- Must visit
Museum in der Kaiserpfalz
Major art and cultural history museum in Schloss Neuhaus with changing exhibitions, archaeology, and regional collections in a palace setting.
Cheapest price on Sep 06
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 06
$40
Fastest journey on Sep 06
2 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 06
2 h 49 m
Trains on Sep 06
5
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Paderborn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Paderborn will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
On Sun, Sep 06, we found 5 trains from Cologne to Paderborn, including 5 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 06 the direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 2 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 29 m .
On Sun, Sep 06 the slowest trains will take 3 h 46 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 Paderborn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a train costs an average of $59.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Paderborn:
A bus is $17 (€14) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Paderborn costing on average $59 (€48).
Other travel options to Paderborn take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 2m.
Tickets start at around $59 (€48) compared to roughly $34 (€27) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.45 (€-20.57). The journey takes 2h 29m versus 2h 20m 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 Paderborn trains for today, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:17 AM Cologne | 2h29 | 8:46 AM Paderborn | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:17 AM Cologne | 2h29 | 9:46 AM Paderborn | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:17 AM Cologne | 2h30 | 10:47 AM Paderborn | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 6 | |||||
![]() | 1:54 AM Cologne | 3h46 | 5:40 AM Paderborn | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Paderborn run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 2h 2m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 2m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Paderborn — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Paderborn trip today.
Major art and cultural history museum in Schloss Neuhaus with changing exhibitions, archaeology, and regional collections in a palace setting.
Computer museum with historic machines, interactive displays, and modern tech stories; one of Germany's leading museums of information technology.
Diocesan museum beside the cathedral, known for medieval treasures and ambitious temporary exhibitions of sacred art and design.
Compact source area of the Pader river with clear springs, greenery, and paths beside major monuments; the city's most characteristic walk.
Large baroque park around Schloss Neuhaus with canals, avenues, and event spaces; excellent for longer walks and relaxed sightseeing.
Main square framed by the town hall and market church, lively during markets and festivals and ideal for orienting yourself in the old center.
Westphalian rye bread baked dense and dark. It is a regional staple around Paderborn, traditionally served with ham, cheese, or butter.
A hearty Westphalian plate of rye bread with local ham, sausage, cheese, pickles, and spreads. It reflects the region's rustic farm food tradition.
Air-dried Westphalian ham with a mild smoky flavor. It is one of the best-known specialties of the wider region and commonly served in local inns.
Upscale dining in Hotel zur Mühle with refined German and seasonal cuisine, polished service, and an elegant atmosphere near the city center.
Traditional German restaurant known for schnitzel, steaks, and hearty regional dishes in a rustic, long-established setting.
Popular brewery-style venue serving German comfort food and beer in a lively, casual setting. A dependable choice for local flavors.
Moderate for Germany: hotels, dining, and local transit are usually cheaper than in major cities like Munich or Frankfurt.
Tipping is modest: round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up small taxi fares and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Paderborn Hbf -> Paderborn Rathausplatz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Paderborn 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 Paderborn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Paderborn trains use the Köln Hbf to Paderborn Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Paderborn Nord. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Paderborn 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.
Paderborn Hbf is 1 km from Paderborn city centre. Public transport options include:
Paderborn 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: Koya Kitchen, Café Central, Moso Sushi & Grill, Waffel Dream
Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn Hbf. ATMs are available at Paderborn Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Paderborn Hbf. Information desks are available at Paderborn Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Paderborn Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paderborn Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paderborn Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Haus Irma, Südhotel.
Paderborn Nord is 1 km from Paderborn city centre. Public transport options include:
Paderborn Nord 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: Cafeteria, Café Röhren, Cherusker Klause, Haci Baba
Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn Nord. ATMs are available at Paderborn Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Paderborn Nord. Information desks are available at Paderborn Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Paderborn Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paderborn Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paderborn Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn Nord.
Nearby hotels include Aspethera, Zur Mühle, Arthotel Ana Fleur, Cherusker Hof.
Paderborn Kasseler Tor 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: Balthasar, Café Röhren, Xinh City, Cherusker Klause
Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor. ATMs are available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor.
Ticket office support is available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor. Information desks are available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor.
Luggage storage is available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn Kasseler Tor.
Nearby hotels include Aspethera, Zur Mühle, Arthotel Ana Fleur, Haus Irma.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need