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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Paderborn
Showing times and prices for 05 Dec
Cheapest price
£32
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
2 h 23 m
Average duration
2 h 41 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Paderborn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Paderborn will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cologne for Paderborn every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 23 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 2 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.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus16:148h01
Cologne Hbf00:15Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West
£321One-way
1 change
ICE 122308:242h23
Cologne Messe/Deutz10:47Paderborn Hbf
£321One-way
0 changes
RE 26811 · RB 9001708:492h51
Cologne Hbf11:40Paderborn Hbf
£441One-way
1 change
IC 215509:192h27
Cologne Hbf11:46Paderborn Hbf
£551One-way
0 changes
IC 2204 · ICE 757 · RB 9001909:383h02
Cologne Hbf12:40Paderborn Hbf
£671One-way
2 changes
ICE 122308:242h23
Cologne Messe/Deutz10:47Paderborn Hbf
£321One-way
0 changes
IC 215509:192h27
Cologne Hbf11:46Paderborn Hbf
£551One-way
0 changes
ICE 847 · RB 9006709:262h44
Cologne Hbf12:10Paderborn Hbf
£671One-way
1 change
RE 26811 · RB 9001708:492h51
Cologne Hbf11:40Paderborn Hbf
£441One-way
1 change
IC 2204 · ICE 757 · RB 9001909:383h02
Cologne Hbf12:40Paderborn Hbf
£671One-way
2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cologne to Paderborn
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Paderborn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 2h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £14, and a coach costs an average of £13.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£25 Average Price Cheapest | £26 Average Price |
2h 51m Average total duration 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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.
Live departures
Cologne to Paderborn train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Paderborn trains for today, Thursday 4 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 05:22
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1223 | Delayed 07:24 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2h23 | 09:49 09:49Paderborn Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| RE 26811 · RB 90017 | On time 07:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h51 | 10:40 Paderborn Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 2155 | On time 08:19 Cologne Hbf | 2h27 | 10:46 Paderborn Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 847 · RB 90067 | On time 08:26 Cologne Hbf | 2h44 | 11:10 Paderborn Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 2204 · ICE 757 · RB 90019 | On time 08:38 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 11:40 Paderborn Hbf | 2 changes | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 15:01 Cologne Hbf | 8h14 | 23:15 Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West | 1 change | |
| Friday 5 December | |||||
| 04:21 Cologne | 2h25 | 06:46 Paderborn | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Paderborn 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.
Fri
05 Dec
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06 Dec
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11 Dec
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Paderborn
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
Catering facilities availablePunctuality and without changing trainsComfortable seats and sufficient equipmentClean train with hygienic toiletsDisadvantages
Staff did not say hello backAs I travelled here very early, the train was not full and therefore very quiet. The staff were quick to check tickets, but they didn't greet me back. The train was very clean and the toilets were acceptable in terms of hygiene. I found the seats comfortable and adequately equipped. There was also a snack vending machine on the train. As the train was not delayed and I didn't have to change trains, I found the journey very good.
Advantages
WIFIPunctualityDisadvantages
CleanlinessI travelled from Cologne to Paderborn by train. The train pulled into the station on time. Inside, however, dirty seats awaited me, the corridors were very dirty, as were the sanitary facilities. The wifi on offer, however, worked. The staff were very friendly. Unfortunately, I couldn't shake off this unpleasant feeling during the journey.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Paderborn
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Paderborn run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 2h 21m.
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 £13
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 00:15 |
Last train 23:40 |
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 £13
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, National Express, FlixTrain from Cologne to Paderborn trainsDeutsche Bahn, National Express, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne and Paderborn from £13. 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 Duration
2h 4m
Cheapest Price
£12
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 44m
Cheapest Price
£13
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Price
£39
National Express frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
FAQs: Cologne to Paderborn train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Paderborn 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 Paderborn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
To explore Paderborn's key attractions, including Paderborn Cathedral, the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum, and local parks, a stay of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
A day trip from Cologne to Paderborn is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 21m. However, there are 10 trains per day for this route. The distance is 153 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Paderborn can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £25.
Booking trains from Cologne to Paderborn 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 Paderborn offers a pleasant view with stretches of picturesque countryside, charming villages, and the scenic landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia, making it an enjoyable experience for travellers.
The train journey from Cologne to Paderborn covers a distance of 153 km and takes approximately 2h 21m. Trains run 10 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Paderborn is by coach, costing approximately £13.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Paderborn is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Paderborn Hbf.
The first train from Cologne to Paderborn leaves at 0:15.
The train distance from Cologne to Paderborn is 153 km.
Trains from Cologne to Paderborn run approximately 10 times per day.
The last train from Cologne to Paderborn departs at 23:40.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Paderborn.
To get from Cologne to Paderborn, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Paderborn. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Paderborn.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Paderborn
Cologne
Paderborn
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Paderborn.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln-Mülheim
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
Hotel
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
The major train station for arrivals in Paderborn is Paderborn Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Paderborn Hbf for your journey to Paderborn from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Koya Kitchen
- Café Central
- Moso Sushi & Grill
- Waffel Dream
Hotel
- Haus Irma
- Südhotel
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Dining
- Balthasar
- Café Röhren
- Xinh City
- Cherusker Klause
Hotel
- Aspethera
- Zur Mühle
- Arthotel Ana Fleur
- Haus Irma
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Cafeteria
- Café Röhren
- Cherusker Klause
- Haci Baba
Hotel
- Aspethera
- Zur Mühle
- Arthotel Ana Fleur
- Cherusker Hof
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Paderborn
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Paderborn and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Paderborn
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