Cologne to Gelsenkirchen train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE)

Thu 06 Aug
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Eurostar
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Eurostar
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    9:011h06
    Cologne Hbf
    10:07Gelsenkirchen Hbf
    £61One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 206 · 10115
    7:111h13
    Cologne Hbf
    8:24Gelsenkirchen Hbf
    £161One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2206
    7:460h57
    Cologne Hbf
    8:43Gelsenkirchen Hbf
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2006
    17:460h57
    Cologne Hbf
    18:43Gelsenkirchen Hbf
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1036
    8:450h58
    Cologne Hbf
    9:43Gelsenkirchen Hbf
    £181One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cologne to Gelsenkirchen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 57m. 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 £4, and a train costs an average of £7.

Distance: 65 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£15

Average Price

£4

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 35m

Average total duration

1h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Gelsenkirchen train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Thursday 6 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 206 · 10115
On time
7:11 Cologne Hbf
1h13
8:24 Gelsenkirchen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2206
On time
7:46 Cologne Hbf
0h57
8:43 Gelsenkirchen Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1036
On time
8:45 Cologne Hbf
0h58
9:43 Gelsenkirchen Hbf
0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain9:01 Cologne Hbf
1h06
10:07 Gelsenkirchen Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 204 · 10123
On time
9:11 Cologne Hbf
1h13
10:24 Gelsenkirchen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2155 · 89875
On time
9:17 Cologne Hbf
1h11
10:28 Gelsenkirchen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 106 · 10155
On time
17:11 Cologne Hbf
1h13
18:24 Gelsenkirchen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 2012 · 89891
On time
17:14 Cologne Hbf
1h14
18:28 Gelsenkirchen Hbf
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Gelsenkirchen by train or coach

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.

Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug
Mon
10 Aug
Tue
11 Aug
Wed
12 Aug

Why should you book Cologne to Gelsenkirchen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurostar and more offer trains services from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) or Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) or Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 57m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £4
Distance
65 km
Average train duration
1h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
57m
First train
0:04
Last train
23:53
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
5 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £4

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurostar from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Gelsenkirchen from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
57m
Cheapest Price
£16
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
59m
Cheapest Price
£7
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Eurostar

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 11m
Cheapest Price
£63
Eurostar frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
57m
Cheapest Price
£25
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
24 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
£23
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Gelsenkirchen

Things to do in Gelsenkirchen

Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.

  • Recommended

Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen

Art museum with modern and contemporary works and changing exhibitions. A rewarding stop for strong architecture, focused displays and a central location.

  • Recommended

Schalke Museum

Museum dedicated to FC Schalke 04 with trophies, memorabilia and club history. A popular visit for football supporters and visitors curious about local culture.

Schlossmuseum Horst

Museum in Schloss Horst covering local history and archaeology. Visit for the Renaissance setting, historical collections and insight into the region’s past.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.

FAQs: Cologne to Gelsenkirchen train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £15.
The train journey from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen covers a distance of 65 km and takes approximately 57m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen is 65 km.
The first train from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen departs at 23:53.
Trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Gelsenkirchen. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Gelsenkirchen is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen is by coach, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen is not typically considered scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas in the Ruhr region.
Yes, a day trip from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen is feasible. The journey takes 57m and covers 65 km. There are 9 trips available per day by train.
Two to three days in Gelsenkirchen should be sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Veltins-Arena, the Zoom Erlebniswelt zoo, and nearby industrial heritage sites.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Gelsenkirchen

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

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Gelsenkirchen

Which Cologne station do trains to Gelsenkirchen leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £5

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · £3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · £2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone