- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Göttingen to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jul 13
Cheapest price
$139
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
3 h 16 m
Average duration
3 h 29 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
218 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Göttingen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Göttingen to Cologne will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $139.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Göttingen to Cologne without transferring at least once.
ICE 279 · ICE 7268:52 AM3h22Göttingen station12:14 PMCologne Messe/Deutz$1391One-way1 transfer- ICE 279 · ICE 3148:52 AM3h40Göttingen station12:32 PMCologne Hbf$1411One-way1 transfer
- ICE 71 · ICE 1654 · ICE 6128:28 AM3h37Göttingen station12:05 PMCologne Hbf$1411One-way2 transfers
- ICE 575 · ICE 1269:27 AM3h16Göttingen station12:43 PMCologne Hbf$1581One-way1 transfer
- ICE 575 · ICE 1269:27 AM3h16Göttingen station12:43 PMCologne Hbf$1581One-way1 transfer
- ICE 279 · ICE 7268:52 AM3h22Göttingen station12:14 PMCologne Messe/Deutz$1391One-way1 transfer
- ICE 71 · ICE 1654 · ICE 6128:28 AM3h37Göttingen station12:05 PMCologne Hbf$1411One-way2 transfers
- ICE 279 · ICE 3148:52 AM3h40Göttingen station12:32 PMCologne Hbf$1411One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Göttingen to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Göttingen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 30m. 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 $15, and a train costs an average of $24.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Göttingen to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $27 (€23).
This is compared to other travel options from Göttingen to Cologne:
A bus is $58 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Göttingen to Cologne costing on average $86 (€70).
The fastest way to travel from Göttingen to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 3h 30m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Göttingen and Cologne including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Göttingen to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $86 (€70) compared to roughly $50 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-36.07 (€-29.67). The journey takes 3h 30m versus 3h 24m 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
Göttingen to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Göttingen to Cologne trains for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 882 · ICE 650 | Delayed 11:59 AM Göttingen station | 3h56 | 2:19 PM 2:19 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 73 · ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 12:27 PM Göttingen station | 3h38 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 772 · ICE 950 | On time 12:33 PM Göttingen station | 3h38 | 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 373 · ICE 628 | On time 12:52 PM Göttingen station | 3h22 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 579 · ICE 122 | On time 1:27 PM Göttingen station | 3h16 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Göttingen to Cologne by bus or train
Compare bus 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.
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Why should you book Göttingen to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Göttingen to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Göttingen to Cologne.
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Göttingen to Cologne.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Göttingen to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Göttingen to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Göttingen to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Göttingen to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 3h 11m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $15 (€12)
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $15 (€12)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Göttingen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Göttingen and Cologne 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
3h 11m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€20)
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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Price
$84 (€69)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
- Recommended
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
One of Germany’s key fine art museums, known for medieval painting, Gothic works, and major Impressionist holdings.
- Recommended
NS-Dokumentationszentrum
Cologne’s documentation center on National Socialism, housed in the former Gestapo headquarters with preserved prison cells.
- Recommended
Alter Markt
Historic Old Town square surrounded by traditional facades and lively pedestrian streets, ideal as a base for central sightseeing.
- Recommended
Heumarkt
Large central square in the Altstadt known for events, open space, and easy access to the Rhine promenade.
- Recommended
Belgian Quarter
Trendy inner-city neighborhood popular for independent shops, street life, and photogenic urban corners beyond the main tourist core.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kölsch
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses and central to the city’s brewing culture.
- Vegetarian
Halver Hahn
A classic Cologne rye roll with aged Gouda, mustard, and onion. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a beloved beer-hall snack.
- Gluten-free
Himmel Un Ääd
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes with apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means ‘Heaven and Earth.’
Ox & Klee
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant offering modern tasting menus and polished service for a high-end culinary experience in Cologne.
Päffgen
Historic brewery and restaurant loved for house-brewed Kölsch and authentic local specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
Bei Oma Kleinmann
Well-known casual restaurant famous for oversized schnitzels and hearty German comfort food with a friendly, classic atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is fair, while central hotels and dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
KVB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.70
- Day pass
- EUR 9.00
To the city center
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- You can buy tickets in the KVB App, at ticket machines, or on board many buses and trams; card payment is commonly accepted at machines and in the app.
- Validate whether your ticket needs stamping before travel, and keep it ready for inspection throughout the journey.
FAQs: Trains from Göttingen to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Göttingen to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Göttingen to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $24 (€20), while the average price is around $86 (€70).
The train from Göttingen to Cologne takes 3h 11m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Göttingen to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM.
The distance by train from Göttingen to Cologne is 135 miles (218 km).
The last train from Göttingen to Cologne leaves at 11:57 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Göttingen to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Göttingen to Cologne.
The train station in Göttingen that goes to Cologne is Göttingen station, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Göttingen to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The train journey from Göttingen to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Lower Saxony region and the Rhine Valley, featuring rolling hills, forests, and charming villages.
A day trip from Göttingen to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 11m. However, there are 10 trains per day for this route. The distance is 135 miles (218 km).
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
Yes, you can take the train from Göttingen to Cologne.
Since both Göttingen and Cologne 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 Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Göttingen to Cologne 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 Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
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.
Most popular train connections from Göttingen
More options for your journey from Göttingen to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Göttingen
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