Utrecht to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sat, Sep 12
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Utrecht to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 12

Cheapest price on Sep 12

€35

Average ticket price on Sep 12

€55

Fastest journey on Sep 12

2 h 8 m

Average journey duration on Sep 12

2 h 22 m

Trains on Sep 12

9

Distance

180 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Utrecht to Cologne will cost around €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €35.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 12, we found 9 trains from Utrecht to Cologne, including 4 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 12 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 8 m .

On Sat, Sep 12 the slowest trains will take 3 h 11 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 125
    1:03 PM2h08
    Utrecht Centraal
    3:11 PMCologne Hbf
    351One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 121
    7:04 AM2h09
    Utrecht Centraal
    9:13 AMCologne Hbf
    461One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3529 · 20077 · 10621
    9:24 AM3h11
    Utrecht Centraal
    12:35 PMCologne Hbf
    561One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3537 · 20081 · 10625
    11:24 AM3h11
    Utrecht Centraal
    2:35 PMCologne Hbf
    561One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 123
    11:02 AM2h09
    Utrecht Centraal
    1:11 PMCologne Hbf
    601One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Utrecht to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Utrecht to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 33m. 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 €24, while a flight costs an average of €350.

Distance: 180 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

€46

Average price

€24

Average price

Cheapest

€350

Average price

€42

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 41m

Average total duration

3h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 3m

Average total duration

7h 3m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 41m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Utrecht to Cologne is a bus with an average price of €24.

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

A bus is €22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Utrecht to Cologne costing on average €46.

A bus is €326 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Utrecht to Cologne costing on average €350.

The fastest way to travel from Utrecht to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 3h 3m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 11m.

Flight takes on average 7h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Utrecht and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.

Live departures

Utrecht to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Utrecht to Cologne trains for today, Friday, September 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 125
On time
1:03 PM Utrecht Centraal
2h10
3:13 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3545 · 20085 · 106291:24 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h11
4:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3047+VIAS Rail GmbH20027+Deutsche Bahn268241:54 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h17
5:11 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 127
Delayed
1:07 PM 3:03 PMUtrecht Centraal
2h10
5:13 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3553 · 20089 · 106333:24 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h11
6:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3055+VIAS Rail GmbH20031+Deutsche Bahn268283:54 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h17
7:11 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 129
On time
5:03 PM Utrecht Centraal
2h10
7:13 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3561 · 20093 · 106375:24 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h11
8:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3063+VIAS Rail GmbH20035+Deutsche Bahn268325:54 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h17
9:11 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2217:03 PM Utrecht Centraal
2h10
9:13 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3569 · 20097 · 106417:24 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h11
10:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3071+VIAS Rail GmbH20039+Deutsche Bahn268367:54 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h29
11:23 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3573 · 20099 · 106438:24 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h11
11:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 60403 · ICE 619
On time
9:32 PM Utrecht Centraal
2h34
12:06 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 3079+VIAS Rail GmbH20043+Deutsche Bahn268409:54 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h17
1:11 AM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2981 · 32589 · 18981 · 2684510:09 PM Utrecht Centraal
3h35
1:44 AM Cologne Hbf3 transfers
Saturday, September 12
Deutsche BahnIC 21431 · 26852+VIAS Rail GmbH200091:54 AM Utrecht Centraal
6h17
8:11 AM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 121
On time
7:04 AM Utrecht Centraal
2h09
9:13 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3023 · 26812+VIAS Rail GmbH200157:53 AM Utrecht Centraal
3h18
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 225
On time
9:02 AM Utrecht Centraal
2h12
11:14 AM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3529 · 20077 · 106219:24 AM Utrecht Centraal
3h11
12:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 123
On time
11:02 AM Utrecht Centraal
2h09
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3537 · 20081 · 1062511:24 AM Utrecht Centraal
3h11
2:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3039 · 26820+VIAS Rail GmbH2002311:54 AM Utrecht Centraal
3h17
3:11 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Utrecht 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.

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Why should you book Utrecht to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Utrecht to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Utrecht 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 Utrecht 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 Utrecht 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 Utrecht 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 Utrecht to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Utrecht to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Utrecht to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 180 km distance in 2h 6m.

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
180 km
Average train duration
3h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
€24
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 6m
First train
12:07 AM
Last train
11:25 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
42 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 Utrecht to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Utrecht 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€29
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
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 Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
€95
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
7 a day

FAQs: Trains from Utrecht to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Utrecht 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 Utrecht to Cologne can start from as little as €24 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Utrecht to Cologne is €46; 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 Utrecht to Cologne is 2h 6m to travel the 180 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 Utrecht to Cologne leaves at 12:07 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Utrecht to Cologne leaves at 11:25 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Utrecht to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Utrecht 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 Utrecht and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Utrecht is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 6m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Utrecht to Cologne is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Utrecht and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Utrecht to Cologne

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

Departure train stations in Utrecht
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Utrecht station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Utrecht to Cologne leave from Utrecht Centraal. The station is 1 km from Utrecht city centre at Stationsplein 7, 3511 ED Utrecht, Netherlands.
Utrecht CentraalStationsplein 7, 3511 ED Utrecht, Netherlands+31 30 235 7822WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Utrecht Centraal from Utrecht city centre

Bus350, 2, 5, 8, 18, 28, 55, 73 · 9m · €3 · every ~13 min

Utrecht Centraal train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant De Rechtbank, Humphrey's Utrecht

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Utrecht Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Utrecht Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Utrecht Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Centraal: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Utrecht, NH Utrecht, Park Plaza Utrecht.

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn3542 AK Utrecht, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Utrecht Leidsche Rijn from Utrecht city centre

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn is 3 km from Utrecht city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 4m · €1 · every ~8 min
Bus28 · 9m · €3 · every ~11 min
5, 73 · 25m · €3 · every ~12 min

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn train station facilities and services

Utrecht Leidsche Rijn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.

Utrecht Vaartsche RijnWesterkade 46, 3511 HC Utrecht, Netherlands+31 30 751 5155ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn from Utrecht city centre

Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn is 1 km from Utrecht city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 2m · €1 · every ~14 min
Bus8, N4 · 12m · €3 · every ~8 min

Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn train station facilities and services

Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn.

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We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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