- 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.
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£5
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£25
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
52 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
54 m
Trains on 20 Sept
31
Distance
65 km
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 £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 31 trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen, including 26 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 55 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 2520
ICE 1020
ICE 2516
ICE 1036
ICE 2508Omio 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 an average ticket price of £6 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, while a train costs an average of £9.
Distance: 65 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest | £11 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen:
A coach is £3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen costing on average £9.
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 1m.
The journey is about 8m faster (1h 4m by train vs 1h 12m by car) and roughly £2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£9 vs £11). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2306 | On time 8:01 Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 9:08 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 9:13 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 8:25 Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 9:24 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1036 | On time 8:45 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 9:40 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26811 | 8:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 9:56 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:01 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 12:02 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1020 | On time 12:09 Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 13:03 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 13:13 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
10915 · ICE 1010 | On time 12:22 Cologne Hbf | 1h05 | 13:27 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1032 | On time 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 0h56 | 13:41 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26819 | 12:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h08 | 13:57 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2520 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 0h52 | 14:03 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2200 | On time 13:46 Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 14:43 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26821 | 13:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h08 | 14:57 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
89725 | 14:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 15:32 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 926 · 10143 | On time 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h11 | 15:22 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 change | |
10919 · ICE 918 | On time 14:22 Cologne Hbf | 1h05 | 15:27 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 change | |
26823 | 14:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h08 | 15:57 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2508 | On time 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 16:06 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2008 | On time 15:46 Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 16:43 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26825 | 15:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h08 | 16:57 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1520 | Delayed 16:07 Cologne Hbf | 0h56 | 15:05 15:05Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 17:11 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
10923 · ICE 916 | On time 16:22 Cologne Hbf | 1h05 | 17:27 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 change | |
28524 · 31268 | 16:31 Cologne Hbf | 1h21 | 17:52 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 change | |
26827 | 16:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 17:56 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 17:01 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 18:02 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2516 | On time 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 18:05 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2012 | On time 17:14 Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 18:11 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2006 | On time 17:46 Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 18:43 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26829 | 17:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 18:56 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Gelsenkirchen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 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.
Distance 65 km |
Average train duration 1h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 8 |
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 Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need