The cheapest and fastest trains from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Cheapest price
€19
Average price
€21
Fastest journey
59 m
Average duration
59 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
65 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne will cost around €21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.
Of the 2 trains that leave Gelsenkirchen for Cologne on Mon, Jul 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 06 the direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 59 m .
On Mon, Jul 06 the slowest trains will take 59 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.
8:15 AM0h59Gelsenkirchen9:14 AMCologne€191One-way0 transfers
7:15 AM0h59Gelsenkirchen8:14 AMCologne€231One-way0 transfers
8:15 AM0h59Gelsenkirchen9:14 AMCologne€191One-way0 transfers
7:15 AM0h59Gelsenkirchen8:14 AMCologne€231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €4. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 €4, and a train costs an average of €7.
Distance: 65 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€15 Average price | €5 Average price Cheapest |
1h 37m Average total duration 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m 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
Gelsenkirchen to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Cologne trains for today, Sunday, July 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10214 · 28517 | 12:09 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h20 | 1:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2201 | Delayed 11:19 AM 1:13 PMGelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h01 | 12:16 PM 12:16 PMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
10134 · ICE 109 | Delayed 1:34 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h14 | 12:54 PM 12:54 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 1:48 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h08 | 2:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:48 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1h08 | 8:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:15 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0h59 | 8:14 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0h59 | 9:14 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Gelsenkirchen to Cologne 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.
Jul 06
Jul 07
Jul 08
Jul 09
Jul 10
Jul 11
Jul 12
Why should you book Gelsenkirchen 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 FlixTrain, Train Charter Services, VIAS Rail GmbH or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Gelsenkirchen 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €4 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 59m.
Distance 65 km |
Average train duration 1h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 59m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Train Charter Services, VIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurobahn from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Train Charter Services, VIAS Rail GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurobahn trains will get you between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne from €4. 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.
FlixTrain
Train Charter Services
VIAS Rail GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Eurobahn
FAQs: Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Most Gelsenkirchen to Cologne trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Gelsenkirchen station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen Hbf train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Getting to Wanne-Eickel Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf train station facilities and services
Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Getting to Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen is 2 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen 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: Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas, Viva Sevilla, Nudelland
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Which Cologne station do trains from Gelsenkirchen 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/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.
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.
More options for your journey from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


