Trains from Paderborn to Cologne
is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Take the train from Paderborn to Cologne in 13 hours 16 minutes
If you want to travel from Paderborn to Cologne by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Paderborn to Cologne by train to take around 16 hours 16 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 13 hours 16 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 20 trains per day running on this route, which spans 688 km. You'll have to make 3 changes along the way on your journey to Cologne.
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 Paderborn to Cologne 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!
Paderborn to Cologne by train
| First train | 00:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:48 | |
| Departure station | Paderborn | |
| Arrival station | Cologne | |
| Journey time | From 13h 16m | |
| Distance | 428 miles (688 km) | |
| Frequency | 20 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes |
Cheap train tickets from Paderborn 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 Paderborn 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.
FAQs for Paderborn to Cologne
Want to know more about your journey from Paderborn to Cologne? 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 Paderborn to Cologne take?
The average journey time by train between Paderborn and Cologne is 16 hours and 16 minutes, with around 20 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 Paderborn and Cologne by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paderborn to Cologne is 13 hours and 16 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Paderborn to Cologne?
No, there are no direct train services from Paderborn to Cologne. Travelling from Paderborn to Cologne by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Paderborn to Cologne leave?
The first train from Paderborn to Cologne leaves at 00:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paderborn to Cologne leave?
The last train from Paderborn to Cologne leaves at 22:48. 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 Paderborn and Cologne by train?
Trains travelling from Paderborn to Cologne cover a distance of around 428 miles (688 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cologne to Paderborn.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.