Rome2Rio

How to get fromCologne to Schmalkaldenby train, bus, or car

Find Transport to Schmalkalden

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Cologne to Schmalkalden by train, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Train, bus

    best
    1. Take the train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Frankfurttrain train 41 / ...
    2. Take the train from Frankfurt to Gothatrain train 50
    3. Take the bus from Gotha, Hauptbahnhof to Schmalkalden, Recklinghäuser Straßebus bus 851
    6h 17m

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Leverkusen to Eisenach central bus stationbus bus 020
    9h 25m
    €25–40

  3. Drive  314 km

    1. Drive from Cologne to Schmalkaldencar car 314 km
    3h 10m
    €47–67

  4. Train via Schweinfurt

    1. Take the train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Würzburg Hbftrain train 41
    2. Take the train from Würzburg Hbf to Schweinfurt Hbftrain train Re7
    3. Take the train from Schweinfurt Hbf to Meiningentrain train Rb
    7h
    €313–426

  5. Train

    1. Take the train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Würzburg Hbftrain train 41
    2. Take the train from Würzburg Hbf to Grimmenthaltrain train Re7
    7h 23m
    €97–226

  6. Train via Frankfurt am Main

    1. Take the train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Frankfurttrain train 41 / ...
    2. Take the train from Frankfurt to Schweinfurt Hbftrain train
    3. Take the train from Schweinfurt Hbf to Meiningentrain train Rb
    8h 38m
    €312–486

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Cologne to Schmalkalden.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 456.7 km
  • Duration: 6h 17m

What companies run services between Cologne, Germany and Schmalkalden, Germany?

FlixBus operates a bus from Leverkusen to Eisenach central bus station 5 times a week. Tickets cost €25–40 and the journey takes 4h 25m. Alternatively, you can take a train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Schmalkalden, Kasseler Straße/Schule via Würzburg Hbf, Schweinfurt Hbf, Meiningen, and Meiningen, Busbahnhof in around 7h.

Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Germany

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Booking & Getting There