Cologne to Amsterdam train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Amsterdam

Showing times and prices for May 24

Cheapest price

$70

Average price

$81

Fastest journey

2 h 48 m

Average duration

3 h 21 m

Trains per day

Distance

214 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Amsterdam will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Amsterdam on Sat, May 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, May 24 the direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 3 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 48 m .

On Sat, May 24 the slowest trains will take 3 h 46 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.

RB 10608 · 21606 · IC 3540

09:25AM3h39

Cologne Hbf

01:04PMAmsterdam Zuid

$701One-way

2 transfers

RE 26811+

VIA20014+

IC 3036

08:49AM3h46

Cologne Hbf

12:35PMAmsterdam Centraal

$801One-way

2 transfers

RE 26811+

VIA20014+

IC 3036 · IC 3538

08:49AM3h45

Cologne Hbf

12:34PMAmsterdam Zuid

$801One-way

3 transfers

ICE 220

08:41AM2h48

Cologne Hbf

11:29AMAmsterdam Centraal

$841One-way

0 transfers

ICE 128

10:41AM2h48

Cologne Hbf

01:29PMAmsterdam Centraal

$901One-way

0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cologne to Amsterdam

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Amsterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg.

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus
€59 Average price	€27 Average price Cheapest
4h 33m Average duration Fastest 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	7h 54m Average duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions
Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Amsterdam train times

Showing trains for today, Friday, May 23

Last updated at 5:27 AM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 220	On time 6:41 AM Cologne Hbf	2h48	9:29 AM Amsterdam Centraal	0 transfersDirect
RE 26811+VIA20014+IC 3138	On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf	3h58	10:47 AM Amsterdam Zuid	2 transfers
RE 26811+VIA20014+IC 3038	On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf	4h16	11:05 AM Amsterdam Centraal	2 transfers
RE 26811+VIA20014+IC 3036	On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf	3h46	10:35 AM Amsterdam Centraal	2 transfers
RE 26811+VIA20014+IC 3036 · IC 3538	On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf	3h45	10:34 AM Amsterdam Zuid	3 transfers
RB 10608 · 21606 · IC 3540	Delayed 7:27 AM 7:25 AMCologne Hbf	3h39	11:04 AM Amsterdam Zuid	2 transfers
This is the last train of the day.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Amsterdam?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Amsterdam is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Amsterdam route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Amsterdam 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 Cologne to Amsterdam.

Trains

from $40

Buses

from $22

Flights

from $215

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Amsterdam

The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.

Pros

Seating comfort and plenty of legroom

Staff greeted in the corridors

Toilets were clean

Quiet atmosphere, due to own cabin

Cons

No on-board bistro available

Chewing gum remains under the table

Due to the very comfortable seats and the large legroom, which you don't always have, this journey was very relaxing. I had my own compartment and was alone there. Therefore, it had been quiet on the train. However, my cabin had been a bit dirty and chewing gum residue had been found under the table. There was no on-board bistro on the train. The toilets, on the other hand, had been clean and the staff were very friendly and greeted people in the corridors, even though they did not check tickets. The train arrived a few minutes later than planned, which is acceptable.

Pros

Short travel time

Comfortable seats

Clean

Punctuality

Cons

None

I travelled from Cologne Central Station to Amsterdam on the ICE 156. I reserved a seat and got it. The seats on the train were extremely comfortable and convenient. Overall, it was a very pleasant journey, so there is nothing to complain about. The train was on time throughout. On board there was order and cleanliness. I particularly liked the short journey time of just under two hours.

Pros

Comfort on the train

Service

Cons

Ticket prices

The train journey from Cologne to Amsterdam was very satisfactory overall. The train was on time and the departure and arrival times were kept. This was particularly important for me as I had a tight schedule. The train itself was comfortable and the seats were comfortable. There was enough space for my luggage and I felt comfortable throughout the journey. The cleanliness on the train was also good and the train staff took care of the cleaning regularly. The service on board was friendly and helpful. The train staff were always ready to answer questions and offer assistance. This helped to make the journey pleasant and stress-free. The scenic beauty along the route was quite good. However, a minor drawback was the price of the train tickets. Prices can vary depending on demand and when you book, and it is important to book tickets in advance to get the best deals.

