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

Sat 05 Sept
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FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£8

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£34

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

1 h 7 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

1 h 7 m

Trains on 05 Sept

74

Distance

58 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Essen to Cologne will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.

Fast trains

To travel from Essen to Cologne you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    17:001h58
    Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    18:58Cologne Hbf
    £81One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2040
    7:201h25
    Essen Hbf
    8:45Cologne Hbf
    £201One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2046
    13:201h25
    Essen Hbf
    14:45Cologne Hbf
    £201One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2440
    17:201h25
    Essen Hbf
    18:45Cologne Hbf
    £201One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2048
    15:201h25
    Essen Hbf
    16:45Cologne Hbf
    £201One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Essen to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 26m. 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 £4, while a train costs an average of £7.

Distance: 58 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£7

Average Price

£4

Average Price

Cheapest

£10

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 58m

Average total duration

1h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 3m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

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 Essen to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £4.

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

A coach is £3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Cologne costing on average £7.

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 56m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Coach takes on average 1h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Cologne including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 7m faster (56m by train vs 1h 3m by car) and roughly £3 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£7 vs £10). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Essen to Cologne train times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnRE 63603 · 268046:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
7:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 513
On time
6:20 Essen Hbf
1h25
7:45 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 256:22 Essen
1h28
7:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 268526:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
8:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 285076:52 Essen
1h37
8:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63622 · 26852
On time
7:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
8:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2040
On time
7:20 Essen Hbf
1h25
8:45 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 1037:22 Essen
1h28
8:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 119 · S127:27 Essen
1h42
9:09 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 268087:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
9:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 285097:52 Essen
1h37
9:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63604 · 268088:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
9:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 515
On time
8:20 Essen Hbf
1h26
9:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 278:22 Essen
1h30
9:52 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 268108:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
10:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 285118:52 Essen
1h37
10:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS2 · IC 20078:53 Essen Hbf
1h21
10:14 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63624 · 26810
On time
9:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
10:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2042
On time
9:20 Essen Hbf
1h25
10:45 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 105
On time
9:22 Essen
1h28
10:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 225
On time
9:42 Essen
1h32
11:14 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 268129:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
11:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 285139:52 Essen
1h37
11:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 152110:17 Essen
1h28
11:45 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · ICE 152110:18 Essen Hbf
1h27
11:45 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 517
On time
10:20 Essen Hbf
1h26
11:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 2910:22 Essen
1h28
11:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2681410:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
12:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2851510:52 Essen
1h37
12:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS2 · IC 200910:54 Essen Hbf
1h20
12:14 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63626 · 26814
On time
11:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
12:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2044
On time
11:20 Essen Hbf
1h25
12:45 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 107
On time
11:22 Essen
1h28
12:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2681611:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
13:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2851711:52 Essen
1h37
13:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63608 · 2681612:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
13:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 229
On time
12:22 Essen
1h30
13:52 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2681812:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
14:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2851912:52 Essen
1h37
14:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS2 · IC 2201
On time
12:53 Essen Hbf
1h21
14:14 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63628 · 26818
On time
13:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
14:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2046
On time
13:20 Essen Hbf
1h25
14:45 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 109
On time
13:22 Essen
1h28
14:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 125
On time
13:42 Essen
1h31
15:13 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 103313:47 Essen
1h33
15:20 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2682013:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
15:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2852113:52 Essen
1h37
15:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63610 · 26820
On time
14:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
15:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 92714:17 Essen
1h34
15:51 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 61114:20 Essen Hbf
1h26
15:46 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2682214:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
16:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2852314:52 Essen
1h37
16:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63630 · 26822
On time
15:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
16:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 204815:20 Essen Hbf
1h25
16:45 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 201
On time
15:22 Essen
1h28
16:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 127
On time
15:42 Essen
1h31
17:13 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 2311
On time
15:47 Essen
1h32
17:19 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2682415:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
17:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2852515:52 Essen
1h37
17:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63612 · 26824
On time
16:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
17:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 92916:22 Essen
1h28
17:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2682616:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
18:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2852716:52 Essen
1h37
18:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain17:00 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
1h58
18:58 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63632 · 26826
On time
17:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
18:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · IC 2440
On time
17:20 Essen Hbf
1h25
18:45 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 203
On time
17:22 Essen
1h28
18:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 103717:47 Essen
1h33
19:20 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · 2682817:48 Essen Hbf
1h23
19:11 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 2852917:52 Essen
1h37
19:29 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 63614 · 26828
On time
18:04 Essen Hbf
1h07
19:11 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · ICE 1021
On time
18:17 Essen
1h33
19:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS6 · ICE 546
On time
18:18 Essen Hbf
1h18
19:36 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 61518:20 Essen Hbf
1h26
19:46 Cologne Hbf1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Cologne 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.

