Cologne to Heerlen by Train

Q: How far is the train ride from Cologne to Heerlen?

The train ride from Cologne to Heerlen covers a distance of around 410 miles (659 km). The quickest journeys on this route can take 11 hours and 46 minutes.

Q: Can I take a flight-free trip from Cologne to Heerlen?

Yes, you can get from Cologne to Heerlen without taking a flight. Check our Journey Planner to see available times and routes - the fastest trains take 11 hours and 46 minutes, with around 24 trains per day.

Q: What is the best way to travel to Heerlen from Cologne?

With the fastest journeys taking just 11 hours and 46 minutes, we think the best way to travel between Cologne and Heerlen is to take the train! Check out our Journey Planner for times, tickets and prices, or explore the classes and onboard services available on the train.

Q: What time does the first train run from Cologne to Heerlen?

The first train from Cologne to Heerlen usually leaves at 00:20, but times can vary depending on the day and train operator. Use our Journey Planner to check the schedule on your day of travel.

Q: How late does the train from Cologne to Heerlen run?

The last train from Cologne to Heerlen usually leaves at 21:40, but times can vary depending on the day and train operator. Use our Journey Planner to check the schedule on your day of travel.

Q: How many trains go from Cologne to Heerlen per day?

Trains from Cologne to Heerlen run frequently all day, with around 24 trains available every day. Use our Journey Planner to check the full schedule.

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About the train journey from Cologne to Heerlen

Want to travel from Cologne to Heerlen by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Cologne to Heerlen usually takes 15 hours 27 minutes on average to travel 659 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 11 hours 46 minutes. You can expect to find 24 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Cologne and Heerlen, you'll need to make 3 changes on your way to Heerlen.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Cologne to Heerlen in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Heerlen, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

First train	12:20 am
Last train	9:40 pm
Departure station	Cologne
Arrival station	Heerlen
Journey time	From 11h 46m
Distance	410 miles (659 km)
Frequency	24 trains per day
Changes	3 changes

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne to Heerlen?

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

How do you travel to Heerlen from Cologne?

To get to Heerlen from Cologne, why not take the train? With 24 trains per day and an average journey time of 15 hours and 27 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Cologne to Heerlen by train?

On average it takes around 15 hours and 27 minutes to travel from Cologne to Heerlen by train, although you can get there in 11 hours and 46 minutes on the fastest services. With 24 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Cologne to Heerlen?

The fastest time a train can travel the 410 miles (659 km) from Cologne to Heerlen is 11 hours and 46 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Cologne to Heerlen?

There are no direct trains that run between Cologne and Heerlen. You’ll need to make around 3 changes along the way.

How far is the train ride from Cologne to Heerlen?

Can I take a flight-free trip from Cologne to Heerlen?

What is the best way to travel to Heerlen from Cologne?

What time does the first train run from Cologne to Heerlen?

How late does the train from Cologne to Heerlen run?

How many trains go from Cologne to Heerlen per day?

When do tickets from Cologne to Heerlen go on sale?

Planning a round trip from Cologne to Heerlen?

Departs	Arrives	Duration
8:40 am	8:47 pm	12h 7m, 8 changes
8:40 am	9:41 pm	13h 1m, 6 changes
9:40 am	10:47 pm	13h 7m, 6 changes
11:40 am	5:47 am	18h 7m, 6 changes
12:40 pm	5:47 am	17h 7m, 8 changes
2:40 pm	6:47 am	16h 7m, 4 changes
2:40 pm	8:11 am	17h 31m, 3 changes
3:40 pm	6:47 am	15h 7m, 6 changes
3:40 pm	8:11 am	16h 31m, 5 changes
4:40 pm	12:17 pm	19h 37m, 5 changes

Search all times and prices for today

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Heerlen?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Cologne to Heerlen starts at ^§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

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

^§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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

Trains from Cologne to Heerlen

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About the train journey from Cologne to Heerlen