- Must visit
Kunsthalle Bielefeld
Major art museum focused on 20th- and 21st-century works, set in a notable red-brick building near the old town.
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£34
Fastest journey
2 h 7 m
Average duration
2 h 13 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bielefeld is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bielefeld will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
Of the 6 trains that leave Cologne for Bielefeld every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 2 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 25 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 2541
ICE 847
ICE 1014 · 89713
ICE 545
17412 · ICE 547
ICE 545
IC 2541
ICE 847
17412 · ICE 547
ICE 1014 · 89713Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bielefeld 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 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £5.
Distance: 164 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£19 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 Bielefeld trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 545 | On time 8:25 Cologne Hbf | 2h07 | 10:32 Bielefeld Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1014 · 89713 | On time 8:32 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h25 | 10:57 Bielefeld Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2541 | On time 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 2h07 | 11:18 Bielefeld Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 9:25 Cologne Hbf | 2h11 | 11:36 Bielefeld Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
89717 | 10:07 Cologne Hbf | 2h50 | 12:57 Bielefeld Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17412 · ICE 547 | On time 10:21 Cologne Hbf | 2h13 | 12:34 Bielefeld Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Bielefeld run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 2h 9m.
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 9m |
First train 0:07 |
Last train 23:51 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Bielefeld — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bielefeld trip today.
Major art museum focused on 20th- and 21st-century works, set in a notable red-brick building near the old town.
Regional history museum in a former spinning mill, covering city life, industry and daily culture in an atmospheric industrial space.
Museum and educational site in a former factory, showing Bielefeld’s linen industry and working life in the Ravensberger Park area.
Former industrial quarter turned cultural park with historic brick architecture, museums, event spaces and pleasant open walking areas.
Historic market square at the heart of the old town, lined with gabled buildings and often used for events and seasonal markets.
Popular ridge-top walking area in the Teutoburg Forest with woodland paths, viewpoints and direct access towards Sparrenburg.
Westphalian rye bread baked very slowly until dark and dense. It is a regional staple in Ostwestfalen and traditionally served with ham, cheese or butter.
Hearty Westphalian ham, usually dry-cured and lightly smoked. It is a classic local speciality often paired with pumpernickel in the region.
A robust broth with beef, vegetables and marrow bones, traditionally finished with egg custard or marrow. It is a well-known Sunday and festive soup in Westphalia.
Well-known restaurant with Mediterranean and German influences, valued for reliable cooking and a smart yet relaxed ambience.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant known for seasonal modern cuisine and polished service in a refined city-centre setting.
Popular casual spot for solid regional fare and schnitzel-style dishes in an unfussy, welcoming setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels, dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than in Berlin, Munich or Hamburg, making Bielefeld fairly manageable for tourists.
Service is not usually included. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.
Official public transport app
Bielefeld Hbf -> Jahnplatz, Bielefeld
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bielefeld 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 Bielefeld, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Bielefeld trains use the Köln Hbf to Bielefeld Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Brackwede. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bielefeld 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.
Bielefeld 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: McDonald's, Mexims, Entrada, Lokma
Wi-Fi is available at Bielefeld Hbf. ATMs are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Bielefeld Hbf. Information desks are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Bielefeld Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bielefeld Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bielefeld Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Wali, Altstadt Hotel Bielefeld, Hotel Stadt Bremen, Bielefelder Hof.
Brackwede is 4 km from Bielefeld city centre. Public transport options include:
Brackwede has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Brackwede.
Ticket office support is available at Brackwede. Information desks are available at Brackwede.
Luggage storage is available at Brackwede. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brackwede: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brackwede: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brackwede.
Brake(b Bielefeld) is 6 km from Bielefeld city centre. Public transport options include:
Brake(b Bielefeld) 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: Braker Grill, Holzweiler's Schnellimbiss, Da Carmela, La Perla
Wi-Fi is available at Brake(b Bielefeld). ATMs are available at Brake(b Bielefeld).
Ticket office support is available at Brake(b Bielefeld). Information desks are available at Brake(b Bielefeld).
Luggage storage is available at Brake(b Bielefeld). Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brake(b Bielefeld): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brake(b Bielefeld): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brake(b Bielefeld).
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