- Must visit
Groninger Museum
Bold contemporary museum with changing exhibitions in art, design and culture. Its striking architecture makes it a destination in itself.
Cheapest price
£56
Average price
£65
Fastest journey
4 h 35 m
Average duration
4 h 55 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Groningen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Groningen will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
To travel from Cologne to Groningen you need to make at least 3 changes.
10606 · 20068 · IC 3536 · IC 539
10906 · 18924 · IC 3938 · IC 641
10606 · 20068 · IC 3536 · IC 539
ICE 616 · Bus 72028 · 37945+
90276
ICE 616 · 20362 · IC 17942 · RE 6137
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 3624 · IC 535
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 3624 · IC 535
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 3624 · RE 6135
ICE 616 · 20362 · IC 17942 · RE 6137
10606 · 20068 · IC 3536 · IC 539Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Groningen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, and a train costs an average of £18.
Distance: 256 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£37 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 19m Average total duration Fastest 4h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration 6h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 Groningen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 539 | 8:07 Cologne Hbf | 5h35 | 13:42 Groningen station | 2 changes | |
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 3624 · IC 535 | 8:07 Cologne Hbf | 4h42 | 12:49 Groningen Europapark | 4 changes | |
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 3624 · RE 6135 | 8:07 Cologne Hbf | 4h48 | 12:55 Groningen Europapark | 3 changes | |
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 3624 · IC 535 | 8:07 Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 12:42 Groningen station | 3 changes | |
ICE 616 · 20362 · IC 17942 · RE 6137 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 13:28 Groningen station | 4 changes | |
ICE 616 · 20362 · IC 17942 · RE 6137 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h14 | 13:25 Groningen Europapark | 4 changes | |
ICE 616 · Bus 72028 · 37945+ 90276 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 14:18 Groningen Europapark | 3 changes | |
17408 · ICE 148 · IC 17946 · RE 6141 | 8:21 Cologne Hbf | 6h04 | 14:25 Groningen Europapark | 3 changes | |
10606 · 20068 · IC 3536 · IC 539 | 8:25 Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 13:42 Groningen station | 3 changes | |
10606 · 20068 · IC 3536 · IC 539 | 8:25 Cologne Hbf | 5h24 | 13:49 Groningen Europapark | 4 changes | |
10906 · 18924 · IC 3938 · IC 641 | 8:47 Cologne Hbf | 5h25 | 14:12 Groningen station | 4 changes | |
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 Groningen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:34, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 3h 53m.
Distance 256 km |
Average train duration 4h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 0:34 |
Last train 23:49 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Groningen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Groningen trip today.
Bold contemporary museum with changing exhibitions in art, design and culture. Its striking architecture makes it a destination in itself.
University museum presenting science, nature and medical collections in an accessible format, ideal for a compact cultural visit.
Museum in the old synagogues about Jewish life in Groningen, with personal stories and thoughtful historical displays.
Main market square framed by historic buildings, terraces and regular events. A natural starting point for exploring central Groningen.
Compact historic harbour area with warehouses, boats and waterside views. One of the city’s most photogenic walking spots.
Popular city park with broad lawns, ponds and winding paths. Good for a relaxed walk away from the busiest shopping streets.
A hearty pea soup with split peas, pork and smoked sausage. A classic Dutch winter dish widely eaten in Groningen and the northern provinces.
Thin Dutch pancakes served sweet or savoury. In Groningen they are a long-standing café staple, often enjoyed with syrup, bacon or cheese.
A traditional rye bread from the north, dark, moist and slightly sweet. It reflects Groningen’s grain-growing history and is often served with cheese or bacon.
Popular brewpub pouring house beers with hearty dishes and bar snacks in a lively industrial-style atmosphere.
Refined restaurant serving carefully prepared seasonal menus with French and Dutch influences in an intimate atmosphere.
Stylish city-centre restaurant known for modern Dutch and seasonal dishes in a smart but relaxed setting.
Moderate for the Netherlands: dining and hotels cost less than Amsterdam, but tourist stays and eating out are still pricier than many smaller European cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Groningen Central Station -> Grote Markt, Groningen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Groningen 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 Groningen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Groningen trains use the Köln Hbf to Groningen station pair, with some services arriving at Groningen Noord. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Groningen 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.
Groningen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Drie Gezusters, Mr. Mofongo
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Groningen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Groningen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Groningen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Groningen Hotel, The Student Hotel Groningen, City Hotel Groningen.
Groningen Noord is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:
Groningen Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen Noord.
Available at Groningen Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen Noord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Noord: Ramps.
Groningen Europapark is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:
Groningen Europapark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen Europapark.
ATMs are available at Groningen Europapark.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Europapark.
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