- Must visit
Rijksmuseum
World-famous museum with Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and others, plus decorative arts and a major Asian collection.
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£46
Fastest journey
2 h 43 m
Average duration
3 h 54 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 £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Amsterdam 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 3 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 43 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 53 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 1028 · S8 · 20060 · IC 3520
ICE 843 · IC 3020+
20006
IC 60402
S6 · 26803 · IC 3020+
20006
ICE 222
ICE 222
IC 60402
S6 · 26803 · IC 3020+
20006
ICE 843 · IC 3020+
20006
ICE 1028 · S8 · 20060 · IC 3520Omio 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 £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 40m. 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 £14, and a flight costs an average of £134.
Distance: 214 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£59 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £403 Average Price |
4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 1m Average total duration 12h 1m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Amsterdam trains for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60402 | Delayed 5:50 5:49Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h10 | 8:38 8:38Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 220 | On time 8:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 11:29 Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 17 August | |||||
ICE 1028 · S8 · 20060 · IC 3520 | On time 3:32 Cologne Hbf | 4h53 | 8:25 Amsterdam Zuid | 5 changes | |
ICE 843+ 20006+ IC 3020 | On time 4:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h24 | 8:35 Amsterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
S6 · 26803+ 20006+ IC 3020 | 4:17 Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 8:35 Amsterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
IC 60402 | On time 5:47 Cologne Hbf | 3h12 | 8:59 Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 222 | On time 6:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h43 | 9:32 Amsterdam Centraal | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Cologne to Amsterdam run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 2h 39m.
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 0:10 |
Last train 23:42 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Amsterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Amsterdam trip today.
World-famous museum with Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and others, plus decorative arts and a major Asian collection.
Museum dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, showing major paintings, drawings and letters that trace his life and artistic development.
Canal house museum where Anne Frank hid during the war, offering a powerful, carefully presented insight into her story.
Historic canal district ideal for walking, lined with gabled houses, bridges, houseboats and classic waterside city views.
Lively former working-class neighbourhood with independent shops, markets, brown cafés and scenic canals popular with locals.
Large city park with broad lawns, ponds, open-air performances and relaxed paths for walking, cycling and people-watching.
Deep-fried cod or white fish in a light batter, a Dutch seaside classic popular in Amsterdam markets and fish shops.
Raw salted herring, often served with chopped onion and pickles. It is a longstanding Dutch street-food tradition.
Small fluffy pancakes served with butter and icing sugar. A beloved Dutch treat found in traditional pancake houses.
Traditional tasting room near the centre, ideal for sampling jenever and Dutch liqueurs in a historic wooden interior.
Long-running canal-side restaurant serving refined Dutch and French-influenced cooking in an elegant, relaxed atmosphere.
Popular fish specialist for Dutch seafood classics including herring and kibbeling, with a smart but casual feel.
Amsterdam is pricier than many European city breaks, with high hotel rates and dining costs, though public transport and casual food remain manageable for most visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares and small café bills.
Official public transport app
Amsterdam Centraal -> Dam Square, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most Cologne to Amsterdam trains use the Köln Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Amsterdam Zuid. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Amsterdam train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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