I am interested in seeing the Kolner Dom in Cologne and am staying in Frankfurt this weekend. It looks like I could make a day trip out of this by train, and I was wondering if someone might have some advice. Is this possible?

After reading several threads and googling a bit, I believe I can hop on the ICE early Sunday morning and head to Cologne, which should take about an hour and 20 minutes. I would then spend a bit of time there and hop on the train back, though I would like to go a bit more scenic to catch the late afternoon light, probably through Koblenz.

Does this sound like it is doable? I don't mind traveling a long way for a short time especially since this would be my first time on the ICE. It looks like I should certainly reserve a spot on the morning Frankfurt-Koln run, but the Web site offers me a full-fare and a discount. Can I purchase the discounted fare, or do I need to meet some criteria. And on the way back, can I purchase my ticket at the station, or should I reserve that, too.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

It's definitely doable. The cheapo fare is not flexible at all, if you don't show up for some reason, DB made some extra money So buying a cheapo ticket for the morning training sounds like a good plan and buy one of whenever you feel like going back at night.

I don't know which the criteria are for the cheapo tickets but just go on the German Railway website and check if they are still available for your dates.

Very very easy day trip. The cathedral in Cologne is literally right next to the train station, and the rest of the inner city is pretty compact in the same area.

Thanks for your advice. It looks like I will definitely be doing this.

Like they said. Very possible and nice day trip. Not only is the Dom right outside the train station, there are several other things near by. In particular, the Archeology Museum is very nice, not the mention close. The main pedestrial shopping street is handy, and there are several places where one can sample the famous beer, including Fruh.

We were on a Sunday train from FRA to Cologne and it was not crowded. If you have additional questions when you arrive, there is a wonderful Tourism office directly across from the Dom. I second the recommendation of Fruh --- good food and beverage.

This is a fantastic day trip and will highlight the fairly new high-speed rail alignment between Frankfurt and Cologne and how it not only brings those two urban centers close together but also serves to shorten much longer rail trips like Amsterdam-Frankfurt. Historically, the F and C were fairly far apart.

A return trip via conventional (non-HSR) but fairly fast trains through the Rhine Valley is a good complement.