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

Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Leiden to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Leiden to Cologne without transferring at least once.

  • Deutsche BahnRE 6721 · IC 3121 · IC 2007+VIAS Rail GmbH20013
    6:23 AM3h51
    Leiden Centraal
    10:14 AMCologne Hbf
    261One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3121 · IC 2007+VIAS Rail GmbH20013
    6:17 AM3h57
    Leiden Centraal
    10:14 AMCologne Hbf
    261One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnRE 6719 · ICE 121
    5:53 AM3h18
    Leiden Centraal
    9:11 AMCologne Hbf
    441One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3521 · 20073 · 10617
    6:30 AM4h05
    Leiden Centraal
    10:35 AMCologne Hbf
    611One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3512 · IC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073
    6:33 AM4h02
    Leiden Centraal
    10:35 AMCologne Hbf
    611One-way
    4 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Leiden to Cologne

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

Most popular airline

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 Leiden to Cologne is a bus with an average price of €35.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Leiden to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 47m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 36m.

Bus takes on average 5h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Leiden and Cologne including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leiden to Cologne among Omio's users.

Live departures

Leiden to Cologne train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 3527 · ICE 225
Delayed
7:57 AM Leiden Centraal
3h14
9:14 AM 9:14 AMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 3227 · 26814+VIAS Rail GmbH200178:08 AM Leiden Centraal
4h03
12:11 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3529 · 20077 · 106218:27 AM Leiden Centraal
4h08
12:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 200778:34 AM Leiden Centraal
4h01
12:35 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3551 · ICE 127
Delayed
1:57 PM Leiden Centraal
3h14
3:13 PM 3:13 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 3251 · 26826+VIAS Rail GmbH200292:08 PM Leiden Centraal
4h03
6:11 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3553 · 20089 · 106332:27 PM Leiden Centraal
4h08
6:35 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3544 · IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 200892:34 PM Leiden Centraal
4h01
6:35 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 3559 · ICE 129
Delayed
3:57 PM Leiden Centraal
3h14
5:13 PM 5:13 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Friday, September 18
Deutsche BahnRE 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 prices and tickets Leiden to Cologne by bus, train, or flight

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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Leiden to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Leiden to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leiden 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 VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Leiden 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leiden 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 VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Leiden to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leiden to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leiden to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Leiden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Leiden and Cologne from €20. 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
2h 45m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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
3h 32m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
€20
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 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

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.

FAQs: Trains from Leiden to Cologne

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Leiden to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €20, while the average price is around €69.
The train from Leiden to Cologne takes 2h 45m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Leiden to Cologne leaves at 12:02 AM.
The distance by train from Leiden to Cologne is 135 miles (218 km).
The last train from Leiden to Cologne leaves at 10:15 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leiden to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leiden to Cologne.
The train station in Leiden that goes to Cologne is Leiden Centraal, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Leiden to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around €20.
The train journey from Leiden to Cologne offers pleasant views of the Dutch countryside, with expansive fields and charming villages, transitioning to Germany's scenic Rhine region, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and glimpses of the Rhine River.
A day trip from Leiden to Cologne is not feasible due to the travel time of 2h 45m. Trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 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 Leiden to Cologne.
Since both Leiden 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 Leiden 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.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Leiden to Cologne

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.

Departure train stations in Leiden
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Leiden station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Leiden to Cologne leave from Leiden Centraal. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Leiden city centre at Stationsplein 3, 2312 AJ Leiden, Netherlands.
Leiden CentraalStationsplein 3, 2312 AJ Leiden, Netherlands+31 30 751 5155WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Leiden Centraal from Leiden city centre

Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus45 · 6m · €2 · every ~7 min
54, 1, 2, 3, 4, 169 · 7m · €3 · every ~24 min
54, 56, 3, 4 · 9m · €4 · every ~16 min

Leiden Centraal train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.

Leiden LammenschansCentral Facility Building, 2311 VV Leiden, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Leiden Lammenschans from Leiden city centre

Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus1, 2 · 4m · €3 · every ~7 min

Leiden Lammenschans train station facilities and services

Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.

De VinkAlexandrine Tinneplein 110, 112, 2331 PP Leiden, NetherlandsParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to De Vink from Leiden city centre

De Vink is 2 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 3m · €1 · every ~7 min
Bus54 · 10m · €3 · every ~3 min
54, 1, 2, 4 · 30m · €5 · every ~14 min

De Vink train station facilities and services

De Vink has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at De Vink.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at De Vink.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at De Vink: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at De Vink: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at De Vink.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone