The cheapest and fastest trains from Amsterdam to Cologne
Cheapest price
£38
Average price
£44
Fastest journey
2 h 42 m
Average duration
2 h 59 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Amsterdam to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Amsterdam to Cologne will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Of the 4 trains that leave Amsterdam for Cologne every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 39 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
IC 3235 · ICE 123
ICE 123
ICE 225
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621
IC 3235 · ICE 123
ICE 123
ICE 225
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Amsterdam to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Amsterdam to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, and a flight costs an average of £215.
Distance: 214 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £501 Average Price |
3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration 6h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Amsterdam to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Amsterdam to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday 13 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 225 | On time 07:31 Amsterdam Centraal | 2h48 | 10:19 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 07:56 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h39 | 11:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 123 | On time 09:31 Amsterdam Centraal | 2h47 | 12:18 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3235 · ICE 123 | On time 09:36 Amsterdam Zuid | 2h42 | 12:18 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Amsterdam to Cologne by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Amsterdam to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Amsterdam to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Amsterdam to Cologne
Trains from Amsterdam to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 40m |
First train 00:04 |
Last train 23:42 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity from Amsterdam to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity trains will get you between Amsterdam and Cologne from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
VIAS Rail GmbH
ÖBB Nightjet
Intercity
Trains from Amsterdam to Cologne
Travelling by train from Amsterdam to Cologne can take just over two and a half hours on direct routes while other journeys can take up to eight hours or more depending on the number of connections required. A similar timetable operates seven days a week with at least five daily direct departures and over three dozen other services. All trains leave from Amsterdam Centraal Station and arrive at Cologne Hbf.
Which train companies travel from Amsterdam to Cologne?
Train services between the two cities of Amsterdam and Cologne are operated by DB or Deutsche Bahn. This is the national rail provider of Germany and the largest passenger carrier in the world. DB uses modern rolling stock with comfortable seating, luggage space, power outlets, WiFi and bistro-bar facilities.
How long is the train from Amsterdam to Cologne?
Direct trains take just over two and a half hours to complete the journey from Amsterdam to Cologne while other routes take up to approximately eight hours depending on the route taken and the transfer time at connecting stations. These stations include Utrecht Centraal, Mönchengladbach, Arnhem and Duisberg.
How many trains are there from Amsterdam to Cologne?
There are up to five direct departures a day and over three dozen other train services from Amsterdam to Cologne on a timetable that operates seven days a week. Up to three trains depart every hour from the early hours of the morning until the late evening. Some late evening departures do not arrive in Cologne until the following morning.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Amsterdam to Cologne?
Departure train station: All trains from Amsterdam to Cologne depart from the historic Amsterdam Centraal Station. This is located within an easy walk of the city's cultural and historic attractions. It is also a busy transport hub served by local trains and buses, water buses, trams and taxis. Station facilities at Amsterdam Centraal include car and bicycle parking, toilets, WiFi, left luggage storage, ATMs, shops and cafes.
Arrival train station: Trains to Cologne from Amsterdam terminate at Cologne Hbf, which is conveniently located near the historic heart of the city. The station's transport network is made up of taxis, local buses and S-Bahn trains while its facilities include car parking, left luggage lockers, WiFi, toilets, food shops, cafes and restaurants.
FAQs: Amsterdam to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Amsterdam to Cologne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Amsterdam and Cologne
- Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 20:59
- Free WiFi in all station areas.
- Located on the ground floor near the front entrance in the eastern walkway, near the stairs to platform 2. Open daily from 07:00 to 01:00.
- De Broodzaak
- Kyoto Sushi & Grill
- Starbucks
- The Doner Company
- Wagamama
- Wurst & Schnitzelhaus
- Smullers
- Burger King
- Grand Café First Class
- Burgerij
- & many more
- The station is fully accessible, including lifts to the platforms.
- NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace
- Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
- Art’otel Amsterdam
- Located in a small white building in front of the station's main entrance and at various points in the main passenger hall.
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Parnassusweg.
- Restaurant As
- Gustavino
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- €0.50
- NH Amsterdam Zuid
- citizenM Amsterdam South
- Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South
- Located in the main hall
- 1500 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to Belgium, Germany, and regional destinations
- Hall 2: metro and tram connections
- Metro: Line 50, Line 51
- Tram: Line 5, Line 25
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via Orlyplein.
- Restaurant Helden
- Grand Café Hermes
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.70
- Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Sloterdijk
- Mercure Hotel Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station
- MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West
- Located in the main hall
- 500 places, partially covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to Belgium, Germany, and regional destinations
- Hall 2: metro and local train platforms
- Hall 3: tram connections
- Metro: Line 50, Line 51
- Tram: Line 19
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Amsterdam
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