Business
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Free drinks
- Wide seats
- Food available
- Newspapers and magazines
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£42
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
4 h 46 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
4 h 58 m
Trains on 17 Sept
11
Distance
225 km
Cheap tickets
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 £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
Fast trains
To travel from Zurich to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
EuroCity 27+
Regionale TRENORD 2245 · Autobus TRENORD 141A18:335h46Zurich HB0:19Cologne station£421One-way2 changes- EuroCity 25+Regionale TRENORD 2243 · Regionale TRENORD 1014717:335h06Zurich HB22:39Cologne station£501One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 37+Regionale TRENORD 10937 · Regionale TRENORD 1013814:334h46Zurich HB19:19Cologne station£581One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 23+Regionale TRENORD 2239 · Regionale TRENORD 1014315:335h06Zurich HB20:39Cologne station£591One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 19+Regionale TRENORD 2231 · Regionale TRENORD 1013511:335h06Zurich HB16:39Cologne station£671One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 37+Regionale TRENORD 10937 · Regionale TRENORD 1013814:334h46Zurich HB19:19Cologne station£581One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 31+Regionale TRENORD 101268:334h46Zurich HB13:19Cologne station£871One-way1 change
- EuroCity 21+Regionale TRENORD 2235 · Regionale TRENORD 1013913:335h06Zurich HB18:39Cologne station£751One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 25+Regionale TRENORD 2243 · Regionale TRENORD 1014717:335h06Zurich HB22:39Cologne station£501One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 151+Regionale TRENORD 2233 · Regionale TRENORD 1013712:335h06Zurich HB17:39Cologne station£831One-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 an average ticket price of £35 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £35, while a flight costs an average of £435.
Distance: 225 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£80 Average Price | £435 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest | £137 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £35.
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Cologne:
A coach is £44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Cologne costing on average £80.
A coach is £400 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Cologne costing on average £435.
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 35m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 37m.
Coach takes on average 7h 9m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Cologne including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £80 compared to roughly £137 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £57. The journey takes 4h 37m versus 4h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Zurich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EuroCity 13+Regionale TRENORD 2223 · Regionale TRENORD 10127 | 7:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 12:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 31+Regionale TRENORD 10126 | 8:33 Zurich HB | 4h46 | 13:19 Cologne station | 1 change | |
| EuroCity 15+Regionale TRENORD 2227 · Regionale TRENORD 10131 | 9:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 14:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 153+Regionale TRENORD 2229 · Regionale TRENORD 10133 | 10:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 15:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 19+Regionale TRENORD 2231 · Regionale TRENORD 10135 | 11:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 16:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 151+Regionale TRENORD 2233 · Regionale TRENORD 10137 | 12:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 17:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 21+Regionale TRENORD 2235 · Regionale TRENORD 10139 | 13:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 18:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 37+Regionale TRENORD 10937 · Regionale TRENORD 10138 | 14:33 Zurich HB | 4h46 | 19:19 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 23+Regionale TRENORD 2239 · Regionale TRENORD 10143 | 15:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 20:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 25+Regionale TRENORD 2243 · Regionale TRENORD 10147 | 17:33 Zurich HB | 5h06 | 22:39 Cologne station | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 27+Regionale TRENORD 2245 · Autobus TRENORD 141A | 18:33 Zurich HB | 5h46 | 0:19 Cologne station | 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Zurich to Cologne trains with Omio?
Trenitalia as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) offer trains services from Zurich to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs Trenitalia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Trenitalia, but also compare tickets for the likes of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) 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 Trenitalia 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 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Cologne
Switzerland
Italy
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £24 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 18:20. The fastest train covers the 225 km distance in 4h 15m.
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 £24
Distance 225 km |
Average train duration 4h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 0:20 |
Last train 18:20 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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 £24
Train companies: Trenitalia from Zurich to Cologne trainsTrenitalia 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.
Trenitalia
About
Trenitalia is not only Italy's national railroad company but also the country's largest train operator. Trenitalia’s fleet of trains ncludes the high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains as well as intercity, regional and night trains. Bathrooms and WiFi access are standard on long-distance routes. In most cases, the trains also provide barrier-free access. Trenitalia offers different tickets, which vary in price and flexibility: Base, Economy, Super Economy and Ordinaria. You can even use Trenitalia discount cards on Omio. Make sure to look out for the latest offers from Trenitalia on Omio to score special deals!
