1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
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
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.
To travel from Essen to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
S9 · IC 2040
S9 · IC 2046
S9 · IC 2440
S9 · IC 2048
RE 63624 · 26810
RE 63604 · 26808
RE 63608 · 26816
RE 63622 · 26852
RE 63603 · 26804Omio 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
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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
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.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 28m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RE 63603 · 26804 | 6:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 7:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · ICE 513 | On time 6:20 Essen Hbf | 1h25 | 7:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 25 | 6:22 Essen | 1h28 | 7:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26852 | 6:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28507 | 6:52 Essen | 1h37 | 8:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63622 · 26852 | On time 7:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · IC 2040 | On time 7:20 Essen Hbf | 1h25 | 8:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 103 | 7:22 Essen | 1h28 | 8:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 119 · S12 | 7:27 Essen | 1h42 | 9:09 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
S6 · 26808 | 7:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28509 | 7:52 Essen | 1h37 | 9:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63604 · 26808 | 8:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · ICE 515 | On time 8:20 Essen Hbf | 1h26 | 9:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 27 | 8:22 Essen | 1h30 | 9:52 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26810 | 8:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28511 | 8:52 Essen | 1h37 | 10:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S2 · IC 2007 | 8:53 Essen Hbf | 1h21 | 10:14 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63624 · 26810 | On time 9:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · IC 2042 | On time 9:20 Essen Hbf | 1h25 | 10:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 105 | On time 9:22 Essen | 1h28 | 10:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 225 | On time 9:42 Essen | 1h32 | 11:14 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26812 | 9:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28513 | 9:52 Essen | 1h37 | 11:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 1521 | 10:17 Essen | 1h28 | 11:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · ICE 1521 | 10:18 Essen Hbf | 1h27 | 11:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · ICE 517 | On time 10:20 Essen Hbf | 1h26 | 11:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 29 | 10:22 Essen | 1h28 | 11:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26814 | 10:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28515 | 10:52 Essen | 1h37 | 12:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S2 · IC 2009 | 10:54 Essen Hbf | 1h20 | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63626 · 26814 | On time 11:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · IC 2044 | On time 11:20 Essen Hbf | 1h25 | 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 107 | On time 11:22 Essen | 1h28 | 12:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26816 | 11:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28517 | 11:52 Essen | 1h37 | 13:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63608 · 26816 | 12:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 229 | On time 12:22 Essen | 1h30 | 13:52 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26818 | 12:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28519 | 12:52 Essen | 1h37 | 14:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S2 · IC 2201 | On time 12:53 Essen Hbf | 1h21 | 14:14 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63628 · 26818 | On time 13:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · IC 2046 | On time 13:20 Essen Hbf | 1h25 | 14:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 109 | On time 13:22 Essen | 1h28 | 14:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 125 | On time 13:42 Essen | 1h31 | 15:13 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 1033 | 13:47 Essen | 1h33 | 15:20 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26820 | 13:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28521 | 13:52 Essen | 1h37 | 15:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63610 · 26820 | On time 14:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 927 | 14:17 Essen | 1h34 | 15:51 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · ICE 611 | 14:20 Essen Hbf | 1h26 | 15:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26822 | 14:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28523 | 14:52 Essen | 1h37 | 16:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63630 · 26822 | On time 15:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · IC 2048 | 15:20 Essen Hbf | 1h25 | 16:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 201 | On time 15:22 Essen | 1h28 | 16:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 127 | On time 15:42 Essen | 1h31 | 17:13 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 2311 | On time 15:47 Essen | 1h32 | 17:19 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26824 | 15:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28525 | 15:52 Essen | 1h37 | 17:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63612 · 26824 | On time 16:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 929 | 16:22 Essen | 1h28 | 17:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26826 | 16:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 18:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28527 | 16:52 Essen | 1h37 | 18:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 17:00 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1h58 | 18:58 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63632 · 26826 | On time 17:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 18:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · IC 2440 | On time 17:20 Essen Hbf | 1h25 | 18:45 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 203 | On time 17:22 Essen | 1h28 | 18:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 1037 | 17:47 Essen | 1h33 | 19:20 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · 26828 | 17:48 Essen Hbf | 1h23 | 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · 28529 | 17:52 Essen | 1h37 | 19:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 63614 · 26828 | On time 18:04 Essen Hbf | 1h07 | 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 1021 | On time 18:17 Essen | 1h33 | 19:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S6 · ICE 546 | On time 18:18 Essen Hbf | 1h18 | 19:36 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S9 · ICE 615 | 18:20 Essen Hbf | 1h26 | 19:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

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.
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 |
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
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.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, Cologne
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.

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.
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need