- Must visit
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$45
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$71
Fastest journey on Sep 08
3 h 13 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
3 h 43 m
Trains on Sep 08
5
Distance
218 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leiden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leiden will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Leiden without transferring at least once.
ICE 220 · IC 3534
ICE 128 · IC 3542
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540
26813+
20016+
IC 3240
ICE 220 · IC 3534
ICE 128 · IC 3542
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138
26813+
20016+
IC 3240
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leiden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. 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 $20, while a flight costs an average of $392.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $392 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 37m Average total duration 7h 37m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Leiden:
A bus is $38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Leiden costing on average $58.
A bus is $372 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Leiden costing on average $392.
Other travel options to Leiden take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
Flight takes on average 7h 37m.
Tickets start at around $58 compared to roughly $61 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3. The journey takes 3h 27m versus 3h 17m 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 Leiden trains for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:02 PM Cologne | 10h30 | 6:32 AM Leiden | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
ICE 220 · IC 3534 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h13 | 12:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 1 transfer | |
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138 | 9:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 1:25 PM Leiden Centraal | 4 transfers | |
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 | 9:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 1:32 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
26813+ 20016+ IC 3240 | 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 1:52 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 128 · IC 3542 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h13 | 2:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Leiden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 but you can travel from only $17 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Leiden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leiden trip today.
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Major natural history museum famous for dinosaurs, biodiversity displays, and interactive galleries suitable for all ages.
Museum about human body science in Leiden's academic tradition, featuring anatomy, medicine, and curious medical objects.
Leiden's oldest canal is lined with monuments, bridges, and terraces, making it a classic route for a first city walk.
Tree-lined ring canal around the historic center, ideal for walking past gates, mills, and broad water views.
Busy central square beside the church, often hosting markets and events and serving as a lively meeting point.
Buttery cookies from nearby Gouda, sold across Leiden. Their crisp texture and caramel notes make them a classic Dutch sweet with coffee or tea.
Fluffy small pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. A beloved Dutch treat found in Leiden cafés and traditional pancake houses.
Deep-fried ragout croquettes, often eaten with mustard. This classic Dutch snack is common in Leiden bars, cafés, and lunch spots.
Elegant fine dining in a historic setting, known for refined French-inspired cuisine and polished service near central Leiden.
Established Leiden pancake house specializing in Dutch pancakes and poffertjes in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Historic restaurant in a former weighing house, serving classic Dutch and French-influenced dishes in a grand, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but transit is manageable and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. In cafes, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Leiden Centraal -> Leiden City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leiden 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 Leiden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Leiden trains use the Köln Hbf to Leiden Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Leiden Lammenschans. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leiden 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.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
De Vink is 2 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
De Vink has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at De Vink.
ATMs are available at De Vink.
Available at De Vink: Parking.
Available at De Vink: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at De Vink.
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