The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Papenburg
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 8 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
240 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Papenburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Papenburg will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cologne for Papenburg on Wed, Jul 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 240 km distance in an average of 3 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 3 h 8 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.
8:46 AM3h08Cologne11:54 AMPapenburg$531One-way0 transfers
8:46 AM3h08Cologne11:54 AMPapenburg$531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Papenburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Papenburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 50m. 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 bus costs an average of $35, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 149 miles (240 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg 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 Papenburg:
A bus is $8 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Papenburg costing on average $58 (€48).
Other travel options to Papenburg take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 25m.
Tickets start at around $58 (€48) compared to roughly $49 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-8.79 (€-7.24). The journey takes 3h 25m versus 3h 16m 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.
Live departures
Cologne to Papenburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Papenburg trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:46 AM Cologne | 3h08 | 11:54 AM Papenburg | 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 Papenburg by train or bus
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.
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Why should you book Cologne to Papenburg trains with Omio?
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 WestfalenBahn or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Papenburg.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Papenburg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Papenburg.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Papenburg
Trains from Cologne to Papenburg run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (240 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 149 miles (240 km) |
Average train duration 3h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Papenburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Papenburg from $26 (€21). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
WestfalenBahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Papenburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Papenburg 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 Papenburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Papenburg
Most Cologne to Papenburg trains use the Köln Hbf to Papenburg(Ems) station pair, with some services arriving at Aschendorf. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Papenburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Papenburg leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Which Papenburg station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Papenburg(Ems) from Papenburg city centre
Papenburg(Ems) is 1 km from Papenburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Papenburg(Ems) train station facilities and services
Papenburg(Ems) 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 and drink
Food options include: Rosi's Grill, Olympia, Kim & Kim, Strandstulle
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Papenburg(Ems). ATMs are available at Papenburg(Ems).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Papenburg(Ems). Information desks are available at Papenburg(Ems).
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Papenburg(Ems). Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Papenburg(Ems): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Papenburg(Ems): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Papenburg(Ems).
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alte Werft Papenburg, Apartment-Hotel Rüther, Rüther - Hotel, KEDI Hotel.
Getting to Aschendorf from Papenburg city centre
Aschendorf is 5 km from Papenburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Aschendorf train station facilities and services
Aschendorf 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 and drink
Food options include: Aiytarun, Eiscafe Losengo, "Bei Gavino" Pizzaria, Pizza Camillo
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Aschendorf. ATMs are available at Aschendorf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Aschendorf. Information desks are available at Aschendorf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Aschendorf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Aschendorf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Aschendorf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Aschendorf.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Papenburg
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