ESSEN to COLOGNE train from £4 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC)

2,000+ travel companies

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Oct

Cheapest price on 20 Oct

£23

Average ticket price on 20 Oct

£25

Fastest journey on 20 Oct

1 h 10 m

Average journey duration on 20 Oct

1 h 18 m

Trains on 20 Oct

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 £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.

Fast trains

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

S6 · 26810
8:481h23
Essen Hbf
10:11Cologne Hbf
£231One-way
1 change
S6 · 28509
8:081h21
Essen Hbf
9:29Cologne Hbf
£231One-way
1 change
30294 · 17323
8:121h21
Essen Hbf
9:33Cologne Hbf
£231One-way
1 change
28072 · 28505
6:191h10
Essen Hbf
7:29Cologne Hbf
£231One-way
1 change
S6 · 26806
6:481h23
Essen Hbf
8:11Cologne Hbf
£231One-way
1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Cologne

Germany

Trains from Essen to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 43m.

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

1h 3m

Cheapest ticket price

£4

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

43m

First train

0:01

Last train

23:58

Cheapest Month

Mar

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Sat

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £4

Live departures

Essen to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
28072 · 28505	6:19 Essen Hbf	1h10	7:29 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 513	On time 6:20 Essen Hbf	1h25	7:45 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S6 · 26806	6:48 Essen Hbf	1h23	8:11 Cologne Hbf	1 change
30292 · 17319	7:12 Essen Hbf	1h21	8:33 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 103	On time 7:20 Essen Hbf	1h26	8:46 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S6 · ICE 529 · S19	7:28 Essen Hbf	1h29	8:57 Cologne Hbf	2 changes
S6 · 26808	7:48 Essen Hbf	1h23	9:11 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 656	On time 7:50 Essen Hbf	1h25	9:15 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S6 · 28509	8:08 Essen Hbf	1h21	9:29 Cologne Hbf	1 change
30294 · 17323	8:12 Essen Hbf	1h21	9:33 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 515	On time 8:20 Essen Hbf	1h26	9:46 Cologne Hbf	1 change
28074 · ICE 621 · S19	8:39 Essen Hbf	1h18	9:57 Cologne Hbf	2 changes
S6 · 26810	8:48 Essen Hbf	1h23	10:11 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S6 · 28511	9:08 Essen Hbf	1h22	10:30 Cologne Hbf	1 change
30296 · 17327	9:12 Essen Hbf	1h21	10:33 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S9 · ICE 105	On time 9:20 Essen Hbf	1h26	10:46 Cologne Hbf	1 change
S6 · ICE 623 · S19	9:28 Essen Hbf	1h29	10:57 Cologne Hbf	2 changes
S6 · 26812	9:48 Essen Hbf	1h23	11:11 Cologne Hbf	1 change
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Essen to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain 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 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

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

Clean

Offers catering facilities

Seats comfortable with full equipment

Disadvantages

95 minutes late

Loud atmosphere on the train

Staff 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

Comfort

Disadvantages

None

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

Speed

Disadvantages

None

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.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Essen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain 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

43m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

£7

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.

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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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

46m

Cheapest FlixTrain Price

£4

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

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.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

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

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

Best day trips from Cologne by train

The most popular day trips by train from Cologne are Bonn, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Koblenz and Dortmund. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cologne on Omio.

Day trip from Cologne to Bonn by train

Why visit Bonn for the day?

Bonn is best known as Beethoven’s birthplace and the former capital of West Germany. Set on the Rhine, it feels calm and cultured, with museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a strong university presence.

How to get from Cologne to Bonn by train?

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 24 km distance in 19m.

Find tickets to Bonn

Day trip from Cologne to Düsseldorf by train

Why visit Düsseldorf for the day?

Düsseldorf is known for fashion, contemporary art and its lively Altstadt on the Rhine. Sleek shopping streets, traditional breweries and bold modern architecture give it a polished yet sociable character.

How to get from Cologne to Düsseldorf by train?

There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 km distance in 14m.

Find tickets to Düsseldorf

Day trip from Cologne to Aachen by train

Why visit Aachen for the day?

Aachen is best known for its cathedral and its close ties to Charlemagne and imperial history. Near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, it feels compact, youthful and international, with thermal spa traditions and a busy university scene.

How to get from Cologne to Aachen by train?

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 63 km distance in 31m.

Find tickets to Aachen

Day trip from Cologne to Koblenz by train

Why visit Koblenz for the day?

Koblenz sits at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle, with a historic centre shaped by Roman beginnings and river trade. It is known for the Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein, while vineyards and waterfront views give it a calm, lived-in feel.

How to get from Cologne to Koblenz by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 78 km distance in 44m.

Find tickets to Koblenz

Day trip from Cologne to Dortmund by train

Why visit Dortmund for the day?

Dortmund is a Ruhr city known for football, brewing heritage and its industrial roots. Former worksites, parks and modern cultural venues give it a practical, lively character.

How to get from Cologne to Dortmund by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 57m.

Find tickets to Dortmund

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.

The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £28.

The train journey from Essen to Cologne covers a distance of 58 km and takes approximately 43m. Trains run 12 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 12 times per day.

Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Cologne. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.

Yes, there is a night train from Essen to Cologne.

The train station in Essen that goes to Cologne is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.

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, 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 Essen Wifi

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.

More about Essen Hbf

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

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-WerdenEssen-Werden, Im Löwental 11, 45239 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre

Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min

BusS6 · 14m · £4

Ne8 · 22m · £4

Essen-Werden train station facilities and services

Essen-Werden 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.