- Must visit
Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus
Museum on Giethoorn’s history, peat cutting, farming and canal life, with period rooms that explain how the village developed.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Giethoorn
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£56
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£67
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 11 m
Trains on 18 Sept
5
Distance
210 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Giethoorn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Giethoorn will cost around £67 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 5 trains from Cologne to Giethoorn, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 210 km distance in an average of 4 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 48 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.
7:464h48Cologne12:34Giethoorn£561One-way0 changes- 7:493h25Cologne11:14Giethoorn£621One-way0 changes
- 8:504h39Cologne13:29Giethoorn£661One-way0 changes
- 6:493h25Cologne10:14Giethoorn£721One-way0 changes
- 7:114h40Cologne11:51Giethoorn£781One-way0 changes
- 7:493h25Cologne11:14Giethoorn£621One-way0 changes
- 6:493h25Cologne10:14Giethoorn£721One-way0 changes
- 8:504h39Cologne13:29Giethoorn£661One-way0 changes
- 7:114h40Cologne11:51Giethoorn£781One-way0 changes
- 7:464h48Cologne12:34Giethoorn£561One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cologne to Giethoorn
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Giethoorn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, while a train costs an average of £45.
Distance: 210 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£45 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 43m Average total duration 7h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Giethoorn is a coach with an average price of £37.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Giethoorn:
A coach is £19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Giethoorn costing on average £56.
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Giethoorn is by train with an average journey time of 3h 32m.
Other travel options to Giethoorn take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Giethoorn including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £56 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-12.28. The journey takes 3h 32m versus 3h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cologne to Giethoorn train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Giethoorn trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:49 Cologne | 3h25 | 10:14 Giethoorn | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:11 Cologne | 4h40 | 11:51 Giethoorn | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:46 Cologne | 4h48 | 12:34 Giethoorn | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:49 Cologne | 3h25 | 11:14 Giethoorn | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:50 Cologne | 4h39 | 13:29 Giethoorn | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Giethoorn by coach or train
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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
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23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Cologne to Giethoorn trains with Omio?
VIAS Rail GmbH as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains services from Cologne to Giethoorn.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Giethoorn.
Why book with Omio vs VIAS Rail GmbH?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for VIAS Rail GmbH, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Giethoorn.
- 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 VIAS Rail GmbH with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Giethoorn.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Giethoorn.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Giethoorn.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Giethoorn
Germany
Netherlands
Trains from Cologne to Giethoorn run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:16, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 210 km distance in 2h 52m.
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
Distance 210 km |
Average train duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 6:16 |
Last train 23:26 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 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
Train companies: VIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Giethoorn trainsVIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Giethoorn from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
VIAS Rail GmbH
About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average VIAS Rail GmbH Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
£23
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
17 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.
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.
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.
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
Complete guide to Giethoorn
Things to do in Giethoorn
Discover the best of Giethoorn — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Giethoorn trip today.
- Recommended
De Oude Aarde
Private museum displaying shells, minerals and fossils in a compact collection that appeals to curious visitors and families.
Histomobil
Small local museum focused on traditional boatbuilding and village transport, offering insight into Giethoorn’s waterside way of life.
- Must visit
Binnenpad
The main canal-side walking route through the old village, lined with thatched houses, bridges and boat traffic.
- Must visit
Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden
Nearby national park area of reed beds, lakes and waterways, popular for walking, cycling and boat trips from Giethoorn.
- Recommended
Dorpsgracht
Quieter waterside lane in the village centre, ideal for strolling past gardens, bridges and classic Giethoorn scenery.
Snert (Erwtensoep)
A hearty Dutch pea soup with split peas, pork and sausage. It is a winter classic across the Netherlands and often eaten with rye bread.
- Gluten-free
Gerookte paling
Smoked eel from Dutch waters, often served simply on bread or as part of a fish platter. It reflects the area’s long links with inland fishing.
- Vegetarian
Poffertjes
Small fluffy Dutch pancakes served with butter and sugar. They are a beloved traditional treat found across the country, including tourist towns.
De Lindenhof
Elegant waterside dining in a historic setting, known for refined Dutch and French-influenced dishes and a calm canal-side atmosphere.
Restaurant de Rietstulp
Well-known lakeside restaurant serving seafood, grilled dishes and Dutch classics with broad views over the water and a relaxed feel.
Canal Grande
Casual canal-side spot popular for pancakes, lunch and simple Dutch favourites. A practical stop during a day exploring the village.
Euro (€)
Moderate for the Netherlands: dining and stays in Giethoorn are tourist-priced, while local transport costs stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €55+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Round up small taxi fares and café bills, but tipping is not obligatory.
FAQs: Cologne to Giethoorn train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Giethoorn 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 Giethoorn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Giethoorn can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Cologne to Giethoorn covers a distance of 210 km and takes approximately 2h 52m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Giethoorn is 210 km.
The first train from Cologne to Giethoorn leaves at 6:16.
The last train from Cologne to Giethoorn departs at 23:26.
Trains from Cologne to Giethoorn run approximately 18 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Giethoorn.
To get from Cologne to Giethoorn, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Giethoorn.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Giethoorn is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Meppel.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Giethoorn is by train, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Cologne to Giethoorn 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 Giethoorn offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. As you travel, you'll pass through the industrial heartlands of Germany into the Netherlands, where the scenery becomes more pastoral, featuring flat fields, windmills, and canals, which are characteristic of the Dutch countryside. While not traditionally considered a scenic route, it provides glimpses of charming rural areas.
A day trip from Cologne to Giethoorn is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 52m. However, there are 19 train trips available per day.
To fully enjoy Giethoorn's charming canals, picturesque landscapes, and unique attractions, a stay of 1 to 2 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Giethoorn.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Giethoorn
Most Cologne to Giethoorn trains use the Köln Hbf to Meppel station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Giethoorn 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 Giethoorn
Which Cologne station do trains to Giethoorn leave from?
Trains from Cologne to Giethoorn leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany
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 Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln
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.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Giethoorn
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Giethoorn and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Giethoorn
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