ESSEN to COLOGNE train from €4 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,EC)

3,000+ travel companies

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Nov

Cheapest price on 13 Nov: €9
Average ticket price on 13 Nov: €20
Fastest journey on 13 Nov: 48 m
Average journey duration on 13 Nov: 51 m
Trains on 13 Nov: 11
Distance: 58 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Cologne will cost around €20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only €9.

Fast trains

On Fri, 13 Nov, we found 11 trains from Essen to Cologne, including 8 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .

The slowest trains will take 53 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.

FlixTrain
6:03 PM 0h53
Essen Hbf
6:56 PM
Cologne Hbf
€9
1 One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain
12:03 PM 0h53
Essen Hbf
12:56 PM
Cologne Hbf
€9
1 One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain
8:50 PM 0h51
Essen Hbf
9:41 PM
Cologne Hbf
€9
1 One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain
4:53 PM 0h50
Essen Hbf
5:43 PM
Cologne Hbf
€9
1 One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain
12:53 PM 0h52
Essen Hbf
1:45 PM
Cologne Hbf
€9
1 One-way
0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Cologne

Germany

Trains from Essen to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €5 but you can travel from only €4 by coach.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 43m.

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

Coach from €4

Distance

58 km

Average train duration

1h 3m

Cheapest ticket price

€5

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

43m

First train

12:01 AM

Last train

11:58 PM

Cheapest Month

Mar

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Sat

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from €4

Live departures

Essen to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
89714	10:32 AM Essen Hbf	1h20	11:52 AM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 644 · ICE 29	Delayed 10:14 AM 10:40 AMEssen Hbf	1h13	11:53 AM Cologne Hbf	1 change
26814	11:09 AM Essen Hbf	1h02	12:11 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
10212 · 28515	11:20 AM Essen Hbf	1h09	12:29 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
ICE 1748	Delayed 10:47 AM 11:40 AMEssen Hbf	1h00	12:40 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
26816	12:09 PM Essen Hbf	1h02	1:11 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
10214 · 28517	12:20 PM Essen Hbf	1h09	1:29 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
ICE 919 · 10543	On time 12:35 PM Essen Hbf	1h01	1:36 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
FlixTrain	12:53 PM Essen Hbf	0h52	1:45 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
26818	1:09 PM Essen Hbf	1h02	2:11 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 1052	On time 1:25 PM Essen Hbf	0h54	2:19 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
89720	1:32 PM Essen Hbf	1h20	2:52 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
89720 · ICE 109	Delayed 1:32 PM Essen Hbf	1h18	1:53 PM 1:53 PMCologne Hbf	1 change
26820	2:09 PM Essen Hbf	1h02	3:11 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 1033	On time 2:24 PM Essen Hbf	0h56	3:20 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
89722	2:32 PM Essen Hbf	1h20	3:52 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 1011 · 10551	On time 2:35 PM Essen Hbf	1h01	3:36 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
26718 · ICE 927	On time 2:47 PM Essen Hbf	1h03	3:50 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
26822	3:09 PM Essen Hbf	1h02	4:11 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
10220 · 28523	3:20 PM Essen Hbf	1h09	4:29 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
89724 · ICE 201	On time 3:32 PM Essen Hbf	1h17	4:49 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
89724	3:32 PM Essen Hbf	1h20	4:52 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
FlixTrain	4:53 PM Essen Hbf	0h50	5:43 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
FlixTrain	6:03 PM Essen Hbf	0h53	6:56 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
FlixTrain	8:50 PM Essen Hbf	0h51	9:41 PM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 103	On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf	0h48	8:48 AM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 119 · S6	On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf	1h00	9:03 AM Cologne Hbf	1 change
26808	8:09 AM Essen Hbf	1h02	9:11 AM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
30294 · 17323	8:12 AM Essen Hbf	1h21	9:33 AM Cologne Hbf	1 change
89710	8:32 AM Essen Hbf	1h20	9:52 AM Cologne Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 915 · S19	On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf	1h03	9:39 AM Cologne Hbf	1 change
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Essen to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain offer trains services from Essen to Cologne.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Cologne.
Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Cologne.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Essen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Essen and Cologne from €4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Deutsche Bahn Duration

43m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

€7

Deutsche Bahn frequency

10 a day

Luggage included

Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves

Luggage storage

Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?

Refund

If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.

Seat reservation

Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.

Pets

Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.

Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About

FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average FlixTrain Duration

46m

Cheapest FlixTrain Price

€5

FlixTrain frequency

3 a day

Luggage included

1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled by operator

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service

Seat reservation

Seat reservation included in ticket price

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle

Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Essen and Cologne

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Essen to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Essen and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

FAQs: Essen to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Cologne by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Cheap train tickets from Essen to Cologne can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Essen to Cologne is €32; 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 train from Essen to Cologne is 43m to travel the 58 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.

The earliest train from Essen to Cologne leaves at 12:01 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Essen to Cologne leaves at 11:58 pm.

Yes, there are 6 direct trains a day from Essen to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

Yes, you can take a night train from Essen to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.

A day trip to Cologne from Essen is worth doing with a journey time of 43m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Cologne including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Cologne

Most Essen to Cologne trains use the Essen Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Essen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Essen

Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Essen station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Essen to Cologne leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.

Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min

Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

Essen Hbf train station facilities and services

Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.

Essen-AltenessenEssen-Altenessen, Hövelstraße 8, 45326 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Altenessen from Essen city centre

Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

BusNe1 · 8m

Tram108 · 10m · every ~10 min

SubwayU11, U17 · 4m · every ~18 min

U17, U11 · 6m · every ~18 min

Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services

Essen-Altenessen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.