The cheapest and fastest trains from Schiphol to Cologne
Cheapest price
£46
Average price
£52
Fastest journey
3 h 36 m
Average duration
3 h 59 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Schiphol to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Schiphol to Cologne will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
Of the 5 trains that leave Schiphol for Cologne every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 215 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 13 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.










Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Schiphol to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Schiphol to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a flight costs an average of £226.
Distance: 215 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £530 Average Price |
3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 31m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 3h 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.
Live departures
Schiphol to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Schiphol to Cologne trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 06:16 Schiphol | 2h56 | 09:12 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 06:29 Schiphol | 4h06 | 10:35 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 06:33 Schiphol | 3h59 | 10:32 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 06:46 Schiphol | 3h49 | 10:35 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 07:47 Schiphol | 3h34 | 11:21 Cologne | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Schiphol 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.
21 Dec
22 Dec
23 Dec
24 Dec
25 Dec
26 Dec
27 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Schiphol to Cologne
Trains from Schiphol to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 215 km |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 00:02 |
Last train 22:12 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Schiphol to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Schiphol and Cologne from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
FAQs: Schiphol to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Schiphol 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Schiphol and Cologne
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Schiphol
More options for your journey from Schiphol to Cologne
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