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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Cologne
Showing times and prices for 06 Dec
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£15
Fastest journey
49 m
Average duration
54 m
Trains per day
9
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 £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Fast trains
Of the 9 trains that leave Essen for Cologne every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 3 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.
FlixTrain12:500h55
Essen Hbf13:45Cologne Hbf
£71One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain18:501h04
Essen Hbf19:54Cologne Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain18:031h19
Essen Hbf19:22Cologne Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain12:031h19
Essen Hbf13:22Cologne Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
EC 708:000h49
Essen Hbf08:49Cologne Hbf
£181One-way
0 changes
EC 708:000h49
Essen Hbf08:49Cologne Hbf
£181One-way
0 changes
ICE 2709:000h49
Essen Hbf09:49Cologne Hbf
£181One-way
0 changes
ICE 515 · S 1909:050h54
Essen Hbf09:59Cologne Hbf
£221One-way
1 change
FlixTrain12:500h55
Essen Hbf13:45Cologne Hbf
£71One-way
0 changes
RE 2680808:091h03
Essen Hbf09:12Cologne Hbf
£251One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train 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 prices starting from £3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. 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 coach costs an average of £3, and a train costs an average of £5.
Distance: 58 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg 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
Essen to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Cologne trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 05:43
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 11:03 Essen Hbf | 1h19 | 12:22 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 11:50 Essen Hbf | 0h55 | 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 15:50 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 17:13 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 17:03 Essen Hbf | 1h19 | 18:22 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 19:50 Essen Hbf | 1h05 | 20:55 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04:00 Essen | 0h49 | 04:49 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:00 Essen | 0h49 | 05:49 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
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 coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Essen to Cologne?
The best time to book your train from Essen to Cologne is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Essen to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Essen to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Essen to Cologne.
Trains
from £5Coaches
from £6ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Cologne
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
CleanOffers catering facilitiesSeats comfortable with full equipmentDisadvantages
95 minutes lateLoud atmosphere on the trainStaff overstrainedOn 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
ComfortDisadvantages
NoneI 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
SpeedDisadvantages
NoneYesterday, 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
Trains from Essen to Cologne run on average 15 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £3 by coach.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 49m.
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 £3
Distance 58 km |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
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 £3
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express from Essen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express trains will get you between Essen and Cologne from £3. 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
49m
Cheapest Price
£6
Deutsche Bahn frequency
16 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
51m
Cheapest Price
£5
FlixTrain frequency
3 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
1h 1m
Cheapest Price
£14
National Express frequency
21 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: 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.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £3.
The train distance from Essen to Cologne is 58 km.
Yes, a day trip from Essen to Cologne is feasible. The journey takes 49m, covers 58 km, and trains run 15 times per day.
The train journey from Essen to Cologne is not particularly scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The last train from Essen to Cologne departs at 23:58.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Cologne. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express.
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 £9.
There is no night train service from Essen to Cologne.
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 covers a distance of 58 km and takes approximately 49m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train station in Essen that goes to Cologne is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The first train from Essen to Cologne leaves at 0:01.
Trains from Essen to Cologne run approximately 15 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Cologne.
To get from Essen to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Cologne
Essen
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Cologne.
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
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen-Steele
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
Hotel
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
Kettwig
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmDining
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Essen
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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