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About the train journey from Heerlen to Cologne

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

The train from Heerlen to Cologne usually takes 15 hours 15 minutes on average to travel 659 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 12 hours 21 minutes. You can expect to find 16 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Heerlen and Cologne, you'll need to make 4 changes on your way to Cologne. You can choose to travel with Trenitalia, DB or NS to get to Cologne. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Heerlen to Cologne 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 Cologne, 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.

Heerlen to Cologne by train

First train

12:18 am

Last train

11:18 pm

Departure station

Heerlen

Arrival station

Cologne

Journey time

From 12h 21m

Distance

410 miles (659 km)

Frequency

16 trains per day

Changes

4 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, NS, Trenord

FAQs about the train journey from Heerlen to Cologne

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

How do you travel to Cologne from Heerlen?

To get to Cologne from Heerlen, why not take the train? With 16 trains per day and an average journey time of 15 hours and 15 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 Heerlen to Cologne by train?

On average it takes around 15 hours and 15 minutes to travel from Heerlen to Cologne by train, although you can get there in 12 hours and 21 minutes on the fastest services. With 16 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 Heerlen to Cologne?

The fastest time a train can travel the 410 miles (659 km) from Heerlen to Cologne is 12 hours and 21 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Heerlen to Cologne?

There are no direct trains that run between Heerlen and Cologne. You’ll need to make around 4 changes along the way.

Heerlen to Cologne train times

Check out the next trains departing from Heerlen to Cologne for Tuesday Aug 5th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
5:18 am6:19 pm13h 1m, 6 changes
6:18 am6:39 pm12h 21m, 6 changes
7:18 am7:39 pm12h 21m, 7 changes
8:18 am8:39 pm12h 21m, 5 changes
10:18 am11:19 pm13h 1m, 5 changes
11:18 am4:34 am17h 16m, 7 changes
2:18 pm7:19 am17h 1m, 6 changes
3:18 pm7:19 am16h 1m, 10 changes
3:18 pm9:39 am18h 21m, 8 changes
6:18 pm11:19 am17h 1m, 6 changes

NS, Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia and IC (Intercity) trains from Heerlen to Cologne

You can travel from Heerlen to Cologne on NS, Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia and IC (Intercity) 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.

PhotoNicky Boogaard, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

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.

PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.

Trenord, Trenitalia Eurocity, Intercity (IC) and NS classes from Heerlen to Cologne

Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord, Trenitalia Eurocity, Intercity (IC) and NS when traveling from Heerlen to Cologne.

Onboard services on Trenord, Trenitalia Eurocity, Intercity (IC) and NS

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

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • 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.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
  • 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.
WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

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

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

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.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

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

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

There are no baggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

There is no onboard catering on NS trains.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the car. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal baggage.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a leash - you must also buy a dog train ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.

Cheap train tickets from Heerlen to Cologne

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 Heerlen to Cologne 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.


* 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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