The cheapest and fastest trains from Zwolle to Cologne
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
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.
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.










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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 05:09 Zwolle | 5h06 | 10:15 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 05:42 Zwolle | 4h33 | 10:15 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 06:42 Zwolle | 4h07 | 10:49 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 07:19 Zwolle | 4h02 | 11:21 Cologne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 07:39 Zwolle | 5h08 | 12:47 Cologne | 0 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.
04 Dec
05 Dec
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08 Dec
09 Dec
10 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zwolle to Cologne
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.
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 |
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
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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Zwolle and Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours. Access via Stationsplein.
- De Librije
- Restaurant Poppe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €0.70
- Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch
- Hotel Lumen Zwolle
- Bilderberg Grand Hotel Wientjes
- Located in the main hall
- 5,800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-12 for regional trains
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Intercity and regional services
- Available near the station entrance
- Parking is available near the station, with spaces for bicycles and cars.
- 24 places, covered
- The station has a single platform serving the Kamperlijntje line.
- Bus: Several local bus lines connect to the station.
- 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.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- 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 Zwolle
More options for your journey from Zwolle to Cologne
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