- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£58
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 11 m
Trains per day
56
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 £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Of the 56 trains that leave Amsterdam for Cologne every day 7 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 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 12 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.
ICE 123
IC 60403 · 52858
IC 28569 · IC 3069 · IC 3569 · 20097
IC 28569 · IC 3069 · IC 3569 · 20097
IC 2917 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 10615
ICE 221
ICE 121
ICE 125
ICE 127
ICE 129Omio 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 £13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 58m. 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 £13, and a flight costs an average of £229.
Distance: 214 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest | £358 Average Price |
4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 2h 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.
The table below shows live departures for Amsterdam to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 11414 · IC 3015+ 20011+ 26808 | 4:20 Amsterdam Centraal | 5h03 | 9:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 3 changes | |
IC 2917 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 10615 | 5:39 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h56 | 9:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 121 | On time 6:38 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h10 | 9:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3021 · IC 3521 · 20073 · 10617 | 6:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 10:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3923 · 18923 · 10913 | 7:14 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h57 | 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3123 · IC 3923 · 18923 · 10913 | 7:15 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h56 | 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 225 | On time 7:47 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h43 | 11:30 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3025 · ICE 225 | On time 7:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h36 | 11:30 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3927 · 18927 · 10915 | 8:14 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h58 | 12:12 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3127 · IC 3927 · 18927 · 10915 | 8:15 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h57 | 12:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3027+ 20017+ 26814 | 8:24 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h03 | 12:27 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3027+ 20017+ 20702 | 8:24 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h21 | 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3227+ 20017+ 26814 | 8:36 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h51 | 12:27 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3029 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 8:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 12:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3931 · 18931 · 10917 | 9:14 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h58 | 13:12 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3131 · IC 3931 · 18931 · 10917 | 9:15 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h57 | 13:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3031+ 20019+ 26816 | 9:24 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h59 | 13:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3231+ 20019+ 26816 | 9:36 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h47 | 13:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3033 · IC 3533 · 20079 · 10623 | 9:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 13:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 123 | On time 10:31 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h19 | 13:50 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3235+ 20021+ 26818 | 10:36 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h47 | 14:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3037 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 10625 | 10:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 14:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3939 · 18939 · 10921 | 11:14 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h57 | 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3139 · IC 3939 · 18939 · 10921 | 11:15 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h56 | 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3039+ 20023+ 26820 | 11:24 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h59 | 15:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3239+ 20023+ 26820 | 11:36 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h47 | 15:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3041 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 10627 | 11:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 125 | On time 12:38 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h12 | 15:50 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3045 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629 | 12:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 16:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3947 · 18947 · 10925 | 13:14 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h56 | 17:10 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3147 · IC 3947 · 18947 · 10925 | 13:15 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h55 | 17:10 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3047+ 20027+ 26824 | 13:24 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h59 | 17:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3247+ 20027+ 26824 | 13:36 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h47 | 17:23 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3049 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 10631 | 13:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 17:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 127 | 14:38 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h12 | 17:50 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3053 · IC 3553 · 20089 · 10633 | 14:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 18:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3955 · 18955 · 10929 | 15:14 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h58 | 19:12 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3155 · IC 3955 · 18955 · 10929 | 15:15 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h57 | 19:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3055+ 20031+ 26828 | 15:24 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h04 | 19:28 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3057 · IC 3557 · 20091 · 10635 | 15:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 19:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 129 | 16:38 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h12 | 19:50 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3961 · 18961 · 10933 | 16:45 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h26 | 21:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3061 · IC 3561 · 20093 · 10637 | 16:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 20:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3065 · IC 3565 · 20095 · 10639 | 17:54 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h41 | 21:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 221 | 18:38 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h08 | 21:46 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3969 · 18969 · 10937 | 18:46 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h24 | 23:10 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3969 · 18969 · 26839 | 18:46 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h50 | 22:36 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 changes | |
IC 3069 · IC 3569 · 20097 · 89736 | 18:53 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h59 | 22:52 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3069 · IC 3569 · 20097 · 26834 | 18:53 Amsterdam Centraal | 3h55 | 22:48 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 3 changes | |
IC 28569 · IC 3069 · IC 3569 · 20097 | 18:56 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h52 | 22:48 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 4 changes | |
IC 28569 · IC 3069 · IC 3569 · 20097 | 18:56 Amsterdam Zuid | 3h56 | 22:52 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3071+ 20039+ 10347 · 17440 | 19:23 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h55 | 0:18 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 28571 · IC 3071+ 20039+ 10347 | 19:26 Amsterdam Zuid | 4h52 | 0:18 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 60403 · 52858 | 21:01 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h01 | 1:02 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3079+ 20043+ Bus RE19 · 26844 | 21:24 Amsterdam Centraal | 4h59 | 2:23 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3579 · IC 3079+ 20043+ Bus RE19 | 21:26 Amsterdam Zuid | 4h57 | 2:23 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Amsterdam to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 4h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 0:07 |
Last train 23:42 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most Amsterdam to Cologne trains use the Amsterdam Centraal to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Amsterdam and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Amsterdam Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: De Broodzaak, Kyoto Sushi & Grill, Starbucks, The Doner Company, Wagamama, Wurst & Schnitzelhaus, Smullers, Burger King, Grand Café First Class, Burgerij, & many more
Free WiFi in all station areas. ATMs are available at Amsterdam Centraal.
Ticket office support is available at Amsterdam Centraal. Information desks are located in a small white building in front of the station's main entrance and at various points in the main passenger hall.
Luggage storage is 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. .
Available at Amsterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Amsterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Amsterdam Centraal: The station is fully accessible, including lifts to the platforms.
Nearby hotels include NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, Art’otel Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Zuid is 4 km from Amsterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Amsterdam Zuid has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant As, Gustavino
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Amsterdam Zuid. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Amsterdam Zuid. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Amsterdam Zuid: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Amsterdam Zuid: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Amsterdam Zuid: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Amsterdam Zuid, citizenM Amsterdam South, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South.
Amsterdam Sloterdijk is 3 km from Amsterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Amsterdam Sloterdijk has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Helden, Grand Café Hermes
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Amsterdam Sloterdijk: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Amsterdam Sloterdijk: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Amsterdam Sloterdijk: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Sloterdijk, Mercure Hotel Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need