- 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 on 05 Sept
£41
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£55
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
3 h 43 m
Trains on 05 Sept
8
Distance
218 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leiden to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leiden to Cologne will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
To travel from Leiden to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
IC 3551 · ICE 127
IC 3543 · ICE 125
IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629
IC 3536 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085
IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077
IC 3543 · ICE 125
IC 3551 · ICE 127
IC 3536 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085
IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077
IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leiden to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a flight costs an average of £325.
Distance: 218 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £325 Average Price |
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 2m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Leiden to Cologne:
A coach is £35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leiden to Cologne costing on average £51.
A coach is £309 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leiden to Cologne costing on average £325.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 3m.
Flight takes on average 6h 2m.
The table below shows live departures for Leiden to Cologne trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 3551 · ICE 127 | 14:00 Leiden Centraal | 3h50 | 17:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3542 · ECD 9544 · ICE 317 | 14:02 Leiden Centraal | 4h13 | 18:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3553 · 20089 · 10633 | 14:30 Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 18:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3544 · IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 | 14:32 Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 18:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
RE 6755 · IC 2755 · IC 3955 · 18955 | 14:53 Leiden Centraal | 4h19 | 19:12 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
RE 6755 · IC 2755 · IC 3955 · 18955 | 14:53 Leiden Centraal | 4h19 | 19:12 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3557 · 20091 · 10635 | 15:30 Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 19:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3548 · IC 1159 · IC 3557 · 20091 | 15:32 Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 19:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
RE 8961 · ICE 129 | 16:08 Leiden Centraal | 3h42 | 19:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3561 · 20093 · 10637 | 16:30 Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 20:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3552 · IC 1163 · IC 3561 · 20093 | 16:32 Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 20:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
RE 8969 · ICE 221 | On time 18:08 Leiden Centraal | 3h38 | 21:46 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 8969 · ICE 221 · ICE 544 | 18:08 Leiden Centraal | 3h27 | 21:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3569 · 20097 · 10641 | 18:30 Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 22:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3560 · IC 1171 · IC 3569 · 20097 | 18:32 Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 22:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3171+ 20039+ 26836 | 18:44 Leiden Centraal | 4h27 | 23:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3571 · IC 3071+ 20039+ 26836 | 19:00 Leiden Centraal | 4h11 | 23:11 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3573 · 20099 · 10643 | 19:30 Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 23:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3564 · IC 1175 · IC 3573 · 20099 | 19:32 Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 23:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3577 · IC 60403 · 26838 | 20:30 Leiden Centraal | 3h41 | 0:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3179+ 20043+ 26840 | 20:44 Leiden Centraal | 4h27 | 1:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3579 · IC 3079+ 20043+ 26840 | 21:00 Leiden Centraal | 4h11 | 1:11 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
RE 6781 · IC 2981 · 32589 · 18981 | 21:23 Leiden Centraal | 4h21 | 1:44 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3585 · 20065 · 10609 | 22:30 Leiden Centraal | 8h05 | 6:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3576 · IC 1187 · IC 3585 · 20065 | 22:32 Leiden Centraal | 8h03 | 6:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 8:30 Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 12:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 | 8:32 Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 12:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3131 · 26816+ 20019 | 8:44 Leiden Centraal | 4h27 | 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3531 · IC 3031 · 26816+ 20019 | 9:00 Leiden Centraal | 4h11 | 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 3543 · ICE 125 | Delayed 12:00 Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 13:13 13:13Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629 | 12:30 Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 16:35 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3536 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 | 12:32 Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 16:35 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train and flight 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 Leiden to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 218 km distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 218 km |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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 Leiden 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 Leiden to Cologne trains use the Leiden Centraal to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Leiden and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
De Vink is 2 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
De Vink has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at De Vink.
ATMs are available at De Vink.
Available at De Vink: Parking.
Available at De Vink: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at De Vink.
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.
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