Groningen to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB)

Sun, Sep 13
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
WestfalenBahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
FlixTrain
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
WestfalenBahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
FlixTrain
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Groningen to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 13

Cheapest price on Sep 13

€59

Average ticket price on Sep 13

€81

Fastest journey on Sep 13

4 h 23 m

Average journey duration on Sep 13

4 h 23 m

Trains on Sep 13

34

Distance

256 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Groningen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Groningen to Cologne will cost around €81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €59.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Groningen to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Deutsche Bahn37926 · Bus 72068 · IC 2201
    8:40 AM5h34
    Groningen Europapark
    2:14 PMCologne Hbf
    591One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn37723 · IC 730 · IC 630 · ICE 123
    8:39 AM4h32
    Groningen Europapark
    1:11 PMCologne Hbf
    601One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 730 · IC 630 · ICE 123
    8:48 AM4h23
    Groningen station
    1:11 PMCologne Hbf
    601One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnRE 6130 · IC 630 · ICE 123
    8:35 AM4h36
    Groningen Europapark
    1:11 PMCologne Hbf
    601One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 528 · ICE 123
    8:18 AM4h53
    Groningen station
    1:11 PMCologne Hbf
    601One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Groningen to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Groningen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €26, while a train costs an average of €48.

Distance: 256 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€48

Average price

€26

Average price

Cheapest

5h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 39m

Average total duration

7h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Groningen to Cologne is a bus with an average price of €26.

This is compared to other travel options from Groningen to Cologne:

A bus is €22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Groningen to Cologne costing on average €48.

The fastest way to travel from Groningen to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 4h 43m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 9m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Groningen and Cologne including taking a train and bus.

Live departures

Groningen to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Groningen to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, September 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 544 · ICE 127
Delayed
12:18 PM Groningen station
4h53
3:13 PM 3:13 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRE 6148 · IC 3649 · ICE 127
Delayed
1:05 PM Groningen Europapark
4h06
3:13 PM 3:13 PMCologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37641 · IC 548 · IC 3649 · ICE 127
Delayed
1:10 PM Groningen Europapark
4h01
3:13 PM 3:13 PMCologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 548 · IC 3649 · ICE 127
Delayed
1:18 PM Groningen station
3h53
3:13 PM 3:13 PMCologne Hbf
2 transfers
Sunday, September 13
Deutsche BahnIC 528 · ICE 123
On time
8:18 AM Groningen station
4h53
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRE 6130 · IC 630 · ICE 123
On time
8:35 AM Groningen Europapark
4h36
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37723 · IC 730 · IC 630 · ICE 123
On time
8:39 AM Groningen Europapark
4h32
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37926 · Bus 72068 · IC 2201
On time
8:40 AM Groningen Europapark
5h34
2:14 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 730 · IC 630 · ICE 123
On time
8:48 AM Groningen station
4h23
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37525 · IC 532 · IC 3537 · 200819:09 AM Groningen Europapark
5h26
2:35 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 532 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 106259:18 AM Groningen station
5h17
2:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 536 · ICE 125
Delayed
10:18 AM Groningen station
4h53
1:13 PM 1:13 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRE 6138 · IC 638 · ICE 125
Delayed
10:35 AM Groningen Europapark
4h36
1:13 PM 1:13 PMCologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37731 · IC 738 · IC 638 · ICE 125
Delayed
10:39 AM Groningen Europapark
4h32
1:13 PM 1:13 PMCologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37934 · Bus 72070 · IC 2203
On time
10:40 AM Groningen Europapark
5h34
4:14 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 738 · IC 638 · ICE 125
Delayed
10:48 AM Groningen station
4h23
1:13 PM 1:13 PMCologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 6140 · RE RS23 · 20215 · ICE 201
On time
11:05 AM Groningen Europapark
5h45
4:50 PM Cologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37533 · IC 540 · IC 3545 · 2008511:09 AM Groningen Europapark
5h26
4:35 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 540 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 1062911:18 AM Groningen station
5h17
4:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Groningen 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.

Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19

Why should you book Groningen to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and more offer trains services from Groningen to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Groningen to Cologne.

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 WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Groningen 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 Groningen to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Groningen to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Groningen to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Groningen to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Groningen to Cologne run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 but you can travel from only €18 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 3h 53m.

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 €18
Distance
256 km
Average train duration
4h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
€24
Trains per day
14
Fastest train
3h 53m
First train
12:38 AM
Last train
11:51 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 days
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 €18

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Groningen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Groningen 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

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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€25
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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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 FlixTrain Duration
8h 26m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
€24
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

WestfalenBahn

About
WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.
Luggage & cancellation policy
WestfalenBahn frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
€112
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
6 a day

FAQs: Trains from Groningen to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Groningen 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Groningen to Cologne can start from as little as €24 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Groningen to Cologne is €48; 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 Groningen to Cologne is 3h 53m to travel the 256 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Groningen to Cologne leaves at 12:38 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Groningen to Cologne leaves at 11:51 PM.
There are 14 trains a day from Groningen to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Groningen to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Groningen and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Groningen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 53m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Groningen to Cologne is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Groningen and Cologne including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Groningen to Cologne

Most Groningen to Cologne trains use the Groningen to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Groningen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Groningen
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Groningen station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Groningen to Cologne leave from Groningen. The station is 1 km from Groningen city centre at Stationsweg 3, 9726 AC Groningen, Netherlands.
GroningenStationsweg 3, 9726 AC Groningen, Netherlands+31 50 316 1111WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Groningen from Groningen city centre

Bus1, 3, 4, 10 · 6m · €4 · every ~21 min

Groningen train station facilities and services

Groningen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: De Drie Gezusters, Mr. Mofongo

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Groningen. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Groningen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Groningen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Groningen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include NH Groningen Hotel, The Student Hotel Groningen, City Hotel Groningen.

Groningen NoordGroningen Noord, Groningen, NetherlandsParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Groningen Noord from Groningen city centre

Groningen Noord is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainStoptrein RS4, Stoptrein RS5, Stoptrein RS7, Stoptrein RS6 · 4m · €2 · every ~8 min
Bus171, 2 · 5m · €3 · every ~3 min
1, 10, 11 · 7m · €3 · every ~14 min
Stopbus ipv trein · 9m · €2

Groningen Noord train station facilities and services

Groningen Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Groningen Noord.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Groningen Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Groningen Noord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Noord: Ramps.

Groningen Europapark9723 ZR Groningen, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Groningen Europapark from Groningen city centre

Groningen Europapark is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter, Intercity · 2m · €2
Stoptrein RS4, Stoptrein RS5, Stoptrein RS6 · 10m · €2 · every ~7 min
Bus2 · 10m · €3 · every ~2 min

Groningen Europapark train station facilities and services

Groningen Europapark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Groningen Europapark.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Groningen Europapark.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Groningen Europapark: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Groningen Europapark: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Europapark.

More options for your journey from Groningen to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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