- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Cheapest price
zł46
Average price
zł90
Fastest journey
1 h 41 m
Average duration
1 h 54 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bielefeld to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bielefeld to Cologne will cost around zł90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł46.
Of the 12 trains that leave Bielefeld for Cologne on Wed, Aug 05, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 1 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 41 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 3 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.
ICE 1540
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
IC 2542
IC 2544
ICE 654
ICE 656
IC 2542
IC 2544
IC 2040Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bielefeld to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from zł46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 19m. 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 bus costs an average of zł46, and a train costs an average of zł37.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
zł88 Average price | zł72 Average price Cheapest | zł129 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bielefeld to Cologne:
A bus is zł16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bielefeld to Cologne costing on average zł88.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 36m.
Tickets start at around zł88 compared to roughly zł129 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about zł40. The journey takes 2h 19m versus 2h 19m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bielefeld to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2040 | On time 6:42 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h03 | 8:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 656 | On time 7:33 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 1h42 | 9:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 656 | On time 7:33 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h34 | 10:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 656 · 17409 | On time 7:33 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h05 | 9:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 946 · 17411 | On time 8:22 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h16 | 10:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2542 | On time 8:42 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h03 | 10:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 654 | On time 9:33 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 1h41 | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 · 17415 | On time 10:22 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h16 | 12:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2544 | On time 10:42 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h03 | 12:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:23 AM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h18 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:23 PM Bielefeld Hbf | 2h17 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.

Trains from Bielefeld to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł37 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 2h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price zł37 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bielefeld 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.

Most Bielefeld to Cologne trains use the Bielefeld Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Bielefeld and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bielefeld 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 options include: McDonald's, Mexims, Entrada, Lokma
Wi-Fi is available at Bielefeld Hbf. ATMs are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Bielefeld Hbf. Information desks are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Bielefeld Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bielefeld Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bielefeld Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bielefeld Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Wali, Altstadt Hotel Bielefeld, Hotel Stadt Bremen, Bielefelder Hof.
Brackwede is 4 km from Bielefeld city centre. Public transport options include:
Brackwede has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Brackwede.
Ticket office support is available at Brackwede. Information desks are available at Brackwede.
Luggage storage is available at Brackwede. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brackwede: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brackwede: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brackwede.
Bielefeld-Senne is 7 km from Bielefeld city centre. Public transport options include:
Bielefeld-Senne 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.
Food options include: Wölke, Tebie Grill
Wi-Fi is available at Bielefeld-Senne. ATMs are available at Bielefeld-Senne.
Ticket office support is available at Bielefeld-Senne. Information desks are available at Bielefeld-Senne.
Luggage storage is available at Bielefeld-Senne. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bielefeld-Senne: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bielefeld-Senne: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bielefeld-Senne.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln 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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz 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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen 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.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need