Cologne to Elst train with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Sun, Jun 21
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cologne to Elst

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Elst among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. 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 $27, and a train costs an average of $57.

Distance: 83 miles (134 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$61

Average price

$30

Average price

Cheapest

$37

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 40m

Average total duration

9h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 4m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Elst is a bus with an average price of $30 (€25).

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Elst:

A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Elst costing on average $61 (€50).

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Elst is by train with an average journey time of 3h 15m.

Other travel options to Elst take longer:

Bus takes on average 9h 10m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Elst including taking a train and bus.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $61 (€50) compared to roughly $37 (€30) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.04 (€-19.67). The journey takes 3h 15m versus 2h 4m 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.

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Elst by train or bus

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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
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Jun 24
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Jun 25
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Jun 27

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Elst

GermanyGermany
NetherlandsNetherlands
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Elst run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€46) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 21:49. The fastest train covers the 83 miles (134 km) distance in 3h 15m.

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 $27 (€22)
Distance
83 miles (134 km)
Average train duration
3h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$57 (€46)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
3h 15m
First train
5:20 AM
Last train
9:49 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Best time to book
7 days
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 $27 (€22)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Elst trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Elst from $27 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
7 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Elst

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Elst 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 Elst, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Elst can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $57 (€46), while the average price is around $61 (€50).
The train from Cologne to Elst takes 3h 15m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Cologne to Elst is 83 miles (134 km).
The first train from Cologne to Elst leaves at 5:20 AM.
The last train from Cologne to Elst leaves at 9:49 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cologne to Elst.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Elst.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Elst.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Elst is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Elst station.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Elst is by bus, with a cost of around $27 (€22).
The train journey from Cologne to Elst offers a mix of urban and rural views, featuring the scenic Rhine River and picturesque countryside landscapes, especially as you travel through the German and Dutch borders.
A day trip from Cologne to Elst is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 15m. However, there are 7 trains per day covering the 83 miles (134 km) distance.
To explore Elst comfortably, one to two days should suffice, allowing you to visit local attractions and enjoy the town at a relaxed pace.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Elst.
Since both Cologne and Elst are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Elst include Amsterdam, Nijmegen, Arnhem, 's-Hertogenbosch, Alphen aan den Rijn.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Travelers generally find it more convenient to use cards, as most places accept debit and credit cards, though having some cash on hand is useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Elst, travelers should remain cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport hubs. There are occasional reports of taxi scams where drivers overcharge or take longer routes; using official taxi services or pre-booked transport helps avoid this. Always secure personal belongings and be aware of surroundings to ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Elst

Most Cologne to Elst trains use the Köln Hbf to Elst station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Elst train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Elst

Which Cologne station do trains to Elst leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Elst leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · $9 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · $6 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · $6 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Elst

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Elst

HomeTrainsTrains in NetherlandsCologne to Elst train

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