- Must visit
Nederlands Openluchtmuseum
Large open-air museum showcasing historic Dutch buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Arnhem’s best-known cultural attractions and especially strong for families and first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
1 h 37 m
Average duration
1 h 37 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
137 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Arnhem is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Arnhem will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 8 trains that leave Cologne for Arnhem on Wed, Jun 17, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 137 km distance in an average of 1 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 37 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 1 h 37 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.
IC 5107+
20016
ICE 120
ICE 224
ICE 128
ICE 220
ICE 128
ICE 220
ICE 126
ICE 124
ICE 122Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Arnhem among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. 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 $19, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 85 miles (137 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$62 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Arnhem:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Arnhem costing on average $62 (€50).
Other travel options to Arnhem take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 40m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 7m by train vs 2h 10m by car). Tickets start at around $62 (€50) compared to roughly $38 (€31) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Arnhem trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 222 | On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 8:26 AM Arnhem station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 220 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 10:26 AM Arnhem station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 5107+ 20016 | 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h24 | 12:13 PM Arnhem station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 128 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 12:26 PM Arnhem station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 126 | On time 12:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 2:26 PM Arnhem station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 124 | On time 2:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 4:26 PM Arnhem station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 122 | On time 4:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 6:26 PM Arnhem station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 224 | On time 6:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 8:26 PM Arnhem station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 120 | On time 8:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h37 | 10:26 PM Arnhem station | 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 Arnhem run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:49, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 85 miles (137 km) distance in 1h 36m.
Distance 85 miles (137 km) |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 36m |
First train 12:49 AM |
Last train 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Arnhem — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Arnhem trip today.
Large open-air museum showcasing historic Dutch buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Arnhem’s best-known cultural attractions and especially strong for families and first-time visitors.
Arnhem’s main art museum, known for modern and contemporary art, design, and a dramatic position overlooking the Rhine. Popular for both the collection and the panoramic terrace.
Museum dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden, set in the former headquarters of the British airborne forces. A key stop for wartime history.
Arnhem’s signature city park with rolling lawns, water features, viewpoints, and event spaces. One of the most popular places for a scenic walk.
Central cultural area around the Rozet complex, attractive for contemporary architecture, libraries, exhibitions, and easy city-center strolling.
Charming cluster of small shopping streets in the historic center, popular for independent boutiques and atmospheric walks. Frequently featured on social media.
A famous Arnhem pastry of crisp, buttery puff pastry cookies coated with sugar. It is the city’s best-known sweet specialty and a classic souvenir.
Large Dutch pancakes served sweet or savory. They are widely eaten in Gelderland and around Arnhem, especially as a family meal.
Deep-fried Dutch snack balls with a rich ragout filling, often served with mustard in cafés and bars. A staple of Dutch borrel culture.
Established restaurant focused on seasonal tasting menus and carefully prepared dishes, with an intimate and polished atmosphere.
Well-regarded fine dining restaurant in Arnhem known for refined modern French and Dutch cooking in an elegant setting.
Popular central Arnhem restaurant and café with a stylish atmosphere, known for approachable modern dishes and good drinks.
Prices are moderate by Dutch standards. Supermarkets and lunch spots are good value; hotels and dinner cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; tips are uncommon for quick coffee or takeaway.
Official public transport app
Arnhem Centraal, Arnhem -> Arnhem City Center, Arnhem
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Arnhem 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 Arnhem, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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