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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Cologne
Showing times and prices for 30 Jun
Cheapest price
7S$
Average price
26S$
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
31
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 26S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 7S$.
Fast trains
Of the 31 trains that leave Essen for Cologne every day 25 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 48 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.
FlixTrain8:50 PM0h50Essen Hbf9:40 PMCologne Hbf7 S$1One-way0 changes
ICE 20710:00 PM0h59Essen Hbf10:59 PMCologne Hbf7 S$1One-way0 changes- ICE 15406:01 AM0h58Essen Hbf6:59 AMCologne Hbf7 S$1One-way0 changes
- FlixTrain12:50 PM0h51Essen Hbf1:41 PMCologne Hbf7 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 8449:37 PM0h56Essen Hbf10:33 PMCologne Hbf10 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 1038:00 AM0h48Essen Hbf8:48 AMCologne Hbf22 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 10712:00 PM0h48Essen Hbf12:48 PMCologne Hbf18 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 6179:00 PM0h48Essen Hbf9:48 PMCologne Hbf13 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 10510:00 AM0h48Essen Hbf10:48 AMCologne Hbf22 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 1016:00 AM0h48Essen Hbf6:48 AMCologne Hbf22 S$1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Essen to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 4S$. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 4S$, and a train costs an average of 6S$.
Distance: 58 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
10S$ Average Price | 5S$ Average Price Cheapest |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Essen to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Cologne trains for today, Monday, 29 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 8:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0h50 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday, 30 June | |||||
| ICE 101 | On time 6:00 AM Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 6:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 913 · 10904 | On time 6:36 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 7:36 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 513 | On time 6:59 AM Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 7:48 AM 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 | |
| ICE 646 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 515 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 9:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 26810 | 9:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10208 · 28511 | 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 1h09 | 10:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 946 | On time 9:37 AM Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 2013 | On time 9:40 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 10:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 105 | On time 10:00 AM Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 10:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 26812 | 10:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1548 | On time 11:14 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 12:16 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10212 · 28515 | 11:20 AM Essen Hbf | 1h09 | 12:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 944 | On time 11:37 AM Essen Hbf | 0h56 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 2156 | On time 11:40 AM Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 12:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 107 | On time 12:00 PM Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 12:48 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 642 | Delayed 12:40 PM Essen Hbf | 0h54 | 11:38 AM 11:38 AMCologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0h51 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 519 | On time 12:59 PM Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Cologne by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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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Why should you book Essen to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Essen to Cologne?
The best time to book your train from Essen to Cologne is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Essen to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Essen to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Essen to Cologne.
Trains
from 5S$Coaches
from 6S$Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 6S$ but you can travel from only 4S$ by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 48m.
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 4S$
Distance 58 km |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price 6S$ |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 4S$
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Essen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Essen and Cologne from 4S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
48m
Cheapest Price
18S$
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 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.
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.
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.
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 Duration
49m
Cheapest Price
6S$
FlixTrain frequency
4 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
48m
Cheapest Price
27S$
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
20 a day
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Price
17S$
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
15 a day
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 6S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Essen to Cologne is 10S$; 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 48m 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 9 direct trains a day from Essen to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Essen to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) 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.
A day trip to Cologne from Essen is worth doing with a journey time of 48m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Essen to Cologne is September.
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
Essen
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Cologne.
Essen Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus
information
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Essen.
Köln Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected]
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
More options for your journey from Essen to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Essen
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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