The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Cheapest price on Oct 15
€66
Average ticket price on Oct 15
€159
Fastest journey on Oct 15
4 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Oct 15
4 h 55 m
Trains on Oct 15
67
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 €159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €66.
On Thu, Oct 15, we found 67 trains from Zurich to Cologne, including 5 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 15 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 Thu, Oct 15 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 60409 · IC 604027:58 PM9h46Zurich HB5:44 AMCologne Hbf€661One-way1 transfer
RE 4936 · 3073 · 4826 · ICE 6988:05 PM9h39Zurich HB5:44 AMCologne Hbf€681One-way4 transfers
IC 782 · ICE 1005:58 PM5h12Zurich HB11:10 PMCologne Hbf€781One-way1 transfer
IC 1056 · 5338 · Bus RB27 · 47009:34 PM10h31Zurich HB8:05 AMCologne Hbf€891One-way5 transfers
ICE 272 · ICE 9206:58 PM7h07Zurich HB2:05 AMCologne Hbf€901One-way1 transfer
TGV 9210+
ICE 6 · ICE 9189:34 AM4h55Zurich HB2:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1401One-way2 transfers
TGV 9226+
ICE 70 · ICE 9123:34 PM4h55Zurich HB8:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1201One-way2 transfers
TGV 9218+
ICE 72 · ICE 91611:34 AM4h55Zurich HB4:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1401One-way2 transfers
IC 558 · ICE 74 · ICE 10107:34 AM4h55Zurich HB12:29 PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1401One-way2 transfers
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 9105:34 PM4h56Zurich HB10:30 PMCologne Hbf€1201One-way2 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Cologne
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run on average 31 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €34 but you can travel from only €21 by bus.
There are 3 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 20m.
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 5h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €34 |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 20m |
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 |
Live departures
Zurich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, October 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 794 · ICE 372 · IC 1645 | 8:58 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 610 | 8:58 AM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 794+ ICE 372+ IC 1645 | 8:58 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 6h32 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
TGV 9210+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 6h32 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 108 | On time 9:58 AM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 10:58 AM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 10:58 AM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 10:58 AM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 2522 | On time 10:58 AM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9218+ 9471 | 11:34 AM Zurich HB | 9h41 | 9:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9218+ ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 11:34 AM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 | On time 11:58 AM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | 11:58 AM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 770+ ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 12:58 PM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 772+ ICE 278+ IC 1941 | On time 12:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 1941 | On time 12:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9222+ EC 4+ ICE 224 · ICE 26 | 1:34 PM Zurich HB | 6h32 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
TGV 9222+ ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 | 1:34 PM Zurich HB | 6h32 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
TGV 9222+ ECE 4 · ICE 224 | 1:34 PM Zurich HB | 5h09 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 104 | On time 1:58 PM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 150 · ICE 2514 | On time 2:34 PM Zurich HB | 5h31 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 776+ ICE 276+ IC 1649 | 2:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 2514 | On time 2:58 PM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · IC 1649 | 2:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9226+ ICE 70 · ICE 912 | On time 3:34 PM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 102 | 3:58 PM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 274+ IC 2347 | On time 4:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 274 · ICE 512 | On time 4:58 PM Zurich HB | 5h05 | 10:03 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 274 · IC 2347 | On time 4:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 11:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 910 | On time 5:34 PM Zurich HB | 6h59 | 12:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 910 · ICE 22 | 5:34 PM Zurich HB | 6h44 | 12:18 AM Cologne | 4 transfers | |
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 910 · ICE 22 | 5:34 PM Zurich HB | 7h00 | 12:34 AM Cologne | 4 transfers | |
IC 782 · ICE 100 | 5:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h44 | 12:42 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 510 | On time 6:58 PM Zurich HB | 6h43 | 1:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 920 · 25402 · Bus RB48 | On time 6:58 PM Zurich HB | 8h26 | 3:24 AM Cologne | 3 transfers | |
ICE 272 · ICE 2838 · 25402 · Bus RB48 | On time 6:58 PM Zurich HB | 8h26 | 3:24 AM Cologne | 3 transfers | |
IC 60409 · IC 60402 | On time 7:58 PM Zurich HB | 9h46 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 4936 · 3073 · 4826 · ICE 698 | On time 8:05 PM Zurich HB | 9h39 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RE 4936 · 3073 · 4826 · ICE 618 | 8:05 PM Zurich HB | 9h59 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1056 · 5338 · Bus RB27 · 4700 | 9:34 PM Zurich HB | 10h31 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
| Thursday, October 15 | |||||
IR 2290+ ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | On time 12:08 AM Zurich HB | 9h58 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 2290 · ICE 76 · ICE 1014 | On time 12:08 AM Zurich HB | 8h21 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IR 2290 · ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | On time 12:08 AM Zurich HB | 9h58 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 2290 · ICE 204 | 12:08 AM Zurich HB | 8h57 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IR 2252+ EC 8+ ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 5:08 AM Zurich HB | 6h57 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IR 2252 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 5:08 AM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 10:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IR 2252 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 5:08 AM Zurich HB | 6h57 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 758 · ICE 202 | On time 5:58 AM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9459 | 6:58 AM Zurich HB | 12h17 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9477 | 6:58 AM Zurich HB | 15h24 | 10:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9471 | 6:58 AM Zurich HB | 14h17 | 9:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374+ IC 1947 | On time 6:58 AM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374 · ICE 612 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374 · IC 1947 | On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h06 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 558+ ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | 7:34 AM Zurich HB | 6h32 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 558 · ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 7:34 AM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 | On time 7:58 AM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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?
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), SNCF | TGV Lyria, ÖBB | Nightjet, Eurostar, Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft from Zurich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), SNCF | TGV Lyria, ÖBB | Nightjet, Eurostar, Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft trains will get you between Zurich and Cologne from €21. 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 | InterCity
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
SNCF | TGV Lyria
ÖBB | Nightjet
Eurostar
Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft
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 Hardbrücke from Zurich city centre
Zürich Hardbrücke is 3 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Hardbrücke train station facilities and services
Zürich Hardbrücke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar, Les Halles
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Hardbrücke. Information desks are located on the main concourse.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 25hours Hotel Zürich West, Sheraton Zürich Hotel, Novotel Zurich City West.
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.
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.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need






