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Trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Zurich Airport to Cologne

Travel from Zurich Airport to Cologne by train in 5 hours 11 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Zurich Airport to Cologne by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Zurich Airport to Cologne by train is 5 hours 55 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours 11 minutes. Around 25 trains per day travel the 145 miles (233 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way to Cologne. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with Trenitalia or SBB, as they are the main operators of services on this route.

Book train tickets from Zurich Airport to Cologne in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Zurich Airport to Cologne in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Trains to Cologne from Zurich Airport

First train

06:15

Last train

22:45

Departure stationZurich Airport
Arrival stationCologne
Journey time

From 5h 11m

Distance

145 miles (233 km)

Frequency

25 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

SBB CFF FFS, Trenitalia, Trenord

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

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

How do you get to Cologne from Zurich Airport?

To travel to Cologne from Zurich Airport, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 5 hours and 55 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 5 hours and 11 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Zurich Airport to Cologne?

Trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne take an average of 5 hours and 55 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours and 11 minutes. You'll usually find 25 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Zurich Airport and Cologne by train?

The quickest journey time between Zurich Airport and Cologne by train is 5 hours and 11 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne?

No, there are no direct trains running from Zurich Airport to Cologne, you’ll usually need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

What are the train times from Zurich Airport to Cologne?

Check out the next trains departing from Zurich Airport to Cologne for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:4814:195h 31m, 5 changes
09:1514:395h 24m, 3 changes
09:4815:195h 31m, 4 changes
10:1515:395h 24m, 3 changes
10:4816:195h 31m, 5 changes
11:1516:395h 24m, 3 changes
11:4817:195h 31m, 4 changes
12:1517:395h 24m, 3 changes
12:4817:595h 11m, 5 changes
13:4819:195h 31m, 4 changes

SBB, Trenitalia and Trenord trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne

You can travel from Zurich Airport to Cologne on SBB, Trenitalia and Trenord 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.

The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).

More information

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.

More information

Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.

More information

What Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Zurich Airport to Cologne?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Zurich Airport to Cologne.

Second Class

Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat – just sit back and enjoy the views around you.

  • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
  • PlugPlugPower sockets

    First Class

    You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your luggage in the dedicated luggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.

    • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
    • PlugPlugPower sockets

      Second Class

      From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.

      • SeatSeatSeat reservation
      • PlugPlugPower sockets
      • PlusPlusClothes hanger
      • ReadingReadingReading light
      • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
      • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
      • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
      • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

        First Class

        In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:

        • SeatSeatSeat reservation
        • PlugPlugPower sockets
        • PlusPlusClothes hanger
        • ReadingReadingReading light
        • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
        • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
        • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
        • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

          What are the onboard services on Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity?

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

          LuggageLuggageWhat luggage 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.
          • You’ll need to make sure that your luggage 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 sockets that are available at your seat.

          ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
          • Children 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 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 coaches 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 or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
          • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re travelling. They also 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 07:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
          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 08:15 to 19:45) at least 48 hours before departure.

          LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
          • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
          • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage 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?

          Children 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.

          How do I find cheap train tickets from Zurich Airport to Cologne?

          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 Zurich Airport to Cologne 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 travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train 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 Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within 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 discounts

          Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

          6. Take a night train

          Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

          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.

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