- Must visit
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Museum of antiquities with Egyptian, Greek and Roman treasures, clear interpretation and strong temporary exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leiden
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£19
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£50
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
3 h 3 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
3 h 38 m
Trains on 14 Oct
6
Distance
218 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leiden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leiden will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £19.
Fast trains
On Wed 14 Oct, we found 6 trains from Cologne to Leiden, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 218 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 7 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.
4:013h51Cologne7:52Leiden£191One-way0 changes- 12:254h07Cologne16:32Leiden£541One-way0 changes
- 8:254h07Cologne12:32Leiden£541One-way0 changes
- 4:493h03Cologne7:52Leiden£561One-way0 changes
- 7:253h57Cologne11:22Leiden£571One-way0 changes
- 4:493h03Cologne7:52Leiden£561One-way0 changes
- 9:493h13Cologne13:02Leiden£601One-way0 changes
- 4:013h51Cologne7:52Leiden£191One-way0 changes
- 7:253h57Cologne11:22Leiden£571One-way0 changes
- 12:254h07Cologne16:32Leiden£541One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Leiden
Germany
Netherlands
Trains from Cologne to Leiden run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 218 km distance in 2h 51m.
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 218 km |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:53 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Live departures
Cologne to Leiden train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leiden trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:01 Cologne | 3h51 | 7:52 Leiden | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4:49 Cologne | 3h03 | 7:52 Leiden | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:25 Cologne | 3h57 | 11:22 Leiden | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:25 Cologne | 4h07 | 12:32 Leiden | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:49 Cologne | 3h13 | 13:02 Leiden | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cologne to Leiden trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH offer trains services from Cologne to Leiden.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Leiden.
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 VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leiden.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Leiden.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leiden.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Leiden.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Cologne to Leiden trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Cologne and Leiden 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
2h 51m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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
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 30m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
£18
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 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
Complete guide to Leiden
Things to do in Leiden
Discover the best of Leiden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leiden trip today.
- Must visit
De Lakenhal
Fine art museum in a former cloth hall, with Old Masters, modern works and strong links to Leiden painters.
- Recommended
Wereldmuseum Leiden
Major ethnology museum with global collections, thoughtful exhibitions and family-friendly displays on world cultures.
- Must visit
Hortus botanicus Leiden
The Netherlands’ oldest botanical garden, prized for historic greenhouses, rare plants and a peaceful city-centre setting.
- Must visit
Rapenburg
Historic canal street with bridges, warehouses and inviting waterside walks, popular for its classic Leiden atmosphere.
- Recommended
Leidse Singels
Tree-lined canal walk on Leiden’s old fortifications, ideal for strolling past gates, water views and historic buildings.
- Vegetarian
Leidse speculaas
Spiced biscuit from nearby Leiden, flavoured with cinnamon and cloves. It is a classic regional bakery treat with roots in local trading history.
- Gluten-free
Leidse kaas
Firm cow's milk cheese from Leiden, traditionally seasoned with cumin. It is one of the city's best-known historic foods and a classic Dutch market buy.
- Gluten-free
Hutspot
Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with carrots and onions, often served in Dutch homes. It is a comforting traditional meal popular across Leiden and the region.
In den Doofpot
Historic waterside restaurant known for French-Dutch dishes and a refined but relaxed atmosphere in central Leiden.
Oudt Leyden
Long-running Leiden favourite for generous pancakes in a warm, traditional setting close to the historic centre.
Lot en de Walvis
Stylish restaurant by the water serving seasonal French-influenced cooking in an elegant converted industrial setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and dining are pricier than smaller Dutch towns, but local buses, trains and supermarket food help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 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
- €3-4.50 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 appreciated.
OVpay
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- : Route-based fare
- Day pass
- : €66.60
To the city centre
Leiden Centraal -> Stadhuis Leiden
- Distance
- 900 m
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Contactless bank card and mobile wallet payment work on Dutch trains, buses, trams and metro through OVpay.
- Use the OVpay or NS app to check journeys and review charges after travel.
FAQs: Cologne to Leiden train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leiden 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 Leiden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Leiden can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Cologne to Leiden covers a distance of 218 km and takes approximately 2h 51m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Leiden is 218 km.
The first train from Cologne to Leiden leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Cologne to Leiden departs at 23:53.
Trains from Cologne to Leiden run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Leiden.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Leiden.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Leiden is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Leiden Centraal.
Booking trains from Cologne to Leiden 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 Leiden is generally considered pleasant rather than particularly scenic, with views of urban landscapes, industrial areas, and stretches of countryside along the Rhine and through the Netherlands.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Leiden.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Leiden
Most Cologne to Leiden trains use the Köln Hbf to Leiden Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Leiden Lammenschans. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leiden 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 Leiden
Which Cologne station do trains to Leiden leave from?
Trains from Cologne to Leiden 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 · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · 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/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 Köln
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 · £4
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.
Köln-EhrenfeldKöln-Ehrenfeld, Stammstr. 1, 50968 Köln
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln-Ehrenfeld from Cologne city centre
Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 5m · every ~3 min
Re8, Rb27, Re9, Rb38, S19, S12 · 6m · £0.89 · every ~21 min
BusRb38, Re8, Rb27, S19 · 18m · £4
142 · 18m · every ~7 min
Subway3, 4 · 9m · £2 · every ~25 min
Köln-Ehrenfeld train station facilities and services
Köln-Ehrenfeld 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: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.
Which Leiden station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Trains from Cologne to Leiden most often arrive at Leiden Centraal. Some services arrive at Leiden Lammenschans, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Leiden arrival station.
Leiden CentraalStationsplein 3, 2312 AJ Leiden, Netherlands+31 30 751 5155
City-centre transport
Getting to Leiden Centraal from Leiden city centre
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus45 · 6m · £2 · every ~7 min
54, 1, 2, 3, 4, 169 · 7m · £3 · every ~24 min
54, 56, 3, 4 · 9m · £4 · every ~16 min
Leiden Centraal train station facilities and services
Leiden Centraal 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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Leiden LammenschansCentral Facility Building, 2311 VV Leiden, Netherlands
City-centre transport
Getting to Leiden Lammenschans from Leiden city centre
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus1, 2 · 4m · £3 · every ~7 min
Leiden Lammenschans train station facilities and services
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Leiden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leiden and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Leiden
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