4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Cheapest price on Aug 30
€50
Average ticket price on Aug 30
€170
Fastest journey on Aug 30
4 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
4 h 55 m
Trains on Aug 30
45
Distance
413 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Cologne will cost around €170 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €50.
On Sun, Aug 30, we found 45 trains from Zurich to Cologne, including 5 direct services.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct trains cover the 413 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest trains will take 4 h 56 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 604027:36 PM10h08Zurich HB5:44 AMCologne Hbf€501One-way0 transfers- IC 782 · ICE 1005:59 PM5h11Zurich HB11:10 PMCologne Hbf€801One-way1 transfer
- RE 4936 · 3073 · 4826 · ICE 6988:05 PM9h41Zurich HB5:46 AMCologne Hbf€811One-way4 transfers
- RE 4936 · 3073 · 4826 · ICE 6188:05 PM9h59Zurich HB6:04 AMCologne Hbf€911One-way3 transfers
- S 9+
S62 · S6+177918:07 PM9h57Zurich HB6:04 AMCologne Hbf€911One-way5 transfers
- ICE 72 · ICE 916+
TGV 921811:34 AM4h55Zurich HB4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1601One-way2 transfers - ICE 74 · ICE 1010+TGV 92067:34 AM4h55Zurich HB12:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1401One-way2 transfers
- ICE 6 · ICE 918+TGV 92109:34 AM4h55Zurich HB2:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1601One-way2 transfers
- ICE 70 · ICE 912+TGV 92263:34 PM4h55Zurich HB8:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1401One-way2 transfers
- IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 9105:34 PM4h56Zurich HB10:30 PMCologne Hbf€1101One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €42, while a flight costs an average of €150.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€128 Average price | €150 Average price | €42 Average price Cheapest |
6h 58m Average total duration 6h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 58m Average total duration 9h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IR 2252 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 5:08 AM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| IC 758 · ICE 202 | On time 5:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 758 · ICE 202 · ICE 2528 | On time 5:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h15 | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 760 · ICE 374 · IC 2547 | On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 2536 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h23 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
 IC 760 · IC 2547+ ICE 374 | On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 74 · ICE 1010+TGV 9206 | Delayed 6:46 AM 7:34 AMZurich HB | 4h55 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 200 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 200 · ICE 2534 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 1:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 610 | 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 794 · ICE 372 · IC 2545 | On time 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 610 · ICE 2532 | 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h24 | 2:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 794 · IC 2545+ICE 372 | On time 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 6 · ICE 918+TGV 9210 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 · 10434 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 6h38 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
 TGV 9210+ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 6h38 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
 9210+ 9459 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 9h41 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 9210+9471 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 11h41 | 9:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 108 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 108 · ICE 2530 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h23 | 3:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 2012 · 17354 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h23 | 5:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 518 · ICE 2538 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h24 | 4:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 72 · ICE 916+TGV 9218 | Delayed 10:46 AM 11:34 AMZurich HB | 4h55 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| 9218+9471 | 11:34 AM Zurich HB | 9h41 | 9:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 770 · ICE 106 | On time 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 2516 | On time 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 5:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 2041 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · ICE 2544 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h24 | 6:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 · 10442 | Delayed 12:46 PM 1:34 PMZurich HB | 6h38 | 8:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| ECE 4 · ICE 224+TGV 9222 | Delayed 12:46 PM 1:34 PMZurich HB | 5h09 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 104 | On time 1:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| EC 150 · ICE 514 | On time 2:34 PM Zurich HB | 5h31 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 776 · ICE 276 · IC 2349 | On time 2:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 514 | On time 2:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 70 · ICE 912+TGV 9226 | Delayed 2:46 PM 3:34 PMZurich HB | 4h55 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 102 | 3:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 780 · ICE 274 · ICE 512 | On time 4:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 910 | On time 5:34 PM Zurich HB | 4h56 | 10:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 782 · ICE 100 | 5:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h11 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 272 · ICE 510 | On time 6:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h15 | 12:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 60402 | On time 9:59 PM Zurich HB | 7h45 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 30 | |||||
| IR 2292 · ICE 204 | 1:08 AM Zurich HB | 7h57 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich 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.
Aug 29
Aug 30
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Sep 01
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Sep 03
Sep 04
Sep 05
Sep 06
Sep 07
Sep 08
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Sep 17
Sep 18
Why should you book Zurich 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 ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity or ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich 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 Zurich to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Cologne
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €52 but you can travel from only €25 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 413 km distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 6h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €52 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 77 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Cologne from €25. 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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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 Zurich to Cologne
Most Zurich to Cologne trains use the Zürich HB to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Zurich station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, 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 Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Getting to Zürich Stadelhofen from Zurich city centre
Zürich Stadelhofen train station facilities and services
Zürich Stadelhofen 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: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Getting to Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord from Zurich city centre
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord train station facilities and services
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord.
Which Cologne station do trains from Zurich 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 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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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