- 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
$47
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
1 h 48 m
Average duration
1 h 49 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
89 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Maastricht to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Maastricht to Cologne will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
It's difficult to get from Maastricht to Cologne without transferring at least once.
18913 · 26811
32010 · 18911 · 10907
18909 · 26809
18923 · 10913
18921 · 26815
18923 · 10913
18919 · 10911
18927 · 10915
18915 · 10909
18913 · 26811Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Maastricht to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 55 miles (89 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$52 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Maastricht to Cologne:
A bus is $35 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Maastricht to Cologne costing on average $52 (€42).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 55m.
Tickets start at around $52 (€42) compared to roughly $25 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-27.60 (€-22.32). The journey takes 1h 44m versus 1h 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Maastricht to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18909 · 26809 | 5:53 AM Maastricht station | 1h51 | 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
32010 · 18911 · 10907 | 6:11 AM Maastricht station | 2h01 | 8:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
18906 · ICE 11 | On time 6:16 AM Maastricht station | 2h00 | 8:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18913 · 26811 | 6:53 AM Maastricht station | 1h51 | 8:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18915 · 10909 | 7:23 AM Maastricht station | 1h49 | 9:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18917 · 26813 | 7:53 AM Maastricht station | 1h51 | 9:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18919 · 10911 | 8:23 AM Maastricht station | 1h49 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18921 · 26815 | 8:53 AM Maastricht station | 1h51 | 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18923 · 10913 | 9:23 AM Maastricht station | 1h48 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18925 · 26817 | 9:53 AM Maastricht station | 1h51 | 11:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
18927 · 10915 | 10:23 AM Maastricht station | 1h49 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Maastricht to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 55 miles (89 km) distance in 1h 49m.
Distance 55 miles (89 km) |
Average train duration 1h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 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
The train connection between Maastricht and Cologne offers a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two cities. Operated by Deutsche Bahn, the journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing passengers with comfortable seating and scenic views along the route. With frequent departures throughout the day, travelers can easily explore both destinations without hassle.
The train connection between Maastricht and Cologne takes approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes, with a total of 6 connections available per day. This route is not direct, requiring one transfer during the journey.
The first daily train journey from Maastricht to Cologne departs at 04:54, allowing early travelers to start their day. The last departure is scheduled for 21:54, providing a convenient option for those wishing to explore the vibrant nightlife of Cologne before returning.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Maastricht and Cologne is €33. The average ticket price typically hovers around €36, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in Europe.
Welcome to Cologne, where history and culture intertwine beautifully! Our first stop is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site that took over 600 years to complete. This stunning Gothic masterpiece not only serves as a symbol of resilience for the city but also boasts remarkable features like its intricate stained glass windows and towering spires that reach towards the heavens.
Next, we’ll stroll across the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge, which connects both sides of the Rhine River with its striking iron arches adorned by thousands of love locks left by couples from around the world. This bridge has witnessed countless historical events since it was built in 1907 and offers breathtaking views of both the cathedral and bustling river life. As you walk along this vibrant thoroughfare, take a moment to appreciate how it seamlessly blends modernity with tradition while serving as an essential transportation link.
Finally, we'll visit Museum Ludwig, home to one of Europe’s most impressive collections of modern art featuring works from renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol. Established in 1976 through a generous donation from Peter Ludwig's collection, this museum stands out for its innovative exhibitions that challenge conventional perspectives on contemporary art. Prepare yourself for an inspiring journey through creativity where each piece tells a story waiting to be discovered!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Maastricht 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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