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

Sun 06 Sept
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Regional
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Regional
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Paderborn

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Sept

Cheapest price on 06 Sept

£23

Average ticket price on 06 Sept

£29

Fastest journey on 06 Sept

2 h 29 m

Average journey duration on 06 Sept

2 h 49 m

Trains on 06 Sept

5

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 £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.

Fast trains

On Sun 06 Sept, we found 5 trains from Cologne to Paderborn, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 2 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 29 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 46 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
    7:172h29
    Cologne
    9:46Paderborn
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:172h29
    Cologne
    8:46Paderborn
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:172h30
    Cologne
    10:47Paderborn
    £251One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1:543h46
    Cologne
    5:40Paderborn
    £271One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:492h51
    Cologne
    9:40Paderborn
    £491One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight 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 coach, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 31m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, while a flight costs an average of £282.

Distance: 153 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£24

Average Price

£24

Average Price

Cheapest

£282

Average Price

£25

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 33m

Average total duration

3h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 18m

Average total duration

4h 18m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Paderborn is a coach with an average price of £24.

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

A coach is £0.29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Paderborn costing on average £24.

A coach is £258 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Paderborn costing on average £282.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Paderborn is by coach with an average journey time of 2h 1m.

Other travel options to Paderborn take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 3m.

Flight takes on average 4h 18m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Paderborn including taking a train, coach and flight.
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 £24 compared to roughly £25 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £0.32. The journey takes 3h 3m versus 2h 20m 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.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).

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 Paderborn train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Paderborn trains for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn6:17 Cologne
2h29
8:46 Paderborn0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:17 Cologne
2h29
9:46 Paderborn0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:17 Cologne
2h30
10:47 Paderborn0 changesdirect
Sunday 6 September
Deutsche Bahn1:54 Cologne
3h46
5:40 Paderborn0 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, coach or flight

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.

Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept

Why should you book Cologne to Paderborn trains with Omio?

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

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 Regional or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Paderborn.
  • 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 Paderborn.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Regional or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Paderborn.
  • 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 Paderborn.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Paderborn

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
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
IconCatering facilities available
IconPunctuality and without changing trains
IconComfortable seats and sufficient equipment
IconClean train with hygienic toilets
Disadvantages
IconStaff did not say hello back
As 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
IconWIFI
IconPunctuality
Disadvantages
IconCleanliness
I 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
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Paderborn run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 2h 17m.

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
153 km
Average train duration
3h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 17m
First train
0:15
Last train
23:30
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
21 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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Regional, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Paderborn trainsDeutsche Bahn, Regional, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Paderborn from £7. 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 17m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£7
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

What's included in each class

Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
  • WC
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • WC

Regional

About
The term \Regional\" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, \"Regionalbahn\" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional Duration
4h 12m
Cheapest Regional Price
£23
Regional frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type and conditions
Refund
Full refund if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

What's included in each class

Compare Regional classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
2nd Class
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£36
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day

Complete guide to Paderborn

Things to do in Paderborn

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

  • Must visit

Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum

Modern museum presenting computer history from early calculating tools to the digital age through interactive displays.

  • Must visit

Paderquellgebiet

Scenic spring area where the River Pader rises, with paths, greenery and historic buildings at the core of the city centre.

  • Recommended

Kunstmuseum im Marstall

Art museum in a former imperial hall, showing changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art in a striking historic setting.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major cities, while local transport and everyday costs remain manageable for most travellers.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafés.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Paderborn can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Cologne to Paderborn covers a distance of 153 km and takes approximately 2h 17m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Paderborn is 153 km.
The first train from Cologne to Paderborn leaves at 0:15.
The last train from Cologne to Paderborn departs at 23:30.
Trains from Cologne to Paderborn run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Paderborn. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Cologne to Paderborn, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Paderborn.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Paderborn is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Paderborn Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Paderborn is by train, costing approximately £7.
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.
A day trip from Cologne to Paderborn is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 17m. However, there are 10 trains per day for this route. The distance is 153 km.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Paderborn.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Paderborn

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

Which Cologne station do trains to Paderborn leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Paderborn 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/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.

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.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Paderborn

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

Most popular train connections to Paderborn

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