- Must visit
MARTa Herford
Bold contemporary art and architecture museum designed by Frank Gehry. Herford’s signature cultural attraction hosts changing international exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
$42
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$56
Fastest journey on Sep 05
2 h 14 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
2 h 28 m
Trains on Sep 05
5
Distance
177 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Herford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Herford will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 5 trains from Cologne to Herford, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct trains cover the 177 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 14 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 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 2204 · ICE 1547
IC 2441
ICE 555 · 89644
89713
ICE 857 · 89646
ICE 555 · 89644
IC 2441
ICE 857 · 89646
IC 2204 · ICE 1547
89713Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Herford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 56m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, while a flight costs an average of $561.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$64 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $561 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 2h 14m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Herford:
A bus is $40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Herford costing on average $64.
A bus is $537 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Herford costing on average $561.
Other travel options to Herford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 26m.
Bus takes on average 3h 53m.
Tickets start at around $64 compared to roughly $38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.10. The journey takes 2h 26m versus 2h 23m 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 Herford trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89713 | 8:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h00 | 11:07 AM Herford station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 555 · 89644 | On time 8:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h14 | 10:58 AM Herford station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2441 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h16 | 11:27 AM Herford station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 857 · 89646 | On time 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h23 | 11:58 AM Herford station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h27 | 12:13 PM Herford station | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Herford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 but you can travel from only $20 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:18, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 1h 47m.
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 47m |
First train 12:18 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Herford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Herford trip today.
Bold contemporary art and architecture museum designed by Frank Gehry. Herford’s signature cultural attraction hosts changing international exhibitions.
Compact museum on Herford’s city history with exhibits on the imperial abbey, urban development, and local everyday life.
Exhibition venue focusing on contemporary art and cultural events in a restored historic setting near the city center.
Historic old-town quarter with lanes, churches, shops, and many of Herford’s key monuments in a compact walkable area.
One of Herford’s oldest quarters, known for its compact lanes, heritage buildings, and local atmosphere away from the busier center.
Historic abbey hill area with churches and traces of the former women’s monastery, ideal for a quieter heritage walk.
Pumpernickel is Westphalia’s dense, slow-baked rye bread. Herford lies in its home region, and locals prize it for its deep malty flavor and long baking tradition.
Pickert is a traditional potato pancake from nearby Lippe and East Westphalia, often served with butter, beet syrup, or sausage. It is a beloved regional comfort food.
Westfälischer Knochenschinken is air-dried Westphalian ham, valued for its firm texture and smoky, savory taste. It is a classic regional specialty often served with bread.
Established upscale restaurant in Herford offering refined seasonal cuisine and an elegant atmosphere suited to a higher-end meal.
Well-known casual venue serving hearty German and regional fare with a pub-like atmosphere popular for everyday dining.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Herford known for regional German dishes and beer-focused dining in a historic, relaxed setting.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels, dining, and local transit are usually lower than in major cities, making Herford manageable for most travelers.
Service is often included, but small tips are expected. Round up or add 5-10% in restaurants; round up for taxis and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Herford Bahnhof -> Herford Bahnhof, Herford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Herford 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 Herford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Herford trains use the Köln Hbf to Herford station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Herford 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.
Herford 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: Cxielo, Trattoria Il Baffino, Die Knolle, Rancho Grande
Wi-Fi is available at Herford. ATMs are available at Herford.
Ticket office support is available at Herford. Information desks are available at Herford.
Luggage storage is available at Herford. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Herford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Herford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Herford.
Nearby hotels include Aappartel, Hotel Hansa, Apart GO 25.
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