- Must visit
Kulturgeschichtliches Museum Osnabrück
Top local museum in the former market square weighing house. It presents the Peace of Westphalia and Osnabrück’s urban history in a central historic setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Osnabrück
Showing times and prices for Jul 21
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
2 h 10 m
Average duration
2 h 23 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
167 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Osnabrück is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Osnabrück will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cologne for Osnabrück on Tue, Jul 21, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 21 the direct trains cover the 167 km distance in an average of 2 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
On Tue, Jul 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 33 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.
7:46 AM2h33Cologne10:19 AMOsnabrück$271One-way0 transfers- 8:46 AM2h33Cologne11:19 AMOsnabrück$281One-way0 transfers
- 6:11 AM2h10Cologne8:21 AMOsnabrück$491One-way0 transfers
- 9:11 AM2h10Cologne11:21 AMOsnabrück$561One-way0 transfers
- 12:46 PM2h29Cologne3:15 PMOsnabrück$621One-way0 transfers
- 9:11 AM2h10Cologne11:21 AMOsnabrück$561One-way0 transfers
- 6:11 AM2h10Cologne8:21 AMOsnabrück$491One-way0 transfers
- 12:46 PM2h29Cologne3:15 PMOsnabrück$621One-way0 transfers
- 8:46 AM2h33Cologne11:19 AMOsnabrück$281One-way0 transfers
- 7:46 AM2h33Cologne10:19 AMOsnabrück$271One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Cologne to Osnabrück
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Osnabrück among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 7m. 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 train costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $267.
Distance: 103 miles (167 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $43 Average price | $489 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Osnabrück is a train with an average price of $36 (€29).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Osnabrück:
A train is $7 (€6) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cologne to Osnabrück costing on average $43 (€35).
A train is $453 (€372) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Osnabrück costing on average $489 (€401).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Osnabrück is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 7m.
Other travel options to Osnabrück take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 15m.
Flight takes on average 3h 59m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Osnabrück including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Osnabrück among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 16m faster (2h 15m by train vs 2h 31m by car) and roughly $0.72 (€0.59) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($36 (€29) vs $36 (€30)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cologne to Osnabrück train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Osnabrück trains for today, Monday, July 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1028 | On time 4:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h21 | 6:21 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 541 · 10203 | On time 4:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 7:18 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 208 | On time 5:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h10 | 7:21 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
 FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h12 | 11:13 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Osnabrück by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, 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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Osnabrück trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Osnabrück.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Osnabrück.
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 FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Osnabrück.
- 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, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Osnabrück.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Osnabrück.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Osnabrück
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
Pleasant rideGood seatsAir-conditionedDisadvantages
Slight delayThe journey from Osnabrück to Cologne was really pleasant. I used to travel this route by car, but with the comfortable seats, the on-board bistro and the good wifi, it's actually always worth taking the train. Only the punctuality is not optimal.
Advantages
PriceCruising speedDisadvantages
ReliabilityThe journey in the ICE from Osnabrück to Cologne is very relaxed. There are power sockets at every seat in the train and there is free wifi access which also works well. You could reserve seats and the train was not overcrowded. The headrests are very comfortable and it is very easy to relax and enjoy the journey. The train left on time.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Osnabrück
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Osnabrück run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 103 miles (167 km) distance in 2h 8m.
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 103 miles (167 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 8m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Osnabrück trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Osnabrück from $15 (€12). 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 Duration
2h 8m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€16)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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.
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.
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.
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
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€42)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
21 a day
Complete guide to Osnabrück
Things to do in Osnabrück
Discover the best of Osnabrück — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Osnabrück trip today.
- Must visit
Museum Felix Nussbaum Haus
Important collection focused on painter Felix Nussbaum, designed by Daniel Libeskind. Powerful architecture and art make it a standout cultural stop.
- Recommended
Erich Maria Remarque-Friedenszentrum
Compact museum on the Erich Maria Remarque peace center. It explores the author’s life, anti-war themes, and literary legacy in a meaningful setting.
- Must visit
Marktplatz
Historic market square framed by the town hall and St. Mary’s Church. It is the classic starting point for exploring Osnabrück’s old town atmosphere.
- Recommended
Heger Straße
One of the city’s oldest streets, lined with restored houses and small shops. It captures the medieval character of central Osnabrück.
- Recommended
Bierstraße
Pedestrian street in the old town with handsome façades and independent businesses. Popular for strolling between major historic sights.
- Gluten-free
Grünkohl
Grünkohl cooked with onions and spices, usually served in winter with potatoes and sausage. A classic North German comfort dish also popular in Osnabrück.
Braunkohl mit Pinkel
Hearty kale and barley stew from Lower Saxony, often enriched with smoked meat. It reflects the region's rural winter cooking traditions.
- Gluten-free
Bratkartoffeln
Pan-fried potatoes with onions and bacon, often served with fried eggs or pickles. A staple pub and home dish across northwest Germany.
La Vie
Michelin-starred fine dining known for seasonal tasting menus, precise modern technique, and an elegant setting inside the historic Hotel Walhalla.
Rampendahl Hausbrauerei
Historic traditional restaurant in the old town serving regional German classics and beer in a cozy, long-established setting.
Weinkrüger
Well-regarded old-town dining room with refined German and European dishes, strong wine focus, and a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in Munich or Hamburg, while local transit and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up small taxi fares and leave small change at cafes.
VOSpilot
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.80
- Day pass
- €7.60
To the city center
Osnabrück Hbf -> Neumarkt, Osnabrück
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Tap-in is not used; buy your ticket before boarding or from the driver on many buses. Check VOSpilot for real-time departures and mobile tickets.
- Card or contactless payment is not guaranteed on every bus in Osnabrück. Mobile tickets in VOSpilot are the most reliable cash-free option.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Osnabrück
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Osnabrück can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $15 (€12), while the average price is around $36 (€29).
The train from Cologne to Osnabrück takes 2h 8m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Cologne to Osnabrück leaves at 12:10 AM.
The distance by train from Cologne to Osnabrück is 103 miles (167 km).
The last train from Cologne to Osnabrück leaves at 11:53 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cologne to Osnabrück. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Osnabrück.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Osnabrück is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Osnabrück Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Osnabrück is by train, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The train journey from Cologne to Osnabrück offers a pleasant experience with views of the Rhine River, picturesque towns, and lush countryside, though it is not considered one of the most scenic routes in Germany.
A day trip from Cologne to Osnabrück is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 8m. However, there are 10 trains available per day for this route.
To fully explore Osnabrück, two to three days are generally sufficient to visit key attractions such as the Osnabrück Castle, the Felix Nussbaum Haus, and the historic Old Town.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Osnabrück.
Since both Cologne and Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück include Düsseldorf, Hengelo, Bremen, Dortmund, Hanover.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Osnabrück 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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Osnabrück, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the central train station and popular shopping streets. Common scams include distraction techniques where someone may try to divert attention to steal wallets or phones. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings, particularly in busy public transport hubs and tourist spots. Overall, Osnabrück is considered safe, but standard precautions help ensure a trouble-free 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.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Osnabrück
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Osnabrück and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Osnabrück
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