The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£154
Fastest journey
5 h 28 m
Average duration
5 h 28 m
Trains per day
21
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 £154 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
Of the 21 trains that leave Zurich for Cologne every day 1 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 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 28 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 28 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 6040222:007h57Zurich HB5:57Cologne Hbf£421One-way0 changes
S 9 · IC 1184 · ICE 10120:0810h21Zurich HB10:29Cologne Messe/Deutz£1071One-way2 changes
IC 284 · 17640 · ICE 612 · IC 19476:376h28Zurich HB13:05Cologne Hbf£1341One-way3 changes
IC 280 · ICE 916 · ICE 2810:377h56Zurich HB18:33Cologne Hbf£1381One-way2 changes
IC 184 · ICE 91016:375h53Zurich HB22:30Cologne Hbf£1461One-way1 change
IC 184 · 17674 · ICE 51216:375h28Zurich HB22:05Cologne Hbf£1571One-way2 changes
IC 284 · 17640 · ICE 6126:375h28Zurich HB12:05Cologne Hbf£1571One-way2 changes
IC 280 · 17654 · ICE 51810:375h28Zurich HB16:05Cologne Hbf£1571One-way2 changes
IC 186 · 17664 · ICE 51414:375h28Zurich HB20:05Cologne Hbf£1681One-way2 changes
IC 282 · 17650 · ICE 6108:375h28Zurich HB14:05Cologne Hbf£1841One-way2 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 £24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. 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 £24, and a flight costs an average of £70.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£124 Average Price | £178 Average Price | £46 Average Price Cheapest |
7h 4m Average total duration 6h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 27m Average total duration 7h 57m 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, Tuesday 7 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 280 · ICE 916 · ICE 28 | On time 8:37 Zurich HB | 7h56 | 16:33 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 280 · ICE 916 | On time 8:37 Zurich HB | 5h52 | 14:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
IC 280 · 17654 · ICE 518 | On time 8:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 488 · ICE 218 · ICE 12 | On time 9:37 Zurich HB | 6h03 | 15:40 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 488 · ICE 516 | On time 9:37 Zurich HB | 6h28 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 188 · 17658 · ICE 516 · IC 1941 | On time 10:37 Zurich HB | 6h28 | 17:05 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 188 · 17658 · ICE 516 | On time 10:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 16:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 188 · ICE 224 | On time 10:37 Zurich HB | 6h06 | 16:43 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 486 · ICE 514 | On time 11:37 Zurich HB | 6h28 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 186 · 17664 · ICE 514 | On time 12:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 18:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 484 · ICE 512 | On time 13:37 Zurich HB | 6h28 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 184 · ICE 910 | On time 14:37 Zurich HB | 5h53 | 20:30 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 184 · 17674 · ICE 512 | On time 14:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 20:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 182 · 17682 · ICE 510 | On time 16:37 Zurich HB | 5h33 | 22:10 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 60402 · ICE 618 | On time 20:00 Zurich HB | 8h04 | 4:04 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
S 9 · IC 1184 · ICE 1012 | 22:08 Zurich HB | 10h21 | 8:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 8 April | |||||
IC 284 · 17640 · ICE 612 | On time 4:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 10:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 284 · 17640 · ICE 612 · IC 1947 | On time 4:37 Zurich HB | 6h28 | 11:05 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 282 · ICE 918 | On time 6:37 Zurich HB | 5h52 | 12:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
IC 282 · 17650 · ICE 610 | On time 6:37 Zurich HB | 5h28 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 282 · ICE 918 · ICE 1228 | On time 6:37 Zurich HB | 7h55 | 14:32 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
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.
07 Apr
08 Apr
09 Apr
10 Apr
11 Apr
12 Apr
13 Apr
14 Apr
15 Apr
16 Apr
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18 Apr
19 Apr
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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 | Euro City (EC) or ÖBB | InterCity 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 12 times per day, taking around 6h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £24 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 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Cologne from £24. 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 | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
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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