Sat
05 Sept
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06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
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08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
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13 Sept
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14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
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16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept

Why should you book Essen to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Essen to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Cologne.

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

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 Essen to Cologne.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Cologne

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
IconClean
IconOffers catering facilities
IconSeats comfortable with full equipment
Disadvantages
Icon95 minutes late
IconLoud atmosphere on the train
IconStaff overstrained
On this journey, the train had been very late, a total of 95 minutes, so that subsequent trains were also delayed. It had been very noisy on the train and the staff were very overwhelmed with the situation. Nevertheless, the train was very clean and the toilets were hygienic. There was still a food option on the train. The seats had been comfortable and had power sockets and an internet connection. As the train was full, I did not recommend the journey.
Advantages
IconComfort
Disadvantages
IconNone
I travelled the route from Cologne to Essen on 24 May with the ICE 729. The journey takes about 1 hour, but is very bearable in the ICE. Despite commuter times, I got a seat without a seat reservation and the train was not too crowded. It was quite clean on the train, the conductor was very nice and the price for the ticket was reasonable, with about 18 € per trip I find the price performance very reasonable.
Advantages
IconSpeed
Disadvantages
IconNone
Yesterday, on my way back from Dortmund, I travelled from Essen to Cologne on the ICE 729. The journey between Cologne and Essen was very pleasant and took about 1 hour. The train was clean, the conductor was very polite and the price-performance ratio was also very fair. Basically, I can highly recommend the trip, as I even got a seat in the full train despite not having a seat reservation.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 48m.

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 £4
Distance
58 km
Average train duration
56m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
48m
First train
0:01
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
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 £4

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Essen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Essen and Cologne from £4. 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
48m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£5
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

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 FlixTrain Duration
50m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£5
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
48m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£24
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
20 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Price
£15
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
15 a day

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

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

  • Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.

  • Recommended

Museum Schnütgen

Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.

FAQs: Essen to Cologne train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £7.
The train journey from Essen to Cologne covers a distance of 58 km and takes approximately 48m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Essen to Cologne is 58 km.
The first train from Essen to Cologne leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Essen to Cologne departs at 23:58.
Trains from Essen to Cologne run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Cologne. The service operates 9 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
To get from Essen to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Essen to Cologne.
The train station in Essen that goes to Cologne is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Essen to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Essen to Cologne is not particularly scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Yes, a day trip from Essen to Cologne is feasible. The journey takes 48m, covers 58 km, and trains run 15 times per day.
In Cologne, visitors can explore the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Gothic architecture, and visit the Museum Ludwig for modern art by artists like Picasso and Warhol. A Rhine River Cruise offers scenic views of the city's skyline and landmarks, while the Hohenzollern Bridge is known for love locks and panoramic river views. The Old Town (Altstadt) charms with historic streets and traditional beer halls. Families might enjoy the Cologne Zoo, which is rich in diverse animal species. For culture and entertainment, attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, or discover the Belgian Quarter’s trendy boutiques and cafes. The Cologne Chocolate Museum provides an interactive experience about chocolate history, and the Botanical Gardens Flora showcases beautiful plant species and floral displays.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Cologne

Most Essen to Cologne trains use the Essen Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Essen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Essen
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Essen station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Essen to Cologne leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

Essen Hbf train station facilities and services

Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, GermanyWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.

Essen SüdEssen Süd, Rellinghauser Str.175, 45136 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre

Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 10m · £3
Tram105 · 9m · every ~10 min

Essen Süd train station facilities and services

Essen Süd 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Webers.

Most popular train connections from Essen

More options for your journey from Essen to Cologne

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