- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
57 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 28 trains that leave Essen Hbf for Cologne Hbf on Fri, Jun 19, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 57 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 49 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.
ICE 921
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 103
ICE 101
ICE 105
ICE 515
ICE 513Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 35 miles (57 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price | $6 Average price Cheapest | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $13 (€10).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 28m.
The journey is about 8m faster (57m by train vs 1h 5m by car) and roughly $5 (€4) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($13 (€10) vs $18 (€14)). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 8:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0h50 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
ICE 842 | 12:03 AM Essen Hbf | 1h03 | 1:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26844 | 1:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 2:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 523 · 28501 | On time 4:30 AM Essen Hbf | 0h59 | 5:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 23 | On time 5:39 AM Essen Hbf | 0h50 | 6:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 101 | On time 6:00 AM Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 6:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 913 · 10904 | On time 6:36 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 7:36 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 513 | On time 6:59 AM Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 7:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 103 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 119 · S6 | On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 9:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 646 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 9:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 217 · S6 | On time 9:03 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 10:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26810 | 9:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
10208 · 28511 | 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 1h09 | 10:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 946 | On time 9:37 AM Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2013 | On time 9:40 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 10:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 105 | On time 10:00 AM Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 10:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26812 | 10:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
10210 · 28513 | 10:20 AM Essen Hbf | 1h09 | 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 644 | On time 10:40 AM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 10:59 AM Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 11:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26814 | 11:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 12:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0h51 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 8:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) but you can travel from only $5 (€4) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:08, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 35 miles (57 km) distance in 48m.
Distance 35 miles (57 km) |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 1:08 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.
Cologne’s key archaeological museum for Roman heritage, famous for mosaics and finds from the city’s ancient past. Parts of the collection may be presented in temporary locations during building works
Leading fine arts museum with important medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century paintings, offering one of Cologne’s strongest classic art collections.
Revitalized waterfront district with striking modern architecture, promenades, and photogenic Rhine views, popular on social media.
Wide riverside steps and promenade on the right bank, famous for postcard views back toward the cathedral skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional facades and lively public life, ideal for absorbing the classic Cologne atmosphere.
The city’s signature top-fermented beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to Cologne’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne snack of rye roll, Gouda cheese, mustard, onions, and pickles. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a staple in local beer halls.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means 'Heaven and Earth.'
Established traditional brewery restaurant in the old town, popular for authentic Cologne specialties, Kölsch, and rustic historic atmosphere.
Well-known central brauhaus serving Sion Kölsch and dependable local dishes. A solid choice for visitors wanting a classic Cologne beer hall experience.
A long-established restaurant by the Rhine, especially known for pork knuckle and hearty German fare in a traditional, tourist-friendly setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Köln Hbf, Köln -> Köln Dom, Köln
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Cologne Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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