Cologne to Gothenburg train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Thu, Sep 17
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Gothenburg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

$109

Average ticket price on Sep 17

$120

Fastest journey on Sep 17

13 h 51 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

15 h 26 m

Trains on Sep 17

11

Distance

820 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Gothenburg will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cologne to Gothenburg without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 514 · 11152 · IC 5752 · ECE 1198
    8:11 PM19h54
    Cologne Hbf
    4:05 PMGothenburg Centralstation
    $1091One-way
    4 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2349 · 82848 · 11152 · IC 5752
    9:11 PM18h39
    Cologne Hbf
    3:50 PMGothenburg Centralstation
    $1091One-way
    7 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 514 · 11152 · IC 5752 · ECE 1198
    8:11 PM19h39
    Cologne Hbf
    3:50 PMGothenburg Centralstation
    $1091One-way
    5 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2349 · 82848 · 11152 · IC 5752
    9:11 PM18h39
    Cologne Hbf
    3:50 PMGothenburg Centralstation
    $1091One-way
    7 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2349 · 82848 · 11152 · IC 5752
    9:11 PM18h54
    Cologne Hbf
    4:05 PMGothenburg Centralstation
    $1091One-way
    6 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Gothenburg

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Gothenburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $146 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $146, while a flight costs an average of $574.

Distance: 509 miles (820 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

$146

Average price

Cheapest

$574

Average price

$156

Average price

$331

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

13h 47m

Average total duration

13h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 12m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 12m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

19h 1m

Average total duration

18h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.5 - 4.9kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 2.0kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Lufthansa

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

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 Gothenburg is a train with an average price of $146.

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

A train is $10 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cologne to Gothenburg costing on average $156.

A train is $427 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Gothenburg costing on average $574.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Gothenburg is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 12m.

Other travel options to Gothenburg take longer:

Train takes on average 13h 17m.

Bus takes on average 18h 31m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Gothenburg including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Gothenburg among Omio's users.
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 $146 compared to roughly $331 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $184. The journey takes 13h 17m versus 12h 33m 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.

Live departures

Cologne to Gothenburg train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Gothenburg trains for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 920 · 11156 · IC 5754 · IC 50132
Delayed
12:09 AM 2:09 AMCologne Hbf
15h56
6:05 PM Gothenburg Centralstation
4 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 920 · 11156 · IC 5754 · ECE 398
Delayed
12:09 AM 2:09 AMCologne Hbf
15h56
6:05 PM Gothenburg Centralstation
4 transfers
Thursday, September 17
Deutsche BahnICE 616 · RJ 384 · R 1114
On time
8:11 AM Cologne Hbf
13h54
10:05 PM Gothenburg Centralstation
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 204 · 11168 · IC 5760 · IC 50156
On time
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
14h54
12:05 AM Gothenburg Centralstation
4 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1022 · ECE 394 · R 1130
On time
10:14 AM Cologne Hbf
13h51
12:05 AM Gothenburg Centralstation
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · RJ 382 · R 1144 · R 1146
On time
12:11 PM Cologne Hbf
17h39
5:50 AM Gothenburg Centralstation
4 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 610 · ECE 392 · Bus 6802 · R 11002
On time
2:11 PM Cologne Hbf
17h54
8:05 AM Gothenburg Centralstation
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 108 · 11180 · IC 5766 · IC 70182
On time
3:11 PM Cologne Hbf
16h54
8:05 AM Gothenburg Centralstation
5 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Gothenburg by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23

Why should you book Cologne to Gothenburg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Gothenburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Gothenburg.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Gothenburg.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Gothenburg.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Gothenburg.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Gothenburg

GermanyGermany
SwedenSweden
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Gothenburg run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 509 miles (820 km) distance in 11h 43m.

