- Must visit
Rijksmuseum
World-famous museum of Dutch masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer. Essential for art, history, and iconic national treasures.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
3 h 12 m
Average duration
3 h 22 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Schiphol is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Schiphol will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Schiphol without transferring at least 2 times.
28522 · ICE 144 · IC 3562
26821 · IC 3256+
20024
28518 · ICE 146 · IC 3554
28518 · ICE 146 · IC 3554
28522 · ICE 144 · IC 3562
26821 · IC 3256+
20024Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Schiphol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 13m. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $228.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price | $425 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 56m Average total duration 9h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Schiphol:
A bus is $37 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Schiphol costing on average $66 (€55).
A bus is $396 (€325) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Schiphol costing on average $425 (€349).
Other travel options to Schiphol take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 47m.
Flight takes on average 9h 56m.
Tickets start at around $66 (€55) compared to roughly $58 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.98 (€-6.55). The journey takes 3h 13m versus 3h 8m 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 Schiphol trains for today, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:49 AM Cologne | 2h54 | 9:43 AM Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 AM Cologne | 3h48 | 11:13 AM Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:49 AM Cologne | 2h54 | 10:43 AM Schiphol | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Schiphol run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 22:46. The fastest train covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 2h 53m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 10:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Schiphol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Schiphol trip today.
World-famous museum of Dutch masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer. Essential for art, history, and iconic national treasures.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with works by Mondrian, Malevich, and major design collections in Museumplein.
Renowned museum dedicated to Van Gogh’s life and paintings, offering one of the most important collections of his work worldwide.
Amsterdam’s grand central square, framed by historic buildings and monuments. Ideal for first-time visitors and people-watching.
UNESCO-listed canal district of elegant bridges, gabled houses, and scenic walks. A defining Amsterdam experience in every season.
Museumplein is Amsterdam’s cultural square, home to major museums and broad lawns used for events, relaxing, and city views.
Deep-fried beef ragout croquettes with a crisp crumb. A beloved Dutch snack found in cafés, bars, and airport kiosks.
Raw herring, often served with onion and pickles. It is a classic Dutch seafood bite tied to fishing heritage.
Thin Dutch pancakes served sweet or savory. Traditional, versatile, and popular across the Netherlands for any meal.
Established seafood venue at Schiphol known for fresh fish, shellfish, and a polished but efficient airport atmosphere.
Well-known Dutch bakery café at Schiphol for pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and apple pie in a casual setting.
Casual Dutch fries specialist popular for thick-cut fries with sauces, a quick local snack before or after a flight.
Schiphol and Amsterdam are pricier than many European hubs, with higher hotel, dining, and transit costs, though budget eats and public transport keep short stays manageable.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; small rounding for cafés and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Schiphol Airport Station -> Amsterdam Centraal
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Schiphol 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 Schiphol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Schiphol trains use the Köln Hbf to Schiphol Airport station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Schiphol 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.
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