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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Aachen
Showing times and prices for Dec 11
Cheapest price
€32
Average price
€32
Fastest journey
1 h 22 m
Average duration
1 h 22 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
63 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Aachen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Aachen will cost around €32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €32.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Cologne for Aachen on Thu, Dec 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Dec 11 the direct trains cover the 63 km distance in an average of 1 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 22 m .
On Thu, Dec 11 the slowest trains will take 1 h 22 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 31608:52AM1h22
Cologne Hbf10:14AMAachen Hbf
€321One-way
0 transfers
ICE 31608:52AM1h22
Cologne Hbf10:14AMAachen Hbf
€321One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Aachen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Aachen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €3, and a train costs an average of €6.
Distance: 63 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€23 Average price | €8 Average price Cheapest |
1h 7m Average total duration Fastest 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 32m Average total duration 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Aachen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Aachen trains for today, Wednesday, December 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 6:04 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 316 | Delayed 7:52 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 9:26 AM 9:26 AMAachen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, December 11 | |||||
| 5:42 AM Cologne | 0h34 | 6:16 AM Aachen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Aachen by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Aachen?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Aachen is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Aachen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Aachen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Aachen.
Trains
from €10Buses
from €8Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Aachen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Aachen run on average 2 times per day, taking around 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €6 but you can travel from only €3 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:28, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 63 km distance in 31m.
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
Bus from €3
Distance 63 km |
Average train duration 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €6 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 31m |
First train 00:28 |
Last train 23:58 |
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
Bus from €3
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, National Express, Eurostar, ÖBB Nightjet from Cologne to Aachen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, National Express, Eurostar, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Aachen from €3. 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
31m
Cheapest Price
€18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
2 a day
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.
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.
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.
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
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
34m
Cheapest Price
€4
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
33m
Cheapest Price
€59
Eurostar frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
ÖBB Nightjet
About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
46m
Cheapest Price
€145
ÖBB Nightjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
€17
National Express frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
45m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Aachen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Aachen 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 Aachen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Aachen can start from as little as €4 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Aachen is €16; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cologne to Aachen is 31 min to travel the 63 km long journey, with around there are 2 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Aachen leaves at 00: 11. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Aachen leaves at 23: 43.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Cologne to Aachen with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Eurostar or National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Aachen. Take the fast train with Eurostar from Cologne to Aachen.
The high-speed Eurostar train from Cologne to Aachen takes 34 min on average.
When taking a train from Cologne to Aachen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Eurostar or National Express for the best way to get you to Aachen. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Aachen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 43.
When departing from Cologne, you have various train station options to start your route from including Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz, Cologne Süd, Cologne-Ehrenfeld and Cologne Mülheim. When arriving in Aachen, you can end your trip in train stations like Aachen Hbf and Aachen-Rothe Erde station.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Aachen Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
A day trip to Aachen from Cologne is worth doing with a journey time of 31 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cologne to Aachen by train is December.
You have options as you can travel from Cologne to Aachen 2 different ways: train or coach.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Aachen
Cologne
Aachen
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Aachen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln-Mülheim
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
Hotel
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
The major train station for arrivals in Aachen is Aachen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Aachen Hbf for your journey to Aachen from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- McDonald's
- Louisiana
- Dakashi sushi
- Zitalia
Hotel
- Bestprice Hotel
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Dining
- Chico Mendes
- Pizzeria Pont Pascha
- Vielharmonie
- Polonia
Aachen-Rothe Erde
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Eiscafé am Elsassplatz
- Kennedy Grill
- Közde Kebap
- Imbiss & Kneipe
- Zeppelin Eck
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Aachen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Aachen and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Aachen
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