive on schedule as well.
Several bus companies are serving this route. However, FlixBus is the most widely used because of its affordable prices across Europe!
You can board buses to Cologne at the Frankfurt Central Station, and the fastest bus takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Cologne.
The bus is an excellent choice if you can get a low price and don’t mind traveling for an additional hour.
Therefore, book your tickets online now to save money on your trip!
How much does a bus from Frankfurt to Cologne cost?
A bus ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne costs EUR 8+.
2. Train from Frankfurt to Cologne
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Train travel is the most efficient way to get from Frankfurt to Cologne. Numerous trains running daily will take you directly from Frankfurt to Cologne in roughly one hour!
Because travel between Frankfurt and Cologne is so simple and quick, there are no direct flights between the cities, thus using the train is the quickest alternative!
Up to three Intercity Express (ICE), trains run every hour, reaching speeds up to 300 kph.
The ticket cost varies depending on the time of day you travel and whether you choose a direct route or one that involves changing trains. However, if you purchase in advance, a ticket costs only EUR 18!
The train has an additional benefit besides being reliable, efficient, and modern: it will take you straight into the center of Cologne!
So, check the departure times and book a train ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne online!
How much does a train from Frankfurt to Cologne cost?
A train ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne costs EUR 18+.
3. BlaBlaCar Carsharing from Frankfurt to Cologne
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
A great way to travel through Europe is to carpool. It’s also a quick, enjoyable, and affordable way to get from Frankfurt to Cologne. And BlaBlaCar can help you choose the best trip!
You can find a cheap seat by connecting with other passengers using the ride-sharing app BlaBlaCar who are going from Frankfurt to Cologne!
As the day of your departure approaches, keep an eye out for updates. A few days before their intended departure, drivers often share their trips!
After reserving a seat on the shared journey, you will have access to all the information you require. Be on the lookout for only direct trips as it takes about 2 hours to get from Frankfurt to Cologne.
Visit the BlaBlaCar website or use the app to reserve a seat on shared transport from Frankfurt to Cologne!
4. Driving with Rental Car from Frankfurt to Cologne
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
If you have time to travel and explore, renting a vehicle is a pleasant way to explore the German countryside and attractions like Eltz Castle and the Rhine town of Braubach while getting from Frankfurt to Cologne!
The driving time from Frankfurt to Cologne is nearly 2 hours. The Autobahn A3 is the most direct path. However, many advise taking the scenic road, which is slightly over 20 minutes longer but offers more breathtaking views.
From Frankfurt, follow the A3 for 142 kilometers, keep going on the B48, and afterward, take Exit 11 to join the B42.
This road follows the river directly after passing through the town of Neuwied until you approach Drachenburg Castle on your right, and B49 becomes A59. At the split, bear left to stay on the A559 and follow the directions for Cologne.
Make sure to read up on basic advice and traffic laws before you get behind the wheel in Germany. After that, just choose a vehicle and drive to Cologne on a fantastic excursion!
Best day tours in Cologne, Germany
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cologne, Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Frankfurt to Cologne?
The fastest way to get from Frankfurt to Cologne is by train. The fastest direct train takes only 1 hour to reach Cologne’s center from Frankfurt.
What is the cheapest way to get from Frankfurt to Cologne?
The cheapest way to get from Frankfurt to Cologne is by bus! The cheapest tickets can be found for as low as EUR 8!
How long does it take to drive from Frankfurt to Cologne?
The drive from Frankfurt to Cologne takes only about 2 hours, thanks to Germany’s famous highway system, which will help you reach your destination in no time!
More Routes from Frankfurt
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