The cheapest and fastest trains from Groningen to Cologne
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$105
Fastest journey
3 h 57 m
Average duration
4 h 14 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Groningen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Groningen to Cologne will cost around $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
It's difficult to get from Groningen to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 580 · RE RS23 · RB 20235 · ICE 921
37676 · IC 580 · RE RS23 · RB 20235
Bus 72020+
WFB 90301+
ICE 921
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
IC 528 · ICE 123
IC 532 · IC 3639 · ICE 123
IC 540 · IC 3647 · ICE 125
37628 · IC 532 · IC 3639 · ICE 123
37636 · IC 540 · IC 3647 · ICE 125
IC 576 · IC 3683+
VIA 21235 · VIA 20043Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Groningen to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Groningen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 44m. 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 €12, and a train costs an average of €17.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€50 Average price | €29 Average price Cheapest |
5h 14m Average total duration Fastest 4h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 13m Average total duration 6h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Groningen to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Groningen to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
37624 · IC 528 · IC 3635+ VIA 21211 | On time 7:08 AM Groningen Noord | 5h04 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
37624 · IC 528 · ICE 123 | On time 7:08 AM Groningen Noord | 5h07 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 528 · IC 3635+ VIA 21211 · VIA 20019 | On time 7:18 AM Groningen station | 4h54 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 528 · ICE 123 | On time 7:18 AM Groningen station | 4h57 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
37628 · IC 532 · IC 3639 · ICE 123 | On time 8:08 AM Groningen Noord | 4h07 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 532 · IC 3639 · ICE 123 | On time 8:18 AM Groningen station | 3h57 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
37830 · RE 6134 · IC 17931 · RB 20211 | Delayed 8:21 AM Groningen Noord | 5h28 | 1:58 PM 1:58 PMCologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RE 6134 · IC 17931 · RB 20211 · ICE 109 | Delayed 8:32 AM Groningen station | 5h17 | 1:58 PM 1:58 PMCologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 536 · IC 3643+ VIA 21215 · VIA 20023 | On time 9:18 AM Groningen station | 4h54 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 536 · ICE 125 | On time 9:18 AM Groningen station | 5h00 | 2:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:15 AM Groningen, Centraal Station | 8h43 | 11:58 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Groningen 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Groningen to Cologne
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 4h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€17) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 4h 47m |
First train 00:17 |
Last train 23:53 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Groningen to Cologne start from as low as $20 (€17) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $61 (€50) depending on the train type and class.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain from Groningen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, WestfalenBahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain trains will get you between Groningen 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
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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
FlixTrain
WestfalenBahn
FAQs: Trains from Groningen to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Groningen 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Groningen to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at Stationsweg.
- De Drie Gezusters
- Mr. Mofongo
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.70
- NH Groningen Hotel
- The Student Hotel Groningen
- City Hotel Groningen
- Located in the main hall
- 6500 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: regional train platforms
- Hall 3: bus connections
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: NS services to various destinations
- Parking is available near the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free of charge
- 80 places, covered
- The station is a small regional station with two platforms and a simple layout.
- Bus: Line 3, Line 4
- Train: Arriva services to Groningen Central and Delfzijl
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
Most popular train connections from Groningen
More options for your journey from Groningen to Cologne
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