- Must visit
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Museum of antiquities with Egyptian, Greek and Roman treasures, clear interpretation and strong temporary exhibitions.
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£43
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£48
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
3 h 38 m
Trains on 30 Aug
3
Distance
218 km
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 £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
On Sun 30 Aug, we found 3 trains from Cologne to Leiden, including 3 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 11 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 5 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leiden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a flight costs an average of £285.
Distance: 218 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest | £285 Average Price |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 37m Average total duration 7h 37m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Leiden trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89721 · ICE 126 · IC 3550 | 12:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 16:00 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10614 · 20076 · IC 3552 · IC 1150 | 12:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 16:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10614 · 20076 · IC 3552 | 12:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 16:30 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10914 · 18940 · IC 3954 · IC 2754 | 12:47 Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 17:07 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10616 · 20078 · IC 3556 | 13:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 17:30 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10616 · 20078 · IC 3556 · IC 1154 | 13:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 17:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
ICE 124 · IC 3558 | On time 13:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 18:00 Leiden Centraal | 1 change | |
89725 · ICE 124 · IC 3558 | 14:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 18:00 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10618 · 20080 · IC 3560 | 14:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 18:30 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10618 · 20080 · IC 3560 · IC 1158 | 14:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 18:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10918 · 18948 · IC 3962 · IC 2762 | 14:47 Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 19:07 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10620 · 20082 · IC 3564 | 15:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 19:30 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10620 · 20082 · IC 3564 · IC 1162 | 15:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 19:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
ICE 122 · IC 3566 | On time 15:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 20:00 Leiden Centraal | 1 change | |
89729 · ICE 122 · IC 3566 | 16:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 20:00 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10622 · 20084 · IC 3568 · IC 1166 | 16:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 20:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10622 · 20084 · IC 3568 | 16:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 20:30 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10922 · 18956 · IC 3970 · IC 2970 | 16:46 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 21:07 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10922 · 18956 · IC 3970 · IC 2970 | 16:46 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 21:07 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10624 · 20086 · IC 3572 · IC 1170 | 17:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 21:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10624 · 20086 · IC 3572 | 17:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 21:30 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
79505 · IC 3174+ 20032 | 17:28 Cologne Hbf | 4h46 | 22:14 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
ICE 12 · EC 9267 · IC 3585 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 4h46 | 22:29 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
ICE 12 · IC 3318 · ECD 9575 · IC 3583 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 4h16 | 21:59 Leiden Centraal | 3 changes | |
10924 · 18960 · 32568 · IC 2974 | 17:47 Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 22:07 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10626 · 20088 · IC 3576 | 18:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 22:30 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
10626 · 20088 · IC 3576 · IC 1174 | 18:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 22:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
ICE 224 · IC 3578 | On time 18:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 23:00 Leiden Centraal | 1 change | |
10628 · 20090 · IC 3580 · IC 1178 | 19:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 23:28 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10628 · 20090 · IC 3580 · RE 6782 | 19:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 23:37 Leiden Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 120 · RE 6784 | On time 19:53 Cologne Hbf | 4h14 | 0:07 Leiden Centraal | 1 change | |
81694 · ICE 120 · RE 6784 | 20:08 Cologne Hbf | 3h59 | 0:07 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
26830 · 18970 · IC 3984 · IC 2984 | 20:24 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 4h13 | 0:37 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
10630 · Bus RE13 · IC 3586 · IC 2986 | 20:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h42 | 1:07 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
89739 · IC 21436+ 20040 | 21:07 Cologne Hbf | 7h14 | 4:21 Leiden Centraal | 2 changes | |
89739 · IC 21432 · IC 1409+ 20040 | 21:07 Cologne Hbf | 6h14 | 3:21 Leiden Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 318 · R 18981 · IC 2992 · IC 21406 | 21:42 Cologne Hbf | 5h39 | 3:21 Leiden Centraal | 4 changes | |
| Sunday 30 August | |||||
![]() | 6:50 Cologne | 3h39 | 10:29 Leiden | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:49 Cologne | 3h11 | 11:00 Leiden | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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 Leiden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 218 km distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 218 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
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 |
Discover the best of Leiden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leiden trip today.
Museum of antiquities with Egyptian, Greek and Roman treasures, clear interpretation and strong temporary exhibitions.
Fine art museum in a former cloth hall, with Old Masters, modern works and strong links to Leiden painters.
Major ethnology museum with global collections, thoughtful exhibitions and family-friendly displays on world cultures.
The Netherlands’ oldest botanical garden, prized for historic greenhouses, rare plants and a peaceful city-centre setting.
Historic canal street with bridges, warehouses and inviting waterside walks, popular for its classic Leiden atmosphere.
Tree-lined canal walk on Leiden’s old fortifications, ideal for strolling past gates, water views and historic buildings.
Spiced biscuit from nearby Leiden, flavoured with cinnamon and cloves. It is a classic regional bakery treat with roots in local trading history.
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.
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.
Historic waterside restaurant known for French-Dutch dishes and a refined but relaxed atmosphere in central Leiden.
Long-running Leiden favourite for generous pancakes in a warm, traditional setting close to the historic centre.
Stylish restaurant by the water serving seasonal French-influenced cooking in an elegant converted industrial setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Leiden Centraal -> Stadhuis Leiden
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.

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.
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.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
De Vink is 2 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
De Vink has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at De Vink.
ATMs are available at De Vink.
Available at De Vink: Parking.
Available at De Vink: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at De Vink.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need