- Must visit
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
One of Northern Europe’s largest art museums, known for major Danish and international exhibitions and the rooftop artwork Your Rainbow Panorama.
Cheapest price
$106
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
9 h 28 m
Average duration
10 h 1 m
Trains per day
4
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 $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $106.
Of the 4 trains that leave Cologne for Aarhus on Sat, Jun 20, 4 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 trains cover the 619 km distance in an average of 10 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 28 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 10 h 32 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.








Omio 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 prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a train costs an average of $60.
Distance: 384 miles (619 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$123 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $171 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 6m Average total duration Fastest 8h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 6m Average total duration 10h 36m 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 $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Aarhus costing on average $123 (€101).
Other travel options to Aarhus take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 36m.
Tickets start at around $123 (€101) compared to roughly $171 (€140) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $49 (€40). The journey takes 8h 36m 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, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:11 AM Cologne | 9h28 | 3:39 PM Aarhus | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:11 AM Cologne | 10h32 | 5:43 PM Aarhus | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:11 AM Cologne | 9h32 | 5:43 PM Aarhus | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:11 AM Cologne | 10h32 | 7:43 PM Aarhus | 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 Cologne to Aarhus run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $42 (€35) 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 9h 8m.
Distance 384 miles (619 km) |
Average train duration 8h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 9h 8m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 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 largest art museums, known for major Danish and international exhibitions and the rooftop artwork Your Rainbow Panorama.
Open-air museum recreating Danish urban life across centuries with historic houses, workshops, and costumed interpreters.
Acclaimed archaeology and ethnography museum south of the city, famous for immersive exhibitions and the Grauballe Man.
Aarhus’s oldest neighborhood, loved for cobbled lanes, independent shops, colorful facades, and relaxed city atmosphere.
Charming narrow street lined with small colorful houses, one of the city’s most photographed local spots.
Modern waterfront district with contemporary architecture, harbor promenades, and popular social-media photo locations.
Open-faced rye bread sandwiches topped with ingredients like herring, roast beef, eggs, or potatoes. A Danish classic found across Aarhus and central to everyday lunch culture.
Crispy fried pork belly served with boiled potatoes and parsley sauce. Often called Denmark’s national dish and a traditional comfort meal locals know well.
Danish pan-fried meatballs, usually made from pork or mixed meats, commonly served with potatoes, gravy, and pickled sides. A staple of classic Danish home cooking.
One of Aarhus’s best-known luxury dining destinations, offering elegant tasting menus and high-end Danish gastronomy in a calm setting.
Well-regarded fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal Danish ingredients and a refined New Nordic approach in an intimate setting.
Popular Aarhus restaurant and wine bar with modern Scandinavian cooking, seasonal produce, and a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for dining and hotels, though public transport and coffee are manageable.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. No tip is needed for cafés, bars, or taxis.
Official public transport app
Aarhus Hovedbanegård, Aarhus -> Aarhus City Center, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need