- 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.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
On Wed 04 Nov, we found 7 trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen, including 7 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 1 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 11 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.

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Trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 50m.
Distance 65 km |
Average train duration 1h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:53 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 4 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:09 Cologne | 1h55 | 3:04 Gelsenkirchen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:01 Cologne | 1h06 | 8:07 Gelsenkirchen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:14 Cologne | 0h59 | 8:13 Gelsenkirchen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:17 Cologne | 1h11 | 8:28 Gelsenkirchen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:44 Cologne | 0h59 | 8:43 Gelsenkirchen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:17 Cologne | 1h11 | 9:28 Gelsenkirchen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:46 Cologne | 0h58 | 15:44 Gelsenkirchen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
Art museum with modern and contemporary works and changing exhibitions. A rewarding stop for strong architecture, focused displays and a central location.
Museum dedicated to FC Schalke 04 with trophies, memorabilia and club history. A popular visit for football supporters and visitors curious about local culture.
Museum in Schloss Horst covering local history and archaeology. Visit for the Renaissance setting, historical collections and insight into the region’s past.
Extensive park on a former industrial site with canals, paths, public art and event spaces. It is ideal for a relaxed walk and seeing Ruhr regeneration.
Large landscaped grounds around Schloss Horst with water features and walking paths. A pleasant place for a quiet stroll beside a historic setting.
Popular local park with woodland, lawns and play areas. It offers an easy outdoor break and shows a greener side of Gelsenkirchen beyond industry.
A hearty potato soup from the Ruhr area, often with vegetables and sausages. It is a classic comfort dish long linked with mining families.
Mashed potatoes mixed with applesauce and traditionally served with black pudding or fried sausage. A well-known homestyle dish in western Germany.
Pickled herring fillets in a tart marinade, often served with potatoes. It reflects the strong northern and western German taste for preserved fish.
Refined restaurant in an elegant setting, known for modern German and international cooking with a more formal dining feel.
Traditional brewery-style restaurant serving hearty German and Ruhr classics in a lively, rustic setting near the city centre.
Well-known local venue for classic German dishes and seasonal plates, with a relaxed atmosphere suited to a traditional meal.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Gelsenkirchen Hbf -> Bahnhofstraße, Gelsenkirchen
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Gelsenkirchen.
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.

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.
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/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.
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.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Check train stations information for Cologne and Gelsenkirchen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need