- Must visit
Museum Schloss Horst
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Cheapest price on Sep 27
$8
Average ticket price on Sep 27
$28
Fastest journey on Sep 27
55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 27
56 m
Trains on Sep 27
13
Distance
65 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
On Sun, Sep 27, we found 13 trains from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen, including 13 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 27 the direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
On Sun, Sep 27 the slowest trains will take 59 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.
FlixTrain
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FlixTrain
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ICE 1036
ICE 204
IC 2204
FlixTrain
ICE 545The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2306 | On time 8:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 9:08 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 9:13 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 9:24 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1036 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 9:40 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26811 | 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 9:56 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 204 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 10:06 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 9:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 10:26 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2204 | On time 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h56 | 10:42 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26813 | 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 10:56 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 12:02 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h59 | 1:13 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 5:11 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 6:02 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Gelsenkirchen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) but you can travel from only $5 (€4) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 40 miles (65 km) distance in 52m.
Distance 40 miles (65 km) |
Average train duration 1h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 52m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Leading modern art museum in the Ruhr, noted for kinetic and contemporary works and ambitious temporary exhibitions.
Museum documenting pharmacy history inside Schloss Horst, with historic equipment and displays on medicine and daily life.
Large leisure park on a former colliery, combining industrial heritage, greenery, playgrounds, and canal-side walking routes.
Extensive zoo and landscaped grounds famous for Alaska-themed habitats and family-friendly outdoor exploration.
Elegant lakeside park around Schloss Berge, popular for strolling, boating views, and relaxed green space in Buer.
A hearty Ruhr-area potato stew with vegetables and sausage or bacon. It is a classic workers’ dish long associated with everyday home cooking in the region.
Pan-fried blood sausage with mashed potatoes and apples. Common across North Rhine-Westphalia, it is a traditional pub and home-style comfort meal.
Cured minced pork spread served on rye bread with onions. Popular in the Ruhr and nearby Westphalia as a simple, traditional snack or supper item.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in Gelsenkirchen known for modern German cuisine, careful presentation, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Traditional brewery-style venue serving hearty German and Ruhr-area dishes in a relaxed, rustic setting popular for local beer and classic comfort food.
Well-known casual venue for German grills, schnitzel, and regional comfort food with a lively, approachable atmosphere suited to groups and families.
Moderate for Germany: hotels are often cheaper than in major cities, while dining and local transit are fairly typical for the region.
Service is usually included. Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gelsenkirchen Hbf -> Heinrich-König-Platz, Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Köln Hbf to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Gelsenkirchen 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/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.
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.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
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