The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Amsterdam
Cheapest price
£55
Average price
£72
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 4 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Amsterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Amsterdam will cost around £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Amsterdam every day 3 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 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 40 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.
10608 · 22612 · IC 3540
10612 · 22616 · IC 3548
ICE 128
ICE 126
ICE 220
ICE 128
ICE 126
ICE 220
10608 · 22612 · IC 3540
10612 · 22616 · IC 3548Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Amsterdam
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Amsterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 9m. 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 £8, and a flight costs an average of £195.
Distance: 214 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £442 Average Price |
3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 19m Average total duration 10h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Amsterdam train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Amsterdam trains for today, Thursday 1 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10924 · 18960 · 32568 · IC 2774 | 16:47 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 20:50 Amsterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
26829+ 20032 · 21226+ IC 3174 | 16:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 20:49 Amsterdam Zuid | 3 changes | |
10626 · 20088 · IC 3576 | 17:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h39 | 21:04 Amsterdam Zuid | 2 changes | |
ICE 224 | Delayed 18:32 17:49Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 21:09 21:09Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 120 | On time 19:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 22:29 Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 220 | On time 07:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 10:29 Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
10608 · 22612 · IC 3540 | 08:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h39 | 12:04 Amsterdam Zuid | 2 changes | |
ICE 128 | On time 09:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 12:29 Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
10612 · 22616 · IC 3548 | 10:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h39 | 14:04 Amsterdam Zuid | 2 changes | |
ICE 126 | On time 11:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 14:29 Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Amsterdam 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 Cologne to Amsterdam?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Amsterdam

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Amsterdam
Trains from Cologne to Amsterdam run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 2h 39m.
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 00:09 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, National Express, ÖBB Nightjet from Cologne to Amsterdam trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, National Express, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Amsterdam from £8. 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
National Express
Trains from Cologne to Amsterdam
With eight daily direct departures, over three dozen connecting services and a similar timetable operating throughout the week, travelling by train from Cologne to Amsterdam is straightforward. Direct routes take approximately two hours 45 minutes while connecting routes can take up to nine and a half hours. All departures are from Cologne Hbf with services terminating at Amsterdam Centraal.
Which train companies travel from Cologne to Amsterdam?
All trains to Amsterdam from Cologne are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB). DB is Germany's national rail carrier and the world's largest provider of passenger services. Deutsche Bahn trains are modern with comfortable carriages and facilities that include luggage space, power outlets, WiFi and onboard catering.
How long is the train from Cologne to Amsterdam?
Direct trains between the two cities take just two hours and 45 minutes to complete the journey while other routes can take up to nine and a half hours depending on the number of connections required and waiting times at transfer stations. Connections are made at stations that include Dusseldorf, Venlo, Utrecht Centraal, Arnhem and Duisberg.
How many trains are there from Cologne to Amsterdam?
There are over three dozen train departures a day on services from Cologne to Amsterdam. Eight of these routes are direct. Services start in the early hours of the morning. There are then at least two departures an hour until the late evening with some evening departures arriving in Amsterdam the following morning. A similar timetable operates seven days a week.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cologne to Amsterdam?
Departure train station: All trains from Cologne to Amsterdam depart from Cologne Hbf. This large station is within walking distance of Cologne's historic attractions. It is also linked to the city and its suburbs by S-Bahn trains and local buses. Among the facilities at Cologne Hbf are car parking, a taxi rank, left luggage storage, WiFi, shops and food outlets.
Arrival train station: All services to Amsterdam from Cologne arrive at the large and busy Amsterdam Centraal Station. This is right in the city centre and within easy walking distance of cultural and historic attractions. Its local transport network includes water and local buses, trams, trains and taxis. Station facilities include car and bicycle parking, WiFi, left luggage storage, shops and food outlets.
FAQs: Cologne to Amsterdam train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Amsterdam
- 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
- 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
More options for your journey from Cologne to Amsterdam
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