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

Thu 03 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leeuwarden

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept

Cheapest price on 03 Sept

£42

Average ticket price on 03 Sept

£63

Fastest journey on 03 Sept

4 h 25 m

Average journey duration on 03 Sept

4 h 59 m

Trains on 03 Sept

3

Distance

264 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leeuwarden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Leeuwarden will cost around £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.

Fast trains

On Thu 03 Sept, we found 3 trains from Cologne to Leeuwarden, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 264 km distance in an average of 4 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 16 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:115h16
    Cologne
    11:27Leeuwarden
    £421One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:494h25
    Cologne
    12:14Leeuwarden
    £631One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:115h16
    Cologne
    13:27Leeuwarden
    £851One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cologne to Leeuwarden

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leeuwarden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 34m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £33, while a train costs an average of £53.

Distance: 264 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£53

Average Price

£33

Average Price

Cheapest

£54

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 50m

Average total duration

9h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 43m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Leeuwarden is a coach with an average price of £33.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Leeuwarden:

A coach is £20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Leeuwarden costing on average £53.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Leeuwarden is by train with an average journey time of 4h 4m.

Other travel options to Leeuwarden take longer:

Coach takes on average 9h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Leeuwarden including taking a train and coach.
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 £53 compared to roughly £54 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £1. The journey takes 4h 4m versus 3h 43m 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 Leeuwarden train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leeuwarden trains for tomorrow, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn6:11 Cologne
5h16
11:27 Leeuwarden0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:49 Cologne
4h25
12:14 Leeuwarden0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:11 Cologne
5h16
13:27 Leeuwarden0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Leeuwarden 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
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept

Why should you book Cologne to Leeuwarden trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Cologne to Leeuwarden.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Leeuwarden.

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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leeuwarden.
  • 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 Leeuwarden.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Leeuwarden.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Leeuwarden

GermanyGermany
NetherlandsNetherlands
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Leeuwarden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:50, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 264 km distance in 3h 55m.

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 £18
Distance
264 km
Average train duration
4h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
£32
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 55m
First train
0:50
Last train
23:46
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 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 £18

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Leeuwarden trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Leeuwarden from £18. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£34
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£97
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
7 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
£127
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Leeuwarden

Things to do in Leeuwarden

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

  • Must visit

Fries Museum

Friesland’s main museum presents regional history, art and changing exhibitions in a modern building near the station and city centre.

  • Recommended

Keramiekmuseum Princessehof

Museum in the former prison where resistance fighter Mata Hari was once held. It explores crime, punishment and justice in an atmospheric setting.

  • Recommended

Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden

Historic canal house museum with period rooms and collections showing elite life in Leeuwarden across past centuries.

Euro (€)

Moderate for the Netherlands: hotels and dining cost less than Amsterdam, while local buses and trains are fairly priced for visitors.

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
€60+ 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. Taxis are often rounded up. In cafés, small change or rounding up is enough.

FAQs: Cologne to Leeuwarden train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Leeuwarden can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £53.
The train journey from Cologne to Leeuwarden covers a distance of 264 km and takes approximately 3h 55m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Leeuwarden is 264 km.
The first train from Cologne to Leeuwarden leaves at 0:50.
The last train from Cologne to Leeuwarden departs at 23:46.
Trains from Cologne to Leeuwarden run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Leeuwarden.
To get from Cologne to Leeuwarden, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Leeuwarden.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Leeuwarden is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Leeuwarden station.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Leeuwarden is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Cologne to Leeuwarden 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 Leeuwarden is moderately scenic, featuring views of the Rhine River, rolling countryside, and charming Dutch villages, offering a pleasant travel experience.
A day trip from Cologne to Leeuwarden is not feasible, as the duration is 3h 55m. However, there are 10 trips available per day by train. The distance is 264 km.
In Leeuwarden, you can visit AquaZoo Friesland, a family-friendly zoo with aquatic and land animals. Explore vibrant local markets for unique Dutch treats and crafts or enjoy a canal tour to see the city from a different perspective. Visit the historic Waagplein, a lively square with cafes and shops, or take a cycling tour through the scenic Frisian countryside. For cultural sights, check out the Fries Museum, Oldehove, Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics, Blokhuispoort, and De Groene Ster for outdoor activities.
To fully appreciate Leeuwarden's cultural heritage, museums, and local attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Leeuwarden.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Leeuwarden

Most Cologne to Leeuwarden trains use the Köln Hbf to Leeuwarden station pair, with some services arriving at Leeuwarden Camminghaburen. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leeuwarden 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 Leeuwarden

Which Cologne station do trains to Leeuwarden leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Leeuwarden 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 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.

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.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Leeuwarden

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Leeuwarden

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