Groningen to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB)

Wed, Nov 04
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Deutsche Bahn
WestfalenBahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
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Deutsche Bahn
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VIAS Rail GmbH
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Groningen to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 04
Cheapest price on Nov 04
$36
Average ticket price on Nov 04
$40
Fastest journey on Nov 04
3 h 53 m
Average journey duration on Nov 04
4 h
Trains on Nov 04
10
Distance
256 km
Cheap tickets

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 $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Groningen to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 520 · ICE 225
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnRE 6124 · IC 3625 · ICE 225
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn37617 · IC 524 · IC 3625 · ICE 225
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 524 · IC 3625 · ICE 225
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnRE 6116 · IC 3617 · ICE 121
    2 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Groningen to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Groningen to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 but you can travel from only $16 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 3h 31m.

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 $16
Distance
159 miles (256 km)
Average train duration
4h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
$24
Trains per day
11
Fastest train
3h 31m
First train
12:38 AM
Last train
11:51 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 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 $16

Frequently asked questions about your Groningen to Cologne trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Groningen to Cologne.

Train ticket prices from Groningen to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $24, while the average price is around $79.
The train from Groningen to Cologne takes 3h 31m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from Groningen to Cologne is 159 miles (256 km).
The first train from Groningen to Cologne leaves at 12:38 AM.
The last train from Groningen to Cologne leaves at 11:51 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Groningen to Cologne.

Live departures

Groningen to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Groningen to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnRE 6140 · IC 3641 · ICE 125
Delayed
11:05 AM Groningen Europapark
4h06
2:15 PM 2:15 PMCologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37633 · IC 540 · IC 3641 · ICE 125
Delayed
11:10 AM Groningen Europapark
4h01
2:15 PM 2:15 PMCologne Hbf
3 transfers
Wednesday, November 4
Deutsche BahnRE 6116 · IC 3617 · ICE 121
On time
5:05 AM Groningen Europapark
4h06
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 516 · IC 3617 · ICE 121
On time
5:18 AM Groningen station
3h53
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 6118 · IC 17915 · 20203 · ICE 105
On time
5:32 AM Groningen station
5h13
10:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 6118 · IC 17915 · 20203 · ICE 105
Delayed
5:32 AM Groningen station
5h16
9:49 AM 9:49 AMCologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 6118 · IC 17915 · 20203 · ICE 105
On time
5:35 AM Groningen Europapark
5h10
10:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4 transfers
Deutsche BahnRE 6118 · IC 17915 · 20203 · ICE 105
Delayed
5:35 AM Groningen Europapark
5h13
9:49 AM 9:49 AMCologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 520 · ICE 225
On time
6:18 AM Groningen station
4h53
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRE 6124 · IC 3625 · ICE 225
On time
7:05 AM Groningen Europapark
4h06
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn37617 · IC 524 · IC 3625 · ICE 225
On time
7:10 AM Groningen Europapark
4h01
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 524 · IC 3625 · ICE 225
On time
7:18 AM Groningen station
3h53
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Groningen to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as WestfalenBahn or VIAS Rail GmbH offer trains services from Groningen to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Groningen 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 WestfalenBahn or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Groningen 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Groningen to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of WestfalenBahn or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Groningen to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Groningen to Cologne.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, WestfalenBahn from Groningen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, WestfalenBahn trains will get you between Groningen and Cologne from $16. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$24
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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name "VIAS" is derived from the Latin word "via" (way) and "S" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average VIAS Rail GmbH Duration
4h 6m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
$24
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

WestfalenBahn

About
WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average WestfalenBahn Duration
4h 46m
Cheapest WestfalenBahn Price
$89
WestfalenBahn frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Groningen and Cologne

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a night train from Groningen to Cologne.
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.

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.

  • Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.

  • Must visit

Kolumba

Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.

  • Must visit

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.

Plan your visit to Cologne

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cologne.

The train journey from Groningen to Cologne is moderately scenic, offering views of the Dutch countryside, passing through charming towns and fields, and as you approach Germany, you encounter more urban landscapes and the picturesque Rhine River near Cologne.
Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.
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.

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.

FAQs
Yes, you can take the train from Groningen to Cologne.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Groningen to Cologne

Most Groningen to Cologne trains use the Groningen to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Groningen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Groningen
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Groningen station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Groningen to Cologne leave from Groningen. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Groningen city centre at Stationsweg 3, 9726 AC Groningen, Netherlands.
GroningenStationsweg 3, 9726 AC Groningen, Netherlands+31 50 316 1111WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Groningen from Groningen city centre

Bus1, 3, 4, 10 · 6m · $5 · every ~21 min

Groningen train station facilities and services

Groningen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: De Drie Gezusters, Mr. Mofongo

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Groningen. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Groningen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Groningen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Groningen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include NH Groningen Hotel, The Student Hotel Groningen, City Hotel Groningen.

Groningen Europapark9723 ZR Groningen, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Groningen Europapark from Groningen city centre

Groningen Europapark is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter, Intercity · 2m · $3
Stoptrein RS4, Stoptrein RS5, Stoptrein RS6 · 10m · $3 · every ~7 min
Bus2 · 10m · $4 · every ~2 min

Groningen Europapark train station facilities and services

Groningen Europapark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Groningen Europapark.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Groningen Europapark.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Groningen Europapark: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Groningen Europapark: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Europapark.

Groningen NoordGroningen Noord, Groningen, NetherlandsParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Groningen Noord from Groningen city centre

Groningen Noord is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainStoptrein RS4, Stoptrein RS5, Stoptrein RS7, Stoptrein RS6 · 4m · $3 · every ~8 min
Bus171, 2 · 5m · $4 · every ~3 min
1, 10, 11 · 7m · $4 · every ~14 min
Stopbus ipv trein · 9m · $3

Groningen Noord train station facilities and services

Groningen Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Groningen Noord.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Groningen Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Groningen Noord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Noord: Ramps.

Train stations for Groningen to Cologne

Check train stations information for Groningen and Cologne, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Groningen that goes to Cologne is Groningen, which connects to Köln Hbf.

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