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Trenitalia Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Trenitalia Price
£49
Trenitalia frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, and spaces between seat backs
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car on high-speed trains, trolley service with snacks and beverages, vending machines on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation, costs extra except on high-speed trains where it's mandatory and included
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Train companies: Trenitalia, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Cologne trainsTrenitalia, 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.
Trenitalia
About
Trenitalia is not only Italy's national railroad company but also the country's largest train operator. Trenitalia’s fleet of trains ncludes the high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains as well as intercity, regional and night trains. Bathrooms and WiFi access are standard on long-distance routes. In most cases, the trains also provide barrier-free access. Trenitalia offers different tickets, which vary in price and flexibility: Base, Economy, Super Economy and Ordinaria. You can even use Trenitalia discount cards on Omio. Make sure to look out for the latest offers from Trenitalia on Omio to score special deals!
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Trenitalia Duration
5h 46m
Cheapest Trenitalia Price
£86
Trenitalia frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, and spaces between seat backs
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car on high-speed trains, trolley service with snacks and beverages, vending machines on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation, costs extra except on high-speed trains where it's mandatory and included
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
What's included in each class
Compare Trenitalia classes and the amenities included in each one.
Executive
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Free drinks
- Wide seats
- Food available
- Extra legroom
- Newspapers and magazines
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Duration
5h 32m
Cheapest Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Price
£112
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
1 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.
- Recommended
Museo del Vino
Wine and rural culture displays linked to Franciacorta, offering context on the landscape and historic work of the region.
Museo Comunale
Local museum presenting the area’s history, traditions and everyday life. A useful introduction to Cologne and nearby Franciacorta.
Galleria d'Arte
Small art space with temporary exhibitions by local and regional artists, suited to visitors seeking a quieter cultural stop.
- Recommended
Piazza Garibaldi
The main square is the social heart of Cologne, lined with civic buildings and ideal for a short walk and people-watching.
- Recommended
Centro Storico di Cologne
Historic central streets with churches, shops and everyday town life, best explored on foot for a sense of local character.
Parco Comunale
Green area for an easy stroll and a quieter pause from the centre, popular with locals for relaxation and short walks.
Canederli
Canederli are bread dumplings from Alpine northern Italy, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic regional comfort food.
- Gluten-free
Speck Alto Adige
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from Alto Adige. It is prized for its balance of mountain smoking and Mediterranean air-drying traditions.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled traditionally with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of South Tyrolean home cooking.
Wirtshaus Vögele
Traditional South Tyrolean restaurant known for dumplings, schnitzel and local wine in a warm, rustic setting.
Restaurant Zur Kaiserkron
Historic venue serving regional dishes and seasonal specialities with a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Batzenhäusl
Long-established local favourite for South Tyrolean classics, pasta and hearty mains in a casual traditional dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: hotels and dining in the centre cost more than smaller cities, but public transport and casual meals stay manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple cafés.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafés.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Zurich to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £80.
The train journey from Zurich to Cologne covers a distance of 225 km and takes approximately 4h 15m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Zurich to Cologne is 225 km.
The first train from Zurich to Cologne leaves at 0:20.
The last train from Zurich to Cologne departs at 18:20.
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Zurich to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Cologne.
To get from Zurich to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Zurich to Cologne.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Cologne is Zurich HB, and it arrives at Cologne station.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £24.
Booking trains from Zurich 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 Zurich to Cologne is quite scenic, offering picturesque views of the Swiss countryside, the rolling hills of the Black Forest, and the meandering Rhine River, particularly between Koblenz and Cologne.
A day trip from Zurich to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 15m. However, there are 9 train trips per day available for this route, covering a distance of 225 km.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Cologne is typically sufficient to explore major attractions like the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Museum Ludwig, while also allowing time to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Cologne.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Cologne
Most Zurich to Cologne trains use the Zürich HB to Cologne station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Cologne
Which Zurich station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Trains from Zurich to Cologne leave from Zürich HB. The station is 2 km from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11
City-centre transport
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS, 9 · 3m · £3 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · £0.90 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · £2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · £2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, 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 Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Which Cologne station do trains from Zurich arrive at?
Trains from Zurich to Cologne arrive at Cologne. Cologne is 1 km from Cologne city centre.
Cologne25033 Cologne, Province of Brescia, Italy
City-centre transport
Getting to Cologne from Cologne city centre
TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £4
Cologne train station facilities and services
Cologne has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cologne.
Most popular train connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Zurich
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
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.
