Leiden to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE)

Sat 05 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leiden to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnIC 3551 · ICE 127
    14:003h11
    Leiden Centraal
    17:11Cologne Hbf
    £411One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3543 · ICE 125
    12:003h11
    Leiden Centraal
    15:11Cologne Hbf
    £541One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3545 · 20085 · 10629
    12:304h05
    Leiden Centraal
    16:35Cologne Hbf
    £551One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3536 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085
    12:324h03
    Leiden Centraal
    16:35Cologne Hbf
    £551One-way
    4 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077
    8:324h03
    Leiden Centraal
    12:35Cologne Hbf
    £551One-way
    4 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Leiden to Cologne

Omio 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

Compare train with

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Leiden to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £16.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Leiden to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 3h 30m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 3m.

Flight takes on average 6h 2m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Leiden and Cologne including taking a coach, train and flight.

Live departures

Leiden to Cologne train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 3551 · ICE 12714:00 Leiden Centraal
3h50
17:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 3542 · ECD 9544 · ICE 31714:02 Leiden Centraal
4h13
18:15 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3553 · 20089 · 1063314:30 Leiden Centraal
4h05
18:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3544 · IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 2008914:32 Leiden Centraal
4h03
18:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnRE 6755 · IC 2755 · IC 3955 · 1895514:53 Leiden Centraal
4h19
19:12 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnRE 6755 · IC 2755 · IC 3955 · 1895514:53 Leiden Centraal
4h19
19:12 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3557 · 20091 · 1063515:30 Leiden Centraal
4h05
19:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3548 · IC 1159 · IC 3557 · 2009115:32 Leiden Centraal
4h03
19:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnRE 8961 · ICE 12916:08 Leiden Centraal
3h42
19:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 3561 · 20093 · 1063716:30 Leiden Centraal
4h05
20:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3552 · IC 1163 · IC 3561 · 2009316:32 Leiden Centraal
4h03
20:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnRE 8969 · ICE 221
On time
18:08 Leiden Centraal
3h38
21:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 8969 · ICE 221 · ICE 54418:08 Leiden Centraal
3h27
21:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3569 · 20097 · 1064118:30 Leiden Centraal
4h05
22:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3560 · IC 1171 · IC 3569 · 2009718:32 Leiden Centraal
4h03
22:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3171+VIAS Rail GmbH20039+Deutsche Bahn2683618:44 Leiden Centraal
4h27
23:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3571 · IC 3071+VIAS Rail GmbH20039+Deutsche Bahn2683619:00 Leiden Centraal
4h11
23:11 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3573 · 20099 · 1064319:30 Leiden Centraal
4h05
23:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3564 · IC 1175 · IC 3573 · 2009919:32 Leiden Centraal
4h03
23:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3577 · IC 60403 · 2683820:30 Leiden Centraal
3h41
0:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3179+VIAS Rail GmbH20043+Deutsche Bahn2684020:44 Leiden Centraal
4h27
1:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3579 · IC 3079+VIAS Rail GmbH20043+Deutsche Bahn2684021:00 Leiden Centraal
4h11
1:11 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnRE 6781 · IC 2981 · 32589 · 1898121:23 Leiden Centraal
4h21
1:44 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3585 · 20065 · 1060922:30 Leiden Centraal
8h05
6:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3576 · IC 1187 · IC 3585 · 2006522:32 Leiden Centraal
8h03
6:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3529 · 20077 · 106218:30 Leiden Centraal
4h05
12:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 200778:32 Leiden Centraal
4h03
12:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3131 · 26816+VIAS Rail GmbH200198:44 Leiden Centraal
4h27
13:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3531 · IC 3031 · 26816+VIAS Rail GmbH200199:00 Leiden Centraal
4h11
13:11 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3543 · ICE 125
Delayed
12:00 Leiden Centraal
3h11
13:13 13:13Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 3545 · 20085 · 1062912:30 Leiden Centraal
4h05
16:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3536 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 2008512:32 Leiden Centraal
4h03
16:35 Cologne Hbf4 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leiden to Cologne by coach, train or flight

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.

Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Leiden to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Leiden to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leiden 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 VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Leiden 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leiden to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Leiden to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leiden to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leiden to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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 £13
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
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 £13

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Leiden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Leiden and Cologne from £13. 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
3h 11m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£32
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

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
£80
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
10 a day

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.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

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

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Leiden to Cologne train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Leiden to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £51.
The train journey from Leiden to Cologne covers a distance of 218 km and takes approximately 3h 11m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Leiden to Cologne is 218 km.
The first train from Leiden to Cologne leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Leiden to Cologne departs at 22:15.
Trains from Leiden to Cologne run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leiden to Cologne.
To get from Leiden to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Leiden to Cologne.
The train station in Leiden that goes to Cologne is Leiden Centraal, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Leiden to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Leiden 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 Leiden to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the Dutch countryside, featuring picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and iconic windmills, before transitioning into Germany with views of the Rhine River and its surrounding hills.
A day trip from Leiden to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 11m. The distance is approximately 218 km, and the frequency is 7 times per day for trains.
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.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Leiden to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leiden and Cologne

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.

Departure train stations in Leiden
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Leiden station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Leiden to Cologne leave from Leiden Centraal. The station is 1 km from Leiden city centre at Stationsplein 3, 2312 AJ Leiden, Netherlands.
Leiden CentraalStationsplein 3, 2312 AJ Leiden, Netherlands+31 30 751 5155WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Leiden Centraal from Leiden city centre

Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus45 · 6m · £2 · every ~7 min
54, 1, 2, 3, 4, 169 · 7m · £3 · every ~24 min
54, 56, 3, 4 · 9m · £4 · every ~16 min

Leiden Centraal train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.

Leiden LammenschansCentral Facility Building, 2311 VV Leiden, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Leiden Lammenschans from Leiden city centre

Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus1, 2 · 4m · £3 · every ~7 min

Leiden Lammenschans train station facilities and services

Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.

De VinkAlexandrine Tinneplein 110, 112, 2331 PP Leiden, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to De Vink from Leiden city centre

De Vink is 2 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 3m · £0.90 · every ~7 min
Bus54 · 10m · £3 · every ~3 min
54, 1, 2, 4 · 30m · £5 · every ~14 min

De Vink train station facilities and services

De Vink has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at De Vink.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at De Vink.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at De Vink: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at De Vink: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at De Vink.

More options for your journey from Leiden to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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