TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*

Official distributor

  • trenitalia
  • frecciarossa
  • italo
  • trenord
  • frecciargento
  • intercity
  • itabus
  • flixbus
  • blablabus
Calendar week image
TrainlineTrainline

Search. Book. Travel.

Looking for a cheap price?

Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.

CalendarCalendar

We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.

Support image
TrainlineTrainline

Search. Book. Travel.

Say hello to Your Account

All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.

ChatChat

Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.

Companion image
TrainlineTrainline

Search. Book. Travel.

No more fumbling in your pockets

Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.

ETicketETicket

All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.

Calendar week image
TrainlineTrainline

Search. Book. Travel.

Looking for a cheap price?

Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.

CalendarCalendar

We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.

Support image
TrainlineTrainline

Search. Book. Travel.

Say hello to Your Account

All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.

ChatChat

Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.

What customers say about Trainline

Read real reviews from real users

Travel from Cologne to Düsseldorf by train in 11 hours 30 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Cologne to Düsseldorf by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Cologne to Düsseldorf by train is 14 hours 10 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 11 hours 30 minutes. You'll usually find 21 trains per day traveling the 669 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Düsseldorf. You're likely to be traveling with Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia to Düsseldorf. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Cologne to Düsseldorf in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Cologne to Düsseldorf in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Cologne to Düsseldorf by train

First train

00:20

Last train

21:40

Departure station

Cologne

Arrival station

Düsseldorf

Journey time

From 11h 30m

Distance

416 miles (669 km)

Frequency

21 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Trenord, Trenitalia, Italo, SBB CFF FFS, ÖBB, Meridian

Cologne to Düsseldorf train times

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne to Düsseldorf for Tuesday Apr 9th 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:40 19:48 12h 8m, 7 changes
07:40 20:05 12h 25m, 6 changes
07:40 20:36 12h 56m, 3 changes
08:40 20:10 11h 30m, 5 changes
08:40 20:32 11h 52m, 4 changes
09:40 22:35 12h 55m, 4 changes
11:40 00:20 12h 40m, 5 changes
11:40 01:31 13h 51m, 4 changes
15:40 05:23 13h 43m, 3 changes
16:40 08:36 15h 56m, 5 changes

Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and SBB trains from Cologne to Düsseldorf

You can travel from Cologne to Düsseldorf on Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and SBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.

Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).

Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Cologne to Düsseldorf

Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Cologne to Düsseldorf.

Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne to Düsseldorf.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant cars.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat.
  • If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • Italo trains offer free WiFi and a free entertainment portal called ItaloLive, where you can choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat.
  • Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
  • You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
PetPetPets
  • Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage
  • Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
  • You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
  • Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
  • If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
  • Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
  • Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Passengers with disabilities can:

  • Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
  • Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
  • Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)

To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
  • A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.

PetPetPets

Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

InfoInfoOther

A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Düsseldorf

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Cologne to Düsseldorf by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

FAQs for Cologne to Düsseldorf

Want to know more about your journey from Cologne to Düsseldorf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Cologne to Düsseldorf take?

The average journey time by train between Cologne and Düsseldorf is 14 hours and 10 minutes, with around 21 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Cologne and Düsseldorf by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cologne to Düsseldorf is 11 hours and 30 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Cologne to Düsseldorf?

No, there are no direct train services from Cologne to Düsseldorf. Travelling from Cologne to Düsseldorf by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Cologne to Düsseldorf leave?

The first train from Cologne to Düsseldorf leaves at 00:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Cologne to Düsseldorf leave?

The last train from Cologne to Düsseldorf leaves at 21:40. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf by train?

Trains travelling from Cologne to Düsseldorf cover a distance of around 416 miles (669 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Düsseldorf to Cologne.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.