- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$124
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
14 h 6 m
Average duration
17 h 26 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
820 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gothenburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gothenburg to Cologne will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.
It's difficult to get from Gothenburg to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
R 1103 · ICL 50071 · IC 5767 · 11191
R 11159 · R 1165 · ECE 1191 · ICE 109
R 1071 · ECE 397 · ICE 619
R 11159 · R 1165 · IC 70107 · IC 5753
R 1071 · ECE 397 · ICE 619
R 11159 · R 1165 · ECE 1191 · ICE 109
R 1103 · ICL 50071 · IC 5767 · 11191
R 11159 · R 1165 · IC 70107 · IC 5753Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gothenburg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $88. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $88, and a flight costs an average of $160.
Distance: 509 miles (820 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$88 Average price Cheapest | $577 Average price | $109 Average price | $329 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 42m Average total duration 13h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 32m Average total duration 17h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.5 - 4.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Gothenburg to Cologne:
A train is $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Gothenburg to Cologne costing on average $109 (€88).
A train is $489 (€395) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gothenburg to Cologne costing on average $577 (€467).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 12m.
Bus takes on average 17h 2m.
Tickets start at around $88 (€71) compared to roughly $329 (€266) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $240 (€194). The journey takes 13h 12m versus 11h 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.
The table below shows live departures for Gothenburg to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 11159 · R 1165 · ECE 1191 · ICE 109 | On time 8:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 17h53 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 11159 · R 1165 · IC 70107 · IC 5753 | On time 8:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 18h53 | 3:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
| Thursday, June 4 | |||||
R 1071 · ECE 397 · ICE 619 | On time 9:55 AM Gothenburg Centralstation | 14h06 | 12:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
R 1103 · ICL 50071 · IC 5767 · 11191 | On time 1:55 PM Gothenburg Centralstation | 18h53 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
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 Gothenburg to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 13h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $88 (€71) but you can travel from only $68 (€55) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 509 miles (820 km) distance in 18h 53m.
Distance 509 miles (820 km) |
Average train duration 13h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 (€71) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 18h 53m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 70 days |
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 its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gothenburg 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need