- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Pop Art, Picasso, and important twentieth-century collections beside the cathedral.
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Journey information
Overview: Zurich to Cologne flight
Switzerland
Italy
Flights from Zurich to Cologne depart on average 47 times per day, taking around 9h 8m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $133 (€109) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
There are 7 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 139 miles (225 km) distance in 3h 55m. October is the cheapest month to fly.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $32 (€26)
Distance 139 miles (225 km) |
Average flight duration 9h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 (€109) |
Flights per day 47 |
Direct flights 7 |
Fastest flight 3h 55m |
First flight 5:50 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $32 (€26)
The cheapest and fastest flights from Zurich to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jun 20
Cheapest price
$178
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
7 h 25 m
Average duration
9 h 38 m
Flights per day
2
Distance
225 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Zurich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Cologne will cost around $197 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $178.
Fast flights
Of the 2 flights that leave Zurich for Cologne onSat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct flights cover the 225 km distance in an average of 9 h 38 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the longest flights will take 11 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:40 AM7h25Zurich4:05 PMCologne$1781One-way0 transfers- 8:35 PM11h50Zurich8:25 AMCologne$2161One-way0 transfers
- 8:40 AM7h25Zurich4:05 PMCologne$1781One-way0 transfers
- 8:35 PM11h50Zurich8:25 AMCologne$2161One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $133.
Distance: 139 miles (225 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$272 Average price | $122 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $184 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 8m Average total duration 9h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration Fastest 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration 7h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $39 (€32).
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Cologne:
A bus is $83 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Cologne costing on average $122 (€100).
A bus is $234 (€192) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Cologne costing on average $272 (€224).
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 4h 59m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 50m.
Flight takes on average 9h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Live departures
Zurich to Cologne flight times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne flights for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2:45 PM Zurich | 3h55 | 6:40 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:35 PM Zurich | 11h50 | 8:25 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
| 8:40 AM Zurich | 7h25 | 4:05 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Jun 20
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Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
- Recommended
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and nineteenth-century European painting; a strong choice for classic art in Cologne.
- Recommended
Kolumba
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, admired for its atmospheric Peter Zumthor architecture and thoughtful mix of sacred and modern works.
- Must visit
Old Town Cologne
Historic core with colorful houses, lively squares, churches, and riverside walks; a natural base for first-time exploration.
- Recommended
Rhine Promenade
Scenic walking route along the river with classic city views, especially photogenic near sunset and during evening strolls.
- Recommended
Rheinauhafen
Redeveloped waterfront district known for modern architecture, marina atmosphere, and the striking Kranhaus buildings popular in photos.
- Vegetarian
Canederli
Bread dumplings common in the Alpine area around Cologne in South Tyrol, often served in broth or with butter and cheese.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Traditional half-moon ravioli from South Tyrol, usually filled with spinach and ricotta and dressed with butter and chives.
- Gluten-free
Speck
Lightly smoked and cured ham typical of South Tyrol, valued for its mountain-herb aroma and served on platters or with bread.
Al Pergolato
Established local restaurant serving classic Italian and regional dishes in a relaxed, traditional setting.
Trattoria del Porto
Traditional dining spot known for local cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, suitable for a leisurely meal.
Ristorante Pizzeria Teatro
Well-known casual venue appreciated for pizza, pasta, and dependable service in the town center.
Euro
Moderate by Italian standards: casual meals and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for pizza, panini, or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.20-2.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or a coperto is charged. Tipping is not mandatory; round up or leave EUR 1-2 for cafes, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxis.
FAQs: Zurich to Cologne Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Cologne by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from Zurich to Cologne can start from as little as $133 (€109) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Zurich to Cologne is $272 (€224) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Zurich to Cologne is 3h 55m to travel the 139 miles (225 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Zurich to Cologne leaves at 5:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Zurich to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
Flights from Zurich to Cologne generally leave from Zurich Airport and arrive in Milan Linate Airport.Zurich Airport is 0 miles (1 km) away from Zurich city centre and Milan Linate Airport is 3 miles (6 km) from Cologne city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Zurich to Cologne is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Since both Zurich and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
There is no time difference between Zurich and Cologne.
The best events to attend in Cologne include:
- Karneval der Kulturen, a vibrant festival celebrating cultural diversity with parades, music, and dance
- Cologne Christmas Market, a magical holiday market featuring festive stalls, local crafts, and seasonal treats
- Art Cologne, one of the oldest art fairs in the world showcasing contemporary art from renowned galleries.
The best holidays to experience in Cologne include:
- Easter, vibrant celebrations and beautiful spring weather
- Ferragosto, lively summer festivities and beach culture
- Immaculate Conception, local traditions and festive atmosphere.
The best season to visit Cologne is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Cologne is during April-June or September-October.
For international flights we recommend to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, public transport, and around popular attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. Staying alert and keeping valuables secure helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular airports
Popular airports from Zurich to Cologne
Most Zurich to Cologne flights use the Zurich Airport to Milan Linate Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Cologne airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Departure airports in Zurich
Arrival airports in Cologne
Which Zurich airport do flights to Cologne leave from?
Flights from Zurich to Cologne depart from Zurich Airport. The airport is 1 miles (2 km) from Zurich city centre at 8058 Zürich-Flughafen, Switzerland.
Zurich Airport (ZRH)8058 Zürich-Flughafen, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Zurich Airport from Zurich city centre
Zurich Airport is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS2, S24, Ic5, Ir36, Ir75, Ir13, Ic81, Ic1, Ic8, S, Ir, N1, Ext · 10m · $5 · every ~22 min
75 · 10m · $5 · every ~2 min
S7, S16 · 16m · $6 · every ~5 min
BusN10 · 25m · $7
Tram10 · 28m · $4 · every ~14 min
Zurich Airport airport facilities and services
Zurich Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available for 2 hours; additional time can be purchased. ATMs are located in Arrival and Departureas, offering multiple currencies.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zurich Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zurich Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular flights to and from Cologne and Zurich
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