- Must visit
Van Gogh Museum
One of the Netherlands’ most famous museums, worth the trip from Schiphol for the world’s largest Van Gogh collection. Timed entry is standard.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
24
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 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 Airport Schiphol will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol without transferring at least once.
IC 60402 · IC 3524
ICE 120 · RE 8189
ICE 222 · IC 3526
ICE 224 · IC 3574
28514 · ICE 148 · IC 3546
ICE 128 · IC 3542
ICE 220 · IC 3534
ICE 222 · IC 3526
ICE 126 · IC 3550
ICE 124 · IC 3558Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $174.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $495 Average price | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration 6h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 15m Average total duration 8h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol costing on average $68 (€56).
A bus is $470 (€384) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol costing on average $495 (€404).
Other travel options to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 14m.
Flight takes on average 8h 15m.
Tickets start at around $68 (€56) compared to roughly $60 (€49) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-8.20 (€-6.70). The journey takes 3h 13m versus 3h 11m 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 Amsterdam Airport Schiphol trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:49 AM Cologne | 2h54 | 9:43 AM Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:50 AM Cologne | 3h39 | 10:29 AM Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 AM Cologne | 3h48 | 11:13 AM Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:49 AM Cologne | 2h54 | 10:43 AM Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:50 AM Cologne | 2h53 | 10:43 AM Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 AM Cologne | 3h48 | 12:13 PM Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:49 PM Cologne | 2h54 | 4:43 PM Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Amsterdam Airport Schiphol run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:49, the last at 20:50. The fastest train covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 2h 53m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 6:49 AM |
Last train 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Amsterdam Airport Schiphol trip today.
One of the Netherlands’ most famous museums, worth the trip from Schiphol for the world’s largest Van Gogh collection. Timed entry is standard.
The national museum of the Netherlands, home to Rembrandt, Vermeer, and major decorative arts. A top cultural outing easily reached by train from Schiphol.
A small branch of the Rijksmuseum inside the airport, showcasing Dutch Golden Age art for transit passengers. A convenient cultural stop between flights.
Amsterdam’s famous museum square, a broad public space framed by major museums and one of the city’s most visited walking areas.
Amsterdam’s most famous city park, popular for strolling, relaxing, and social media-friendly views. Easy to combine with Museumplein.
The historic central square of Amsterdam, surrounded by monumental architecture and a natural starting point for first-time visitors.
Two thin waffles filled with warm caramel syrup. A classic Dutch sweet snack strongly associated with markets, bakeries, and coffee breaks.
Crispy deep-fried balls with a rich ragout filling, usually served with mustard. A beloved Dutch bar snack often shared with drinks.
Small fluffy Dutch pancakes, traditionally served with butter and powdered sugar. Popular at fairs and casual dessert spots.
Airport branch of the well-known Rijks concept, offering refined Dutch-inspired dishes in a more polished dining setting inside Schiphol.
Popular casual option for fries with sauces and quick Dutch-style comfort food, suitable for a fast meal between flights.
Casual Schiphol spot focused on recognizable Dutch classics and local flavors, convenient for travelers wanting a traditional quick meal.
Airport prices are above city averages. Snacks, coffee, and sit-down meals usually cost more than in central Amsterdam.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants. No tip is expected for fast food; round up taxis if desired.
Official public transport app
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol -> Amsterdam Centraal
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 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 Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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