Pros

No delay

Cons

Not clean

No wifi

I travelled from Cologne to Amsterdam. The journey was on the ICE 156, in second class. We had reserved seats, which was the right decision on the day. On the positive side, the train left on time and arrived in Amsterdam on time. On the negative side, the train was not really clean. Also, the train does not have wifi, which would have been beneficial considering the long journey.

Pros

Quick

On time

Cons

No wifi

I travelled from Cologne to Amsterdam on the ICE 156. The journey was in second class and I made a seat reservation. This was the right decision, because the train was relatively full. The train arrived quickly in Amsterdam, which I really appreciated. It was on time the whole way. Unfortunately, there was no wifi on board, which you were allowed to use for free.

Pros

Clean

On time

Cons

None

The journey from Cologne to Amsterdam was on the ICE 156, in second class. I had reserved a seat and got it. However, the train was not particularly full anyway. It was a very clean and well-maintained train. The journey was more relaxed than by car, but I would have expected a faster arrival. The train has wifi and power sockets. The train was on time the entire journey.

Pros

Punctual departure

Nice staff

Cons

WIFI

Sockets

I travelled from Cologne to Amsterdam by train. The train arrived and departed on time. So I was able to catch my connecting train on time again. The train itself was not particularly dirty. You could use the toilet without any problems. The staff was also nice. Unfortunately, there were neither power sockets nor wifi on the second train. The price was very reasonable. Of course, I was very happy about that. All in all, it was a very pleasant journey, even though it was very long. Nevertheless, I would only travel the route by train, as it is simply the most relaxing.

Pros

Quick

Cons

Little space

I took the train from Cologne to Amsterdam. It's super fast and of course you avoid the annoying traffic jams. You don't have as much space, but it's enough for the short distance. I would do it again and again, because you don't need a car in Amsterdam.

Pros

WIFI

Price

Cons

Slight delay

I recently had the opportunity to travel by train from Cologne to Amsterdam. The train journey itself was very pleasant and luckily it starts. The ticket was even quite cheap for this route. There was enough space for luggage and the staff were also very friendly. The toilets could be used the whole train journey. The wifi worked perfectly the whole way. I can only warmly recommend everyone to take the train to Amsterdam instead of driving. The price of the train ride alone is reason enough, and you also pay a lot more if you go by car and then want to park in the city.

Pros

Time

Cons

Price

I took the ICE from Cologne to Amsterdam with 3 friends. The journey was totally pleasant and didn't take long. I had no problem with delays. The train was clean and the atmosphere was very relaxed. I can only recommend journeys with the ICE to others.

Pros

Comfortable

Service

Catering

Cons

WIFI

The train journey to Amsterdam was a great experience. All 4 of us travelled in a very comfortable and relaxed way. The Deutsche Bahn staff were friendly and very helpful. We enjoyed eating and drinking during the journey. The price for the journey was reasonable. We would always travel to Amsterdam by train again. The only negative thing was the internet during the whole journey.

Pros

Price

Comfortable

Cons

Delay

My wife and I travelled from Cologne to Amsterdam by train, as we knew beforehand that parking in Amsterdam is very expensive. Unfortunately, the train arrived a little late, but this was limited. Travelling by train is much more relaxed than by car. We had a very pleasant journey without any further delays or complications. I was able to use the wifi provided free of charge. I bought something to drink in the on-board bistro, which wasn't that cheap. Otherwise, the train made a super well-maintained impression and the sanitary facilities were also great. I would always choose the train again.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Amsterdam

Germany

Netherlands

Trains from Cologne to Amsterdam run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by bus.