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
Distance
509 miles (820 km)
Average train duration
13h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
$34
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
11h 43m
First train
12:38 AM
Last train
10:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
14 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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SJ from Cologne to Gothenburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, SJ trains will get you between Cologne and Gothenburg from $67. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
11h 43m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$34
Deutsche Bahn frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

SJ

About
SJ is a Swedish train company that offers a wide range of services to its passengers. It operates high-speed trains, regional trains, and night trains, all of which are comfortable and reliable. The high-speed trains, X2000, are the fastest way to travel between cities, while the regional trains, Pågatåg, are perfect for shorter trips. The night trains, SJ Nattåg, offer a comfortable way to travel overnight. SJ offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and SJ Prio tickets, which offer discounts for frequent travelers. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a café car. The most popular routes for SJ are between Stockholm and Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö, and Stockholm and Uppsala.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SJ Duration
15h 39m
Cheapest SJ Price
$130
SJ frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car on long-distance trains, bistro car with snacks and drinks, at-seat service in 1st class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for additional fee in 2nd class, included in 1st class ticket
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available
Pets
Small pets free in carrier, larger dogs require paid ticket, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Gothenburg

Things to do in Gothenburg

Discover the best of Gothenburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gothenburg trip today.

  • Must visit

Gothenburg Museum of Art

Major art museum with Nordic masters, international works, and strong modern collections. A top cultural stop at Götaplatsen.

  • Must visit

Maritiman

One of the world's largest maritime museums, featuring historic ships and naval heritage on the waterfront. Great for families and history fans.

  • Must visit

Universeum

Science center with hands-on exhibits, rainforest environment, and educational displays. Popular with families and curious adults alike.

Swedish krona (kr)

Gothenburg is pricier than many European cities. Hotels, dining, and transit are moderate to high, though budget lunches and day passes help control costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
120-180 kr for fast food or lunch specials.
Mid-range
250-400 kr per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
700+ kr per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
35-50 kr for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Gothenburg

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Gothenburg can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $34, while the average price is around $146.
The train from Cologne to Gothenburg takes 11h 43m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Cologne to Gothenburg is 509 miles (820 km).
The first train from Cologne to Gothenburg leaves at 12:38 AM.
The last train from Cologne to Gothenburg leaves at 10:45 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Gothenburg.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Gothenburg.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Gothenburg is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Gothenburg Centralstation.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Gothenburg is by bus, with a cost of around $67.
The train journey from Cologne to Gothenburg offers scenic views, especially when passing through the rolling hills and dense forests of Germany, as well as the picturesque coastal landscapes of southern Sweden.
A day trip from Cologne to Gothenburg is not feasible, as the journey takes 11h 43m each way and the distance is 509 miles (820 km). The trip frequency for trains is 3 per day.
In Gothenburg, you can explore the stunning Gothenburg Archipelago, visit the unique Fish Market (Feskekôrka) for fresh seafood, and enjoy a relaxing day at Saltholmen for swimming. Discover the Botanical Garden's beautiful landscapes and take a boat tour along the scenic Göta Canal. Don't miss the exciting rides at Liseberg Amusement Park, interactive exhibits at Universeum, or the Nordic art collection at Gothenburg Museum of Art. Stroll through the charming historic district of Haga and enjoy the natural beauty of Slottsskogen Park.
To fully enjoy Gothenburg's attractions, culture, and dining experiences, spending 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Gothenburg.
Since both Cologne and Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg include Halmstad, Skövde, Varberg, Jönköping, Trollhättan.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Gothenburg among Omio's users.
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.
Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK) as its currency. It is generally better for travelers to use cards, as card payments are widely accepted across the country, including in most shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Cash is less commonly used but can be handy in smaller towns or for small purchases.
In Gothenburg, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors or overcharging in taxis can occur, so using licensed taxis and verifying fares beforehand is advised. Staying aware of surroundings and securing belongings helps 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 Gothenburg

Most Cologne to Gothenburg trains use the Köln Hbf to Göteborg Centralstation station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg

Which Cologne station do trains to Gothenburg leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Gothenburg 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.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · $5 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · $5
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · $6

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · $4 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · $2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

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