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

Wed 03 Dec
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Zwolle to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 04 Dec

Cheapest price

£18

Average price

£32

Fastest journey

2 h 52 m

Average duration

3 h 42 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

185 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Zwolle to Cologne will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Zwolle 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 185 km distance in an average of 3 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 23 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 Bahn
05:095h06
Zwolle
10:15Cologne
£181One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
07:395h08
Zwolle
12:47Cologne
£181One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:202h52
Zwolle
09:12Cologne
£281One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:424h07
Zwolle
10:49Cologne
£441One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:194h13
Zwolle
10:32Cologne
£501One-way
0 changes

Live departures

Zwolle to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Zwolle to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday 3 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 03:06
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn05:09 Zwolle
5h06
10:15 Cologne0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn05:42 Zwolle
4h33
10:15 Cologne0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn06:42 Zwolle
4h07
10:49 Cologne0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn07:19 Zwolle
4h02
11:21 Cologne0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn07:39 Zwolle
5h08
12:47 Cologne0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zwolle to Cologne by train

Compare train 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
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zwolle to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Zwolle to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:52, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 185 km distance in 2h 52m.

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
Distance
185 km
Average train duration
3h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Trains per day
13
Fastest train
2h 52m
First train
00:52
Last train
23:52
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Zwolle to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Zwolle and Cologne from £18. 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 52m
Cheapest Price
£18
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
4 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

FAQs: Zwolle to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zwolle 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 cheapest way to get from Zwolle to Cologne is by train, costing approximately £18.
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.
The train distance from Zwolle to Cologne is 185 km.
Booking trains from Zwolle to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The last train from Zwolle to Cologne departs at 23:52.
The train journey from Zwolle to Cologne covers a distance of 185 km and takes approximately 2h 52m. Trains run 13 per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Zwolle to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £42.
There is no night train service from Zwolle to Cologne.
The train station in Zwolle that goes to Cologne is Zwolle station, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The first train from Zwolle to Cologne leaves at 0:52.
Trains from Zwolle to Cologne run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Zwolle to Cologne.
To travel from Zwolle to Cologne, you can take a train.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Zwolle to Cologne.
A day trip from Zwolle to Cologne is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 52m. However, there are 13 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 185 km.
The train journey from Zwolle to Cologne offers a scenic route, passing through picturesque Dutch landscapes, charming towns, and the lush greenery of the German countryside.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Zwolle and Cologne

Zwolle
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Zwolle is Zwolle. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zwolle for your trip from Zwolle to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
12
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours. Access via Stationsplein.
Dining
Dining
  • De Librije
  • Restaurant Poppe
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • €0.70
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch
  • Hotel Lumen Zwolle
  • Bilderberg Grand Hotel Wientjes
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 5,800 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for intercity trains
  • Hall 2: platform 5-12 for regional trains
Public transport options for Zwolle
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Train: Intercity and regional services
Zwolle StadshagenParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Available near the station entrance
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available near the station, with spaces for bicycles and cars.
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 24 places, covered
Station Plan
  • The station has a single platform serving the Kamperlijntje line.
Public transport options for Zwolle Stadshagen
  • Bus: Several local bus lines connect to the station.

Most popular train connections from Zwolle

More options for your journey from Zwolle to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone