- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$108
Fastest journey
3 h 11 m
Average duration
3 h 11 m
Trains per day
26
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 $108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
It's difficult to get from Leiden to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 3563 · ICE 243 · ICE 205
IC 3563 · ICE 243 · 21341 · ICE 823
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621
IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077
IC 3537 · 20081 · 10625
IC 3527 · ICE 225
IC 3535 · ICE 123
IC 3543 · ICE 125
IC 3551 · ICE 127
IC 3559 · ICE 129Omio 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 prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 31m. 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 $17, and a flight costs an average of $217.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $570 Average price |
4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 50m Average total duration 7h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 $52 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leiden to Cologne costing on average $74 (€61).
A bus is $548 (€449) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leiden to Cologne costing on average $570 (€467).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 3m.
Flight takes on average 7h 50m.
The table below shows live departures for Leiden to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 3527 · ICE 225 | On time 8:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 8:30 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3520 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 | 8:32 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 3531 · ICE 145 · ICE 107 | On time 9:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3535 · ICE 123 | On time 10:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3526 · ECD 9528 · ICE 315 | On time 10:02 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h13 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3537 · 20081 · 10625 | 10:30 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 2:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3528 · IC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 | 10:32 AM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 2:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 3539 · ICE 147 · 89882 · ICE 721 | On time 11:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h42 | 2:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
IC 3539 · ICE 147 · ICE 109 | On time 11:00 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3543 · ICE 125 | On time 12:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3534 · ECD 9536 · ICE 17 | On time 12:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h13 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629 | 12:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3536 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 | 12:32 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 3547 · ICE 149 · ICE 201 | On time 1:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3547 · ICE 149 · 89886 · ICE 725 | On time 1:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h42 | 4:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
IC 3551 · ICE 127 | On time 2:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3542 · ECD 9544 · ICE 317 | On time 2:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h13 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3553 · 20089 · 10633 | 2:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3544 · IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 | 2:32 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h03 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 3555 · ICE 241 · 21339 · ICE 729 | 3:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h42 | 6:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
IC 3555 · ICE 241 · ICE 203 | On time 3:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3559 · ICE 129 | On time 4:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h11 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3561 · 20093 · 10637 | 4:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 4h05 | 8:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3563 · ICE 243 · 21341 · ICE 823 | On time 5:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h31 | 8:31 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
IC 3563 · ICE 243 · ICE 205 | On time 5:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 3h48 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 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 Leiden to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 3h 18m.
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 18m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
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.

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