- 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.
Cheapest price
£6
Average price
£27
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 3 m
Trains per day
52
Distance
65 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.
Of the 52 trains that leave Gelsenkirchen for Cologne every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 1 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 7 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.
FlixTrain
IC 2007
32975 · ICE 625 · ICE 29
89876 · ICE 29
IC 2009
IC 2007
IC 2201
ICE 2311
IC 2009
89878 · IC 2156Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 £4, and a train costs an average of £7.
Distance: 65 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£14 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 37m Average total duration 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 11 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89872 · ICE 27 | On time 8:31 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h18 | 9:49 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32967 · ICE 621 · 10812 | 8:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h19 | 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2007 | 9:13 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h01 | 10:14 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
32971 · ICE 105 | On time 9:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h14 | 10:48 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 225+ 52251 | Delayed 8:25 9:39Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h32 | 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32973 · 28513 | 10:09 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 11:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
89876 · ICE 29 | On time 10:31 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h18 | 11:49 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32975 · ICE 625 · ICE 29 | On time 10:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h15 | 11:49 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1521+ 52253 | 10:39 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h17 | 11:56 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32977 · 28515 | 11:09 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 12:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2009 | 11:27 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h04 | 12:31 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
89878 · IC 2156 | 11:31 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h07 | 12:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32979 · ICE 107 | On time 11:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h14 | 12:48 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 123+ 52255 | Delayed 10:25 11:39Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h32 | 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32981 · 28517 | 12:09 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 13:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
26818+ 52257 · 20021 | 12:38 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h33 | 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2201 | On time 13:13 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h01 | 14:14 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
32987 · ICE 109 | On time 13:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h14 | 14:48 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 125+ 52259 | Delayed 12:25 13:37Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h34 | 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
31261 · ICE 1033 | On time 14:01 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h13 | 15:14 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32989 · 28521 | 14:09 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 15:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32991 · ICE 1746 | 14:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h15 | 15:49 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
26822+ 20025 · 52261 | 14:39 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h32 | 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
32993 · 28523 | 15:09 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 16:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2203 | On time 15:28 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h07 | 16:35 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
32995 · ICE 201 | 15:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h14 | 16:48 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 127+ 52263 | 15:39 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h32 | 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32997 · 28525 | 16:09 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 17:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
32999 · ICE 727 · 10830 | 16:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h19 | 17:53 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 2311 | 16:53 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h03 | 17:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
52991 · 28527 | 17:09 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 18:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2205 | On time 17:28 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h07 | 18:35 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
52993 · ICE 203 | On time 17:34 Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h14 | 18:48 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 Gelsenkirchen to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 59m.
Distance 65 km |
Average train duration 1h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 59m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen to Cologne trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen is 2 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen 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: Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas, Viva Sevilla, Nudelland
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
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/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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need