- Must visit
Museum Het Valkhof
Major archaeology and art museum by Valkhof Park, known for Roman finds and contemporary exhibitions that connect ancient and modern culture.
Cheapest price
CHF43
Average price
CHF48
Fastest journey
1 h 57 m
Average duration
2 h 15 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
127 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Nijmegen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Nijmegen will cost around CHF48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF43.
Of the 6 trains that leave Cologne for Nijmegen on Sat, Aug 01, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 127 km distance in an average of 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 57 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 2 h 57 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Nijmegen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from CHF11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF11, and a train costs an average of CHF20.
Distance: 78 miles (127 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF45 Average price | CHF20 Average price Cheapest | CHF28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Nijmegen:
A bus is CHF25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Nijmegen costing on average CHF45.
Other travel options to Nijmegen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 22m.
Tickets start at around CHF45 compared to roughly CHF28 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-17.20. The journey takes 2h 18m versus 1h 57m 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 Nijmegen trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 222 · IC 3023 | Delayed 5:00 AM 6:49 AMCologne Hbf | 1h58 | 8:47 AM Nijmegen station | 1 transfer | |
26809 · IC 3131+ 20012 | 7:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h43 | 10:32 AM Nijmegen station | 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 Nijmegen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF20 but you can travel from only CHF11 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (127 km) distance in 1h 57m.
Distance 78 miles (127 km) |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF20 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 10:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Nijmegen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nijmegen trip today.
Major archaeology and art museum by Valkhof Park, known for Roman finds and contemporary exhibitions that connect ancient and modern culture.
Excellent museum on the 1944 Battle of Nijmegen and liberation. Immersive displays explain the city’s wartime story with strong local context.
Historic tower museum with panoramic views and exhibits on the city’s fortifications. A compact visit with strong local character.
Hilltop park with Roman and medieval history, river views, and major monuments. It is the city’s classic walking area and photo spot.
Revived waterfront district with urban beach atmosphere, modern architecture, and wide river views. It is one of Nijmegen’s most popular new areas.
Lively central square surrounded by historic buildings and terraces. It works well as a starting point for exploring the old city on foot.
Arnhemse meisjes are thin, crisp puff-pastry sugar cookies from nearby Arnhem, long loved across the Nijmegen region as a classic coffee treat.
Appelstroop is a dark, sweet apple syrup from the eastern Netherlands, often spread on bread or paired with cheese in everyday local meals.
Bitterballen are crisp fried ragout balls, usually served with mustard in Dutch cafés. They are a classic borrel snack locals often share with drinks.
Fine dining restaurant with a refined tasting menu approach, recognized for modern French-influenced cuisine and polished service.
Established brewery venue by the river, known for house beers and seasonal dishes in a lively industrial setting.
Popular casual spot specializing in Dutch pancakes with many sweet and savory options, ideal for a traditional family-style meal.
Moderate for the Netherlands: hotels and dining cost less than Amsterdam, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small tips at cafes are appreciated, not expected.
Official public transport app
Nijmegen station -> Grote Markt, Nijmegen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Nijmegen 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 Nijmegen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Nijmegen trains use the Köln Hbf to Nijmegen station pair, with some services arriving at Nijmegen Dukenburg. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Nijmegen 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.
Nijmegen 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 Wally, De Hemel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Nijmegen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Nijmegen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nijmegen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nijmegen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nijmegen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Credible, Hotel Oranjestaete, Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Centre.
Nijmegen Dukenburg is 4 km from Nijmegen city centre. Public transport options include:
Nijmegen Dukenburg has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Nijmegen Dukenburg.
ATMs are available at Nijmegen Dukenburg.
Available at Nijmegen Dukenburg: Parking, WC.
Available at Nijmegen Dukenburg: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nijmegen Dukenburg.
Nijmegen Goffert is 2 km from Nijmegen city centre. Public transport options include:
Nijmegen Goffert has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Nijmegen Goffert.
ATMs are available at Nijmegen Goffert.
Available at Nijmegen Goffert: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nijmegen Goffert.
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