- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€26
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€53
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 30 m
Trains on Sep 18
9
Distance
218 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leiden to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leiden to Cologne will cost around €53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.
It's difficult to get from Leiden to Cologne without transferring at least once.
RE 6721 · IC 3121 · IC 2007+
20013
IC 3121 · IC 2007+
20013
RE 6719 · ICE 121
IC 3521 · 20073 · 10617
IC 3512 · IC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073
IC 3535 · ICE 123
IC 3527 · ICE 225
RE 6719 · ICE 121
RE 6721 · IC 3121 · IC 2007+
20013
IC 3121 · IC 2007+
20013Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leiden to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 6m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €35, while a flight costs an average of €543.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€69 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €543 Average price |
4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration 2h 47m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Leiden to Cologne:
A bus is €34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leiden to Cologne costing on average €69.
A bus is €507 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leiden to Cologne costing on average €543.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 36m.
Bus takes on average 5h 28m.
The table below shows live departures for Leiden to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 3527 · ICE 225 | Delayed 7:57 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h14 | 9:14 AM 9:14 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3227 · 26814+ 20017 | 8:08 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 8:27 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h08 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 | 8:34 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h01 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 3551 · ICE 127 | Delayed 1:57 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h14 | 3:13 PM 3:13 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3251 · 26826+ 20029 | 2:08 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3553 · 20089 · 10633 | 2:27 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h08 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3544 · IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 | 2:34 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h01 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 3559 · ICE 129 | Delayed 3:57 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h14 | 5:13 PM 5:13 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
RE 6719 · ICE 121 | Delayed 5:53 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h18 | 7:13 AM 7:13 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Leiden to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average train duration 3h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 45m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leiden 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.

Most Leiden to Cologne trains use the Leiden Centraal to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Leiden and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Centraal 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 options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
De Vink is 2 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
De Vink has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at De Vink.
ATMs are available at De Vink.
Available at De Vink: Parking.
Available at De Vink: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at De Vink.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
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