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

Thu 16 Jul
+ 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 Utrecht to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 16 Jul

Cheapest price

£41

Average price

£56

Fastest journey

2 h 7 m

Average duration

2 h 7 m

Trains per day

20

Distance

180 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Utrecht to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Utrecht to Cologne will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.

Fast trains

Of the 20 trains that leave Utrecht 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 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 7 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 9 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 221
    19:042h07
    Utrecht Centraal
    21:11Cologne Hbf
    £411One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3227 · ICE 1548+VIAS Rail GmbH20017
    9:063h03
    Utrecht Centraal
    12:09Cologne Hbf
    £461One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3569 · 20097 · 89736
    19:243h28
    Utrecht Centraal
    22:52Cologne Hbf
    £501One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3129 · 32233 · 20077 · 10621
    9:133h22
    Utrecht Centraal
    12:35Cologne Hbf
    £501One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3145 · 32249 · 20085 · 10629
    13:133h22
    Utrecht Centraal
    16:35Cologne Hbf
    £501One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Utrecht to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Utrecht to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. 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 £15, and a flight costs an average of £198.

Distance: 180 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£50

Average Price

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

£438

Average Price

3h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 40m

Average total duration

3h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 25m

Average total duration

9h 25m

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

Utrecht to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Utrecht to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 121
On time
7:04 Utrecht Centraal
2h07
9:11 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3121 · 32225 · 20073 · 106177:09 Utrecht Centraal
3h26
10:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3227 · ICE 1548+VIAS Rail GmbH200179:06 Utrecht Centraal
3h03
12:09 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3129 · 32233 · 20077 · 106219:13 Utrecht Centraal
3h22
12:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3235 · 26818+VIAS Rail GmbH2002111:06 Utrecht Centraal
3h05
14:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3137 · 32241 · 20081 · 1062511:13 Utrecht Centraal
3h22
14:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 125
On time
13:04 Utrecht Centraal
2h07
15:11 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3243 · 26822+VIAS Rail GmbH2002513:07 Utrecht Centraal
3h04
16:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3243 · ICE 1746+VIAS Rail GmbH2002513:07 Utrecht Centraal
2h42
15:49 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3145 · 32249 · 20085 · 1062913:13 Utrecht Centraal
3h22
16:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 127
On time
15:04 Utrecht Centraal
2h07
17:11 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3251 · 26826+VIAS Rail GmbH2002915:07 Utrecht Centraal
3h04
18:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3153 · 32257 · 20089 · 1063315:13 Utrecht Centraal
3h22
18:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 129
On time
17:04 Utrecht Centraal
2h07
19:11 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3259 · 26830+VIAS Rail GmbH2003317:07 Utrecht Centraal
3h04
20:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 221
On time
19:04 Utrecht Centraal
2h07
21:11 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3267 · 26834+VIAS Rail GmbH2003719:07 Utrecht Centraal
3h04
22:11 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3569 · 20097 · 1064119:24 Utrecht Centraal
3h11
22:35 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3171 · 26836+VIAS Rail GmbH21237 · 2003919:39 Utrecht Centraal
3h32
23:11 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 60403
On time
21:32 Utrecht Centraal
2h18
23:50 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare train, coach 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.

Thu
16 Jul
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17 Jul
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05 Aug

Why should you book Utrecht to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Utrecht to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Utrecht 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 Utrecht 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Utrecht 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 Utrecht to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Utrecht to Cologne.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Utrecht to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Utrecht to Cologne is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Utrecht to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Utrecht to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Utrecht to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Utrecht to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Utrecht to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 180 km distance in 2h 14m.

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 £15
Distance
180 km
Average train duration
3h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 14m
First train
0:07
Last train
23:25
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
42 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 £15

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Utrecht to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Utrecht and Cologne from £15. 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 Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Price
£19
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 a day
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 Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Price
£85
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
7 a day

FAQs: Utrecht to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Utrecht 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 Utrecht to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from Utrecht to Cologne covers a distance of 180 km and takes approximately 2h 14m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Utrecht to Cologne is 180 km.
The first train from Utrecht to Cologne leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Utrecht to Cologne departs at 23:25.
Trains from Utrecht to Cologne run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Utrecht and Cologne. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
To get from Utrecht to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Utrecht to Cologne.
The train station in Utrecht that goes to Cologne is Utrecht Centraal, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Utrecht to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Utrecht 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 Utrecht to Cologne offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic landscapes visible as you pass through the Rhine Valley and cross the German-Dutch border.
A day trip from Utrecht to Cologne is not feasible given the journey duration of 2h 14m. However, there are 8 train trips available per day. The distance is 180 km.
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 Utrecht to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Utrecht and Cologne

Most Utrecht to Cologne trains use the Utrecht Centraal to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Utrecht and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Utrecht
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Utrecht station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Utrecht to Cologne leave from Utrecht Centraal. The station is 1 km from Utrecht city centre at Stationsplein 7, 3511 ED Utrecht, Netherlands.
Utrecht CentraalStationsplein 7, 3511 ED Utrecht, Netherlands+31 30 235 7822WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Utrecht Centraal from Utrecht city centre

Bus350, 2, 5, 8, 18, 28, 55, 73 · 9m · £3 · every ~13 min

Utrecht Centraal train station facilities and services

Utrecht Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, 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 Rechtbank, Humphrey's Utrecht

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Utrecht Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Centraal: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Utrecht, NH Utrecht, Park Plaza Utrecht.

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn3542 AK Utrecht, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Utrecht Leidsche Rijn from Utrecht city centre

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn is 3 km from Utrecht city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 4m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
Bus28 · 9m · £3 · every ~11 min
5, 73 · 25m · £3 · every ~12 min

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn train station facilities and services

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.

Utrecht Vaartsche RijnWesterkade 46, 3511 HC Utrecht, Netherlands+31 30 751 5155ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn from Utrecht city centre

Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn is 1 km from Utrecht city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 2m · £0.90 · every ~14 min
Bus8, N4 · 12m · £3 · every ~8 min

Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn train station facilities and services

Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn.

More options for your journey from Utrecht to Cologne

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