The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Utrecht
Cheapest price
€62
Average price
€66
Fastest journey
2 h 18 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Utrecht is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Utrecht will cost around €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €62.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Utrecht on Thu, Nov 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 18 m .
On Thu, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 3 h 10 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.
RB 10608 · 22612 · IC 3540
ICE 220
RE 26813+
VIA 20016 · VIA 21210+
IC 3240
RE 26811+
VIA 20014 · VIA 21208+
IC 3236
ICE 128
ICE 220
ICE 128
RE 26813+
VIA 20016 · VIA 21210+
IC 3240
RE 26811+
VIA 20014 · VIA 21208+
IC 3236
RB 10608 · 22612 · IC 3540Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Utrecht
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Utrecht among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a flight costs an average of €161.
Distance: 180 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€55 Average price | €23 Average price Cheapest | €481 Average price |
3h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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
Cologne to Utrecht train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Utrecht trains for today, Wednesday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 220 | On time 7:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h18 | 9:59 AM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
RE 26811+ VIA 20014 · VIA 21208+ IC 3236 | On time 7:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 10:56 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
RB 10608 · 22612 · IC 3540 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h10 | 11:35 AM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
RE 26813+ VIA 20016 · VIA 21210+ IC 3240 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 11:56 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 128 | On time 9:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h18 | 11:59 AM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
RE 10910 · RE 18932 · IC 3946 | 9:47 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h29 | 1:16 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
RE 26815+ VIA 20018 · VIA 21212+ IC 3244 | On time 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 12:56 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
RB 10612 · 22616 · IC 3548 | On time 10:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h10 | 1:35 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
RE 26817+ VIA 20020 · VIA 21214+ IC 3248 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 1:56 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 126 | On time 11:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h18 | 1:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
RE 26819+ VIA 20022 · VIA 21216+ IC 3252 | On time 11:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 2:56 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
RB 10616 · 22620 · IC 3556 | On time 12:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h10 | 3:35 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
RE 26821+ VIA 20024 · VIA 21218+ IC 3256 | On time 12:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 3:56 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 124 | On time 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h18 | 3:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
RE 26823+ VIA 20026 · VIA 21220+ IC 3260 | On time 1:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 4:56 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
RB 10620 · 22624 · IC 3564 | On time 2:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h10 | 5:35 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
RE 26825+ VIA 20028 · VIA 21222+ IC 3264 | On time 2:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 5:56 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Utrecht by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Utrecht
Trains from Cologne to Utrecht run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €8 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 180 km distance in 2h 9m.
Distance 180 km |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 9m |
First train 00:08 |
Last train 23:37 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, ÖBB Nightjet from Cologne to Utrecht trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Utrecht from €8. 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
ÖBB Nightjet
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Utrecht
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Utrecht 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 Utrecht, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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 Utrecht Centraal, located 2.7 miles (4.4 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Utrecht
- 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: 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
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- 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
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Spoorstraat and Jaarbeursplein.
- Restaurant De Rechtbank
- Humphrey's Utrecht
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €0.70
- Crowne Plaza Utrecht
- NH Utrecht
- Park Plaza Utrecht
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 12,656 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for international and regional trains
- Hall 2: domestic intercity and sprinter services
- Hall 3: tram and bus connections
- Tram: Line 22
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Domestic and international connections
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Utrecht
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