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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leiden to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
€54
Average price
€89
Fastest journey
3 h 11 m
Average duration
3 h 11 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
218 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leiden to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leiden to Cologne will cost around €89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €54.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Leiden to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 3563 · ICE 243 · ICE 2055:00 PM3h48Leiden Centraal8:48 PMCologne Hbf€541One-way2 transfers- IC 3563 · ICE 243 · 21341 · ICE 8235:00 PM3h31Leiden Centraal8:31 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€561One-way3 transfers
- IC 3529 · 20077 · 106218:30 AM4h05Leiden Centraal12:35 PMCologne Hbf€611One-way2 transfers
- IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 200778:32 AM4h03Leiden Centraal12:35 PMCologne Hbf€611One-way4 transfers
- IC 3537 · 20081 · 1062510:30 AM4h05Leiden Centraal2:35 PMCologne Hbf€611One-way2 transfers
- IC 3527 · ICE 2258:00 AM3h11Leiden Centraal11:11 AMCologne Hbf€801One-way1 transfer
- IC 3535 · ICE 12310:00 AM3h11Leiden Centraal1:11 PMCologne Hbf€871One-way1 transfer
- IC 3543 · ICE 12512:00 PM3h11Leiden Centraal3:11 PMCologne Hbf€991One-way1 transfer
- IC 3551 · ICE 1272:00 PM3h11Leiden Centraal5:11 PMCologne Hbf€991One-way1 transfer
- IC 3559 · ICE 1294:00 PM3h11Leiden Centraal7:11 PMCologne Hbf€871One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Leiden to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leiden to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 31m. 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 €14, and a flight costs an average of €178.
Distance: 218 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price | €18 Average price Cheapest | €467 Average price |
4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 50m Average total duration 7h 50m 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
Leiden to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Leiden to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 3527 · ICE 225 | On time 8:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 8:30 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 | 8:32 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| IC 3531 · ICE 145 · ICE 107 | On time 9:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3535 · ICE 123 | On time 10:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3526 · ECD 9528 · ICE 315 | On time 10:02 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h13 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3537 · 20081 · 10625 | 10:30 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 2:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3528 · IC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 | 10:32 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 2:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| IC 3539 · ICE 147 · 89882 · ICE 721 | On time 11:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h42 | 2:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
| IC 3539 · ICE 147 · ICE 109 | On time 11:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3543 · ICE 125 | On time 12:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3534 · ECD 9536 · ICE 17 | On time 12:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h13 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629 | 12:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3536 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 | 12:32 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| IC 3547 · ICE 149 · ICE 201 | On time 1:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3547 · ICE 149 · 89886 · ICE 725 | On time 1:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h42 | 4:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
| IC 3551 · ICE 127 | On time 2:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3542 · ECD 9544 · ICE 317 | On time 2:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h13 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3553 · 20089 · 10633 | 2:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3544 · IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 | 2:32 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| IC 3555 · ICE 241 · 21339 · ICE 729 | 3:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h42 | 6:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
| IC 3555 · ICE 241 · ICE 203 | On time 3:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3559 · ICE 129 | On time 4:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3561 · 20093 · 10637 | 4:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 8:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3563 · ICE 243 · 21341 · ICE 823 | On time 5:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h31 | 8:31 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
| IC 3563 · ICE 243 · ICE 205 | On time 5:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leiden to Cologne 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.
Fri
Jun 19
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Tue
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Jun 25
Jun 25
Why should you book Leiden to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Leiden to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leiden 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 VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Leiden 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leiden 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 VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Leiden to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leiden to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leiden to Cologne
Netherlands
Germany
Trains from Leiden to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €25 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 218 km distance in 3h 18m.
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 €14
Distance 218 km |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €25 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 18m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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 €14
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Leiden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Leiden and Cologne from €14. 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
3h 18m
Cheapest Price
€31
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
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
2 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
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Price
€89
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
10 a day
FAQs: Trains from Leiden to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leiden 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.
Cheap train tickets from Leiden to Cologne can start from as little as €25 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Leiden to Cologne is €61; 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 Leiden to Cologne is 3h 18m to travel the 218 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 Leiden to Cologne leaves at 12:02 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Leiden to Cologne leaves at 10:15 PM.
There are 6 trains a day from Leiden to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Leiden to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, 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 Leiden and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Leiden is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 18m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Leiden to Cologne is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Leiden and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Leiden to Cologne
Leiden
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Leiden is Leiden Centraal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leiden Centraal for your trip from Leiden to Cologne.
Leiden Centraal
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
9Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from the main entrance
Dining
- Restaurant De Bruine Boon
- Grand Café Van Buuren
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- €0.70
Hotel
- Ibis Leiden Centre
- Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
- City Hotel Nieuw Minerva
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 4720 places, some covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-9 for local trains
Public transit options for Leiden Centraal
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Intercity and local services
Leiden Lammenschans
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCBike ParkingCar RentalDe Vink
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
2 kmThe major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Leiden.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Most popular train connections from Leiden
More options for your journey from Leiden to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Leiden
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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