The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£151
Fastest journey
5 h 4 m
Average duration
5 h 4 m
Trains per day
45
Distance
413 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Cologne will cost around £151 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Of the 45 trains that leave Zurich for Cologne every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 413 km distance in an average of 5 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 4 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.
IC 6040221:597h45Zurich HB5:44Cologne Hbf£451One-way0 changes
ICE 272 · ICE 92019:017h04Zurich HB2:05Cologne Hbf£731One-way1 change
IC 780 · ICE 274 · IC 234717:016h05Zurich HB23:06Cologne Hbf£801One-way2 changes
ICE 272 · ICE 51019:015h09Zurich HB0:10Cologne Hbf£821One-way1 change
IC 782 · ICE 10018:015h09Zurich HB23:10Cologne Hbf£821One-way1 change
IC 770 · ICE 10612:015h04Zurich HB17:05Cologne Hbf£1271One-way1 change
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 51613:015h04Zurich HB18:05Cologne Hbf£1271One-way2 changes
ICE 2008:015h04Zurich HB13:05Cologne Hbf£3411One-way0 changes
TGV 9210+
ICE 372 · ICE 6109:015h04Zurich HB14:05Cologne Hbf£3411One-way2 changes
ICE 10810:015h04Zurich HB15:05Cologne Hbf£1991One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Zurich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, and a flight costs an average of £76.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£135 Average Price | £199 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 58m Average total duration 9h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne trains for today, Friday 22 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 772 · IC 1941+ ICE 278 | 12:59 Zurich HB | 6h06 | 19:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 776+ ICE 276 · ICE 1649 | 14:59 Zurich HB | 6h07 | 21:06 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 102+ IC 2347 | 15:59 Zurich HB | 7h07 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 780 · IC 2347+ ICE 274 | 16:59 Zurich HB | 6h07 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 272 · ICE 920 | 18:59 Zurich HB | 7h06 | 2:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 60402 | 21:59 Zurich HB | 7h45 | 5:44 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 23 May | |||||
IR 2292 · ICE 204 | On time 1:08 Zurich HB | 7h57 | 9:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE N7 · IR 2304+ ICE 376 · ICE 1049 | 3:35 Zurich HB | 7h55 | 11:30 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IR 2252 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 4:50 Zurich HB | 5h39 | 10:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
IR 2252 · ECE 8 · ICE 1020 | On time 4:50 Zurich HB | 7h25 | 12:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IR 2252+ EC 8+ ICE 1020 | On time 4:50 Zurich HB | 7h25 | 12:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374+ IC 1947 | On time 7:01 Zurich HB | 6h04 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374 · IC 1947 | On time 7:01 Zurich HB | 6h04 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 7:01 Zurich HB | 5h04 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 200 | On time 8:01 Zurich HB | 5h04 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 · ICE 1645 | On time 8:01 Zurich HB | 7h14 | 15:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 282 · ICE 610 | On time 8:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 9:01 Zurich HB | 5h04 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 372 · ICE 1645 | On time 9:01 Zurich HB | 6h14 | 15:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 372 · ICE 1645 | On time 9:01 Zurich HB | 6h14 | 15:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 108 | On time 10:01 Zurich HB | 5h04 | 15:05 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 370+ IC 2012 | On time 11:01 Zurich HB | 6h15 | 17:16 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 370 · IC 2012 | On time 11:01 Zurich HB | 6h15 | 17:16 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 11:01 Zurich HB | 5h04 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 | On time 12:01 Zurich HB | 5h04 | 17:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 188 · ICE 516 | On time 12:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich 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.
22 May
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28 May
29 May
30 May
31 May
01 Jun
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11 Jun
Why should you book Zurich to Cologne trains with Omio?
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 ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity or ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich 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 Zurich to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Cologne
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 413 km distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 6h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 91 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Cologne from £23. 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.
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
FAQs: Zurich to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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 Zurich and Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- 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 Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Cologne
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