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About the train journey from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany)

Want to travel from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) usually takes 3 hours 54 minutes on average to travel 133 miles (214 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 38 minutes. You can expect to find 34 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Cologne (Germany), so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. You can choose to travel with ICE, DB or ÖBB to get to Cologne (Germany). 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 Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from £17.90.

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Cologne (Germany), 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.

Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) by train

It takes an average of 3h 54m to travel from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) by train, over a distance of around 133 miles (214 km). There are normally 34 trains per day travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) and tickets for this journey start from £17.90 when you book in advance.

First train

00:24

Last train

22:41

Departure station

Amsterdam

Arrival station

Cologne (Germany)

Journey time

From 2h 38m

Distance

133 miles (214 km)

Frequency

34 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £17.90

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus, ÖBB, Flixbus, NS

Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) train times

Check out the next trains departing from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) for Tuesday 2nd April 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:11 14:15 4h 4m, 1 change
11:38 14:25 2h 47m, 1 change
11:46 15:36 3h 50m, 2 changes
11:54 15:28 3h 34m, 3 changes
12:15 16:05 3h 50m, 2 changes
13:38 16:19 2h 41m, direct
13:46 17:36 3h 50m, 2 changes
13:54 17:28 3h 34m, 3 changes
14:11 18:15 4h 4m, 1 change
14:15 18:05 3h 50m, 2 changes

NS, Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and ÖBB trains from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany)

You can travel from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) on NS, Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and ÖBB 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.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.

ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.

Intercity (IC), ICE, Intercity and NS classes from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany)

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC), ICE, Intercity and NS when travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany).

Onboard services on Intercity (IC), ICE, Intercity and NS

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany).

LuggageLuggageLuggage

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

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

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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.

PetPetPets

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 travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

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

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

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

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

PetPetPets

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel 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 travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take your luggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Intercity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.

The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm. These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re travelling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Unfortunately, a restaurant carriage is not available on ÖBB Intercity trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off!

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Unfortunately, ÖBB Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

If you’re travelling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Children aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Intercity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.

Many ÖBB Intercity trains offer special compartments for children in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You can travel with your bike for free on all ÖBB Intercity trains, provided that it can be folded and is not larger than 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm. You won’t need to book a space for your bike.

If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike where it is clearly visible to the ticket inspector.

PetPetPets

Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Intercity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.

Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

ÖBB Intercity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of coach, several wheelchair bays including one seat for an accompanying person can be booked free of charge.

On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the at-seat meal service on offer there.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

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

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

There is no onboard catering on NS trains.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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 carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.

PetPetPets

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 lead - you must also buy a dog train ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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 Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany)

The price of train tickets from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) starts at £17.90 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.

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 Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) 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.

§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.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany)? 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 Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) take?

The average journey time by train between Amsterdam and Cologne (Germany) is 3 hours and 54 minutes, with around 34 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 Amsterdam and Cologne (Germany) by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) is 2 hours and 38 minutes.

How much does the train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) cost?

Train ticket prices from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) can start from as little as £17.90 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany)?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) without having to change trains. There are 5 direct trains from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) leave?

The first train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) leaves at 00:24. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) leave?

The last train from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) leaves at 22:41. 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 Amsterdam and Cologne (Germany) by train?

Trains travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany) cover a distance of around 133 miles (214 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cologne (Germany) to Amsterdam. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany).

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