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Trains from Cologne to Paderborn

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  3. Cologne to Paderborn

Take the train from Cologne to Paderborn in 12 hours 9 minutes

If you want to travel from Cologne to Paderborn by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Cologne to Paderborn by train to take around 15 hours 5 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 12 hours 9 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 21 trains per day running on this route, which spans 688 km. You'll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Paderborn.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Cologne to Paderborn if you book in advance.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Cologne to Paderborn by train

First train

12:20 am

Last train

9:40 pm

Departure station

Cologne

Arrival station

Paderborn

Journey time

From 12h 9m

Distance

428 miles (688 km)

Frequency

21 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

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

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

How do I travel from Cologne to Paderborn?

You can get from Cologne to Paderborn in 15 hours and 5 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 12 hours and 9 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Cologne to Paderborn take?

The average journey time by train between Cologne and Paderborn is 15 hours and 5 minutes, with around 21 trains per day running on this route. 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 Paderborn by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cologne to Paderborn is 12 hours and 9 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Cologne to Paderborn?

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

What are the train times from Cologne to Paderborn?

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne to Paderborn for Tuesday Sep 9th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
6:59 am8:10 pm13h 11m, 4 changes
7:40 am8:10 pm12h 30m, 5 changes
7:40 am9:10 pm13h 30m, 4 changes
8:40 am9:10 pm12h 30m, 6 changes
8:40 am10:10 pm13h 30m, 5 changes
11:40 am4:27 am16h 47m, 5 changes
12:40 pm4:40 am16h 0m, 7 changes
1:40 pm6:10 am16h 30m, 4 changes
2:40 pm6:57 am16h 17m, 8 changes
2:40 pm7:10 am16h 30m, 4 changes

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

The price of train tickets from Cologne to Paderborn starts at one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

1. 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 Paderborn by booking early.§

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

§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.

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