The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Cheapest price
€62
Average price
€136
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 55 m
Trains per day
47
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 €136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €62.
Of the 47 trains that leave Zurich for Cologne on Fri, Jan 16, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 16 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 Fri, Jan 16 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 60402
IC 782 · ICE 100
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 910
IR 2290 · ICE 76 · ICE 1014
IR 2290 · ICE 204
TGV 9226+
ICE 70 · ICE 912
TGV 9210+
ICE 6 · ICE 918
TGV 9218+
ICE 72 · ICE 916
IC 558 · ICE 74 · ICE 1010
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 910Travel 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 prices starting from €31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, and a flight costs an average of €80.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€146 Average price | €181 Average price | €59 Average price Cheapest |
7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration 8h 9m 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, Thursday, January 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 758 · ICE 202 | On time 4:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 10:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 284 · ICE 612 | 5:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h28 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374+ IC 1947 | 5:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h24 | 12:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374 · ICE 612 | 5:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 558 · ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 6:34 AM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 11:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 558+ ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | 6:34 AM Zurich HB | 6h48 | 1:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 200 | On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 282 · ICE 610 | 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h28 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 610 | 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 1645 | 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h29 | 2:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 794+ ICE 372 · ICE 1645 | 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h29 | 2:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 8:34 AM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 1:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 108 | On time 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 370 · IC 2012 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h22 | 4:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370+ IC 2012 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h22 | 4:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9218+ ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 10:34 AM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 3:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 770+ ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h36 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h36 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 188 · ICE 516 | On time 11:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h28 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 1941 | On time 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h26 | 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 772+ ICE 278+ IC 1941 | On time 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h26 | 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9222+ EC 4+ ICE 224 · ICE 26 | 12:34 PM Zurich HB | 7h00 | 7:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
TGV 9222+ ECE 4 · ICE 224 | 12:34 PM Zurich HB | 5h09 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9222+ ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 | 12:34 PM Zurich HB | 7h00 | 7:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 104 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 186 · ICE 514 | On time 1:37 PM Zurich HB | 5h28 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 1649 | 1:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h27 | 8:26 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 776+ ICE 276 · ICE 1649 | 1:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h27 | 8:26 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 514 | On time 1:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9226+ ICE 70 · ICE 912 | On time 2:34 PM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 7:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 102 | 2:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 184 · ICE 512 | On time 3:37 PM Zurich HB | 5h28 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 780+ ICE 274+ IC 2347 | 3:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h49 | 10:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 780 · ICE 274 · ICE 512 | On time 3:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 780 · ICE 274 · IC 2977 | 3:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h49 | 10:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 910 | On time 4:34 PM Zurich HB | 4h56 | 9:30 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 782 · ICE 100 | 4:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h11 | 10:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 510 | On time 5:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h11 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
NJ 402 | 8:59 PM Zurich HB | 7h58 | 4:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60402 | On time 8:59 PM Zurich HB | 7h58 | 4:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60402 | On time 8:59 PM Zurich HB | 7h58 | 4:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 2290 · ICE 76 · ICE 1014 | 11:08 PM Zurich HB | 8h21 | 7:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IR 2290 · ICE 204 | 11:08 PM Zurich HB | 8h57 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, January 16 | |||||
IR 2252 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | 4:08 AM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 9:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Jan 16
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Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Feb 01
Feb 02
Feb 03
Feb 04
Feb 05
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Cologne
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €60 but you can travel from only €31 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 49m.
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 6h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price €60 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 49m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity from Zurich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity trains will get you between Zurich and Cologne from €31. 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 Nightjet
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
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.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Zurich HB, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.2 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 Zurich to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Zurich
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