The cheapest and fastest trains from Utrecht to Cologne
Cheapest price
€25
Average price
€50
Fastest journey
2 h 11 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
180 km
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 €50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.
Of the 8 trains that leave Utrecht for Cologne on Tue, Dec 02, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 02 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 11 m .
On Tue, Dec 02 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.
IC 3023+
VIA 21207 · VIA 20015+
IC 2013
ICE 225
ICE 123
ICE 121
IC 3521 · 22609 · RB 10617
ICE 123
ICE 225
ICE 121
IC 3521 · 22609 · RB 10617
IC 3529 · 22613 · RB 10621Travel 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 prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 39m. 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 €236.
Distance: 180 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€55 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest | €596 Average price |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 21m Average total duration 6h 21m 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
Utrecht to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Utrecht to Cologne trains for today, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 225 | On time 8:00 AM Utrecht Centraal | 2h12 | 10:12 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 3529 · 22613 · RB 10621 | On time 8:24 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3h11 | 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3931 · RE 18931 · RE 10915 | On time 8:44 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3h28 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3031+ VIA 21211 · VIA 20019+ RE 26816 | On time 8:53 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3h19 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 123 | On time 10:04 AM Utrecht Centraal | 2h11 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 3537 · 22617 · RB 10625 | On time 10:24 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3h11 | 1:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3939 · RE 18939 · RE 10919 | On time 10:44 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3h28 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3039+ VIA 21215 · VIA 20023+ RE 26820 | On time 10:53 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3h19 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 125 | On time 12:04 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2h14 | 2:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 3545 · 22621 · RB 10629 | On time 12:24 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3h11 | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3947 · RE 18947 · RE 10923 | On time 12:44 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3h28 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3047+ VIA 21219 · VIA 20027+ RE 26824 | On time 12:53 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3h19 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 127 | On time 2:04 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2h15 | 4:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Dec 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Utrecht to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Utrecht to Cologne
Trains from Utrecht to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 but you can travel from only €8 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 180 km distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 180 km |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 00:08 |
Last train 23:24 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity from Utrecht to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity trains will get you between Utrecht and Cologne 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
Intercity
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
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.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Utrecht Centraal, which is located around 2.7 miles (4.4 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Utrecht to Cologne
- 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
- 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
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- 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
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
Most popular train connections from Utrecht
More options for your journey from Utrecht to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
