- Must visit
Groninger Museum
Groningen’s flagship art and design museum, known for its striking postmodern building and varied exhibitions spanning contemporary art, design, and regional history.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
3 h 54 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Groningen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Groningen will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Groningen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 2204 · Bus 72011 · 37950
IC 2204 · Bus 72011
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 204 · 20212 · IC 17946 · RE 6141
IC 2200 · Bus 72013
ICE 128 · IC 3632 · IC 543
ICE 220 · IC 3624 · IC 535
ICE 124 · IC 3648 · IC 559
ICE 126 · IC 3640 · IC 551
ICE 128 · IC 3632 · IC 543 · 37650Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Groningen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$61 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 19m Average total duration Fastest 4h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 24m Average total duration 6h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 Groningen:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Groningen costing on average $61 (€49).
Other travel options to Groningen take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 54m.
Tickets start at around $61 (€49) compared to roughly $71 (€57) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 4h 49m versus 3h 41m 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 Groningen trains for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 220 · IC 3624 · IC 535 · 37642 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 12:49 PM Groningen Europapark | 3 transfers | |
ICE 220 · IC 3624 · RE 6135 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 12:55 PM Groningen Europapark | 2 transfers | |
ICE 220 · IC 539 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h53 | 1:42 PM Groningen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 220 · IC 3624 · IC 535 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 12:42 PM Groningen station | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h19 | 5:20 PM Groningen, Centraal Station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 · 20212 · IC 17946 · RE 6141 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h14 | 2:25 PM Groningen Europapark | 3 transfers | |
IC 2204 · Bus 72011 · 37950 | On time 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h54 | 2:40 PM Groningen Europapark | 2 transfers | |
IC 2204 · Bus 72011 | On time 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h39 | 2:25 PM Groningen | 1 transfer | |
ICE 128 · IC 547 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h53 | 3:42 PM Groningen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 128 · IC 3632 · IC 543 · 37650 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 2:49 PM Groningen Europapark | 3 transfers | |
ICE 128 · IC 3632 · IC 543 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 2:42 PM Groningen station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 128 · IC 3632 · RE 6143 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 2:55 PM Groningen Europapark | 2 transfers | |
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 Groningen run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€21) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:34, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 3h 53m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 4h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€21) |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 12:34 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Groningen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Groningen trip today.
Groningen’s flagship art and design museum, known for its striking postmodern building and varied exhibitions spanning contemporary art, design, and regional history.
University museum with science, medicine, and academic heritage collections. Compact but rewarding, especially for visitors interested in experiments and the history of research.
Museum dedicated to comics, animation, and games, popular with younger visitors and creative audiences. It stands out for original artwork and interactive displays.
The city’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major landmarks and busy terraces. Essential for first-time visitors and city-center orientation.
A major cultural hub and contemporary city icon, popular for its architecture, rooftop views, cinema, library, and social-media-friendly interiors.
One of Groningen’s most picturesque canal-side streets, lined with historic warehouses and often featured in photography and visitor highlights.
A Groningen snack of a hard-boiled egg coated in ragout and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried. It is one of the city’s best-known local specialties.
Creamy Groningen mustard soup made with the region’s famous mustard. A classic local starter with a sharp, warming flavor.
A traditional Groningen cake-pudding, steamed rather than baked, usually served in thick slices with butter or syrup. It is a regional comfort food.
A well-regarded fine dining restaurant in Groningen, known for seasonal tasting menus, careful presentation, and polished service.
An established bistro in a historic building near the city center, known for refined French-Dutch cooking and a more elegant dining setting.
A popular multi-level venue with restaurant, bar, and cocktail focus. Known for creative food and a stylish, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate by Dutch standards: groceries and casual dining are manageable, but hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxi fares; little or no tip is fine for cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Groningen Airport Eelde -> Groningen Hoofdstation
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Groningen 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 Groningen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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