4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Cologne
Cheapest price
€43
Average price
€145
Fastest journey
3 h 43 m
Average duration
3 h 44 m
Trains per day
42
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Cologne will cost around €145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €43.
Of the 42 trains that leave Basel for Cologne on Wed, Jul 22, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 3 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 43 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 3 h 49 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.
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 22810:46 AM5h20Basel SBB4:06 PMCologne Hbf€431One-way2 transfers- ICE 6 · ICE 91810:46 AM3h43Basel SBB2:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€441One-way1 transfer
- ICE 10811:16 AM3h49Basel SBB3:05 PMCologne Hbf€451One-way0 transfers
- ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 281:16 PM4h50Basel SBB6:06 PMCologne Hbf€651One-way2 transfers
- ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 262:46 PM5h20Basel SBB8:06 PMCologne Hbf€651One-way2 transfers
- ICE 72 · ICE 91612:46 PM3h43Basel SBB4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€701One-way1 transfer
- ICE 74 · ICE 10108:46 AM3h43Basel SBB12:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€761One-way1 transfer
- ICE 6 · ICE 91810:46 AM3h43Basel SBB2:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€441One-way1 transfer
- ECE 8 · ICE 10126:46 AM3h43Basel SBB10:29 AMCologne Messe/Deutz€761One-way1 transfer
- ICE 1061:16 PM3h49Basel SBB5:05 PMCologne Hbf€841One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Basel to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a flight costs an average of €364.
Distance: 378 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€130 Average price | €39 Average price Cheapest | €561 Average price |
5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 5h20 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 3h43 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
 ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 5h20 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 108 | On time 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 12:46 PM Basel SBB | 3h43 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 1:16 PM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 1:16 PM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 106 | On time 1:16 PM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
| ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | 4:46 AM Basel SBB | 5h20 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 2556+ IC 2569 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2556 · IC 2569 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 11:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2556 · ICE 614 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
 9530+ 9459+ 96206 | 6:21 AM Basel SBB | 14h16 | 8:37 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 3h43 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
 EC 8+ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 5h19 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
96208+ 9578+9459 | 6:51 AM Basel SBB | 13h46 | 8:37 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 202 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 96210+9568+9459 | 7:21 AM Basel SBB | 13h16 | 8:37 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 5324 · IC 2577 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 5324 · ICE 612 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 5324+IC 2577 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
 9206+9459 | 8:25 AM Basel SBB | 12h12 | 8:37 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 5h20 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 3h43 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 200 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2356+96218+9459 | 9:21 AM Basel SBB | 11h16 | 8:37 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| 9576+96218+9459 | 9:21 AM Basel SBB | 11h16 | 8:37 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 2552 · IC 2545 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2552 · ICE 610 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2552+IC 2545 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Cologne by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Why should you book Basel 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 | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Nightjet or FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Basel 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Cologne
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Basel to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 but you can travel from only €25 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 378 km distance in 3h 43m.
Distance 378 km |
Average train duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 43m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Nightjet, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Basel to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Nightjet, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Basel and Cologne from €25. 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 | ICE
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB | Nightjet
FlixTrain
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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
Popular train stations from Basel to Cologne
Most Basel to Cologne trains use the Basel SBB to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Basel and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Basel station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB train station facilities and services
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, 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 Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Getting to Basel Markthalle from Basel city centre
Basel Markthalle is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Markthalle train station facilities and services
Basel Markthalle has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Markthalle.
Which Cologne station do trains from Basel arrive at?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Basel
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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