- Must visit
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
One of Northern Europe's leading art museums, famous for its rooftop rainbow panorama and strong Danish and international collections.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$110
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$168
Fastest journey on Sep 18
8 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
9 h 8 m
Trains on Sep 18
5
Distance
619 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Aarhus is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Aarhus will cost around $168 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $110.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Aarhus without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 202 · 11172 · IC 5762 · ICL 67
ICE 204 · 11168 · IC 5760 · ICL 59
ICE 616 · RJ 384 · IC 2353
ICE 612 · RJ 382 · IC 2369
ICE 1022 · ECE 394 · IC 2361
ICE 1022 · ECE 394 · IC 2361
ICE 616 · RJ 384 · IC 2353
ICE 612 · RJ 382 · IC 2369
ICE 202 · 11172 · IC 5762 · ICL 67
ICE 204 · 11168 · IC 5760 · ICL 59Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Aarhus among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $122 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 9h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $122, while a train costs an average of $138.
Distance: 384 miles (619 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$138 Average price | $122 Average price Cheapest | $173 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 13m Average total duration Fastest 8h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 15m Average total duration 12h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg 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 Cologne to Aarhus:
A bus is $16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Aarhus costing on average $138.
Other travel options to Aarhus take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 45m.
Tickets start at around $138 compared to roughly $173 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $35. The journey takes 8h 43m versus 8h 14m 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.
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 Cologne to Aarhus trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 616 · RJ 384 · IC 2353 | On time 8:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h57 | 5:08 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 2 transfers | |
ICE 204 · 11168 · IC 5760 · ICL 59 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h27 | 6:38 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1022 · ECE 394 · IC 2361 | On time 10:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h54 | 7:08 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 2 transfers | |
ICE 202 · 11172 · IC 5762 · ICL 67 | On time 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h27 | 8:38 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 3 transfers | |
ICE 612 · RJ 382 · IC 2369 | On time 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h57 | 9:08 PM Aarhus Hovedbanegård | 2 transfers |
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 Cologne to Aarhus run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 but you can travel from only $40 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 384 miles (619 km) distance in 7h 41m.
Distance 384 miles (619 km) |
Average train duration 8h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 7h 41m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Aarhus — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aarhus trip today.
One of Northern Europe's leading art museums, famous for its rooftop rainbow panorama and strong Danish and international collections.
A major open-air history museum presenting Danish town life across centuries with historic houses, gardens, and costumed interpretation.
An acclaimed archaeology and ethnography museum south of Aarhus, known for prehistory exhibitions and the famous Grauballe Man.
A picturesque cobbled lane in the Latin Quarter lined with colorful historic houses. It is one of Aarhus's most charming walking streets.
The city's oldest neighborhood mixes medieval streets, boutiques, and historic houses. It is one of the best areas for a relaxed walk.
A large public forest stretching south of the city with beaches, trails, and viewpoints. It is a favorite place for nature walks near downtown.
Open-faced rye bread topped with pickled herring, shrimp, roast beef, or egg. A classic Danish lunch tradition found across Aarhus.
Crisp fried pork belly served with parsley sauce and potatoes. Often called Denmark’s national dish and a beloved comfort food.
Pork meatballs with potatoes, gravy, and red cabbage. A traditional home-style Danish dish common in Jutland and local inns.
Refined fine dining with seasonal local ingredients and elegant tasting menus. One of Aarhus’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Well-regarded seafood restaurant by the harbor, specializing in fresh fish, shellfish, and polished Nordic cooking.
Historic restaurant in an old merchant’s house, known for classic Danish cuisine, smørrebrød, and a warm traditional atmosphere.
Very costly versus most European cities. Hotels, dining, and drinks are pricey; public transport is good but not cheap for tourists.
Service is usually included. Rounding up is enough in restaurants and taxis for great service; tipping in cafes is optional and uncommon.
Official public transport app
Aarhus Hovedbanegård -> DOKK1, Aarhus
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Aarhus 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 Aarhus, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Aarhus trains use the Köln Hbf to Aarhus Hovedbanegård station pair, with some services arriving at Aarhus, Banegårdspladsen (togbus). Use this guide to compare Cologne and Aarhus train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Aarhus Hovedbanegård has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: McDonald's, Sunset Boulevard
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aarhus Hovedbanegård: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Ritz Aarhus City, Scandic Aarhus City, Comwell Aarhus.
Aarhus, Banegårdspladsen (togbus) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several cafes and fast food outlets inside the station
Free Wi-Fi available across the station. ATMs are aTMs located in the main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Aarhus, Banegårdspladsen (togbus).
Available at Aarhus, Banegårdspladsen (togbus): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aarhus, Banegårdspladsen (togbus): Elevators and ramps for wheelchair access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need