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

Bus from $6 (€5)

Distance

132 miles (214 km)

Average train duration

4h 3m

Cheapest ticket price

$23 (€19)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Train providers

Fastest train

2h 39m

First train

00:06

Last train

23:56

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $6 (€5)

Train providers: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet and National Express from Cologne to Amsterdam trains

Travel from Cologne to Amsterdam from $24 (€20) with Omio’s train partners Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet and National Express! You can find the best schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the most popular trip for you.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main provider of train services in Germany, making on average 40,000 journeys per day. A special feature of Deutsche Bahn is its wide range of ticket types, savings offers including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100, which you can also use for your train from Cologne to Amsterdam. DB uses different types of trains such as the ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn) on its routes, which differ in terms of comfort and the time required to travel. For example, while bathrooms are standard amenities, services like an onboard restaurant or free WiFi are only available on certain trains.

Train information from Cologne to Amsterdam with Deutsche Bahn:

Average Duration: 2 h 39 min
Cheapest Price: $24
Deutsche Bahn frequency: 5 a day

ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.

ÖBB Nightjet from Cologne to Amsterdam train information:

Average Duration: 3 h 18 min
Cheapest Price: $198
ÖBB Nightjet frequency: 1 a day

National Express is the leading train company for routes throughout the United Kingdom, operating over 550 trains a day and serving over 900 destinations across the country. National Express even offers routes to and from major UK airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Bristol 24 hours a day at affordable prices for the budget traveler in mind. All National Express trains are air-conditioned and provide free WiFi and onboard entertainment. Most trains are equipped with seat belts and power outlets in each seat, so you can charge your phone or laptop during a long journey. You can select between three ticket types for the Cologne - Amsterdam train: Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare. Refundable tickets provide more flexibility than other ticket options, meaning you can cancel or change your ticket easily, should you need to.

Cologne to Amsterdam train information with National Express:

Average Duration: 3 h 40 min
Cheapest Price: $81
National Express frequency: 11 a day

Train tickets from Cologne to Amsterdam: when to book to save $

Time	Price	Savings
1 week earlier	36 €
2 weeks earlier	30 €	20%
3 weeks earlier	33 €	9%
1 month before	34 €	6%
2 months earlier	31 €	16%
3 months earlier	28 €	29.%

All train ticket offers

Discover

Train companies often offer promotional prices and offers—by buying in advance—you can get access the best prices for trains in the U.S., Canada, and the major European railroad operators. Search on Omio to check prices and cheap train tickets from Cologne - Amsterdam. Easily find the most attractive rates and choose the your preferred route for your journey. Book and choose your mobile ticket: avoid the queues at the station and the added stress of printing your ticket.

The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:

Buying your train ticket from Cologne - Amsterdam 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 9% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
If you book a ticket Cologne - Amsterdam with 2 months in advance you save up to about 16% compared to the initial price.
By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 29%.
On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Amsterdam

FAQs: Travel by train from Cologne to Amsterdam easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cologne to Amsterdam.

Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Amsterdam can start from as little as $24 (€20) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Amsterdam is $66 (€54); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The train time between Cologne and Amsterdam is on average 2 h 39 min for the 133 mile (214 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cologne to Amsterdam by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Cologne to Amsterdam leaves at 5: 18AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Cologne to Amsterdam leaves at 8: 54PM.

Yes, it is possible to travel from Cologne to Amsterdam without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB Nightjet. There is 1 direct train from Cologne to Amsterdam each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.

Take the Cologne to Amsterdam train with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet or National Express. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the route to Amsterdam from Cologne as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Yes, you can take a night train from Cologne to Amsterdam with ÖBB Nightjet. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Amsterdam Centraal, located 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Amsterdam from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 39 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Amsterdam is December.

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

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Amsterdam

Cologne

Amsterdam

The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln-Ehrenfeld. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln-Ehrenfeld for your trip from Cologne to Amsterdam.

Köln-Ehrenfeld Wifi