- 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
$59
Average price
$69
Fastest journey
2 h 44 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
197 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Meppen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Meppen to Cologne will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
Of the 5 trains that leave Meppen for Cologne on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 197 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 44 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 3 h 57 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
IC 2009
10214 · 28517+
90275
10218 · 28521+
90279
IC 2201
ICE 611+
90279
IC 2009
IC 2201
10214 · 28517+
90275
10218 · 28521+
90279
ICE 611+
90279Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Meppen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $311.
Distance: 122 miles (197 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$52 Average price Cheapest | $560 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 14m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Meppen to Cologne:
A train is $508 (€416) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Meppen to Cologne costing on average $560 (€459).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 46m.
Flight takes on average 4h 14m.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (2h 46m by train vs 2h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $52 (€43) compared to roughly $41 (€34) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Meppen to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2201 | On time 11:30 AM Meppen station | 2h44 | 2:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611+ 90279 | Delayed 12:02 PM 11:51 AMMeppen station | 3h57 | 3:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
10218 · 28521+ 90279 | 11:51 AM Meppen station | 3h38 | 3:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2203 | On time 1:30 PM Meppen station | 2h44 | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2305+ 90283 | Delayed 12:59 PM 1:51 PMMeppen station | 3h40 | 5:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
10222 · 28525+ 90283 | 1:51 PM Meppen station | 3h38 | 5:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 615+ 90287 | Delayed 4:02 PM 3:51 PMMeppen station | 3h57 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
10226 · 28529+ 90287 | 3:51 PM Meppen station | 3h38 | 7:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
IC 2009 | On time 9:30 AM Meppen station | 2h44 | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
10214 · 28517+ 90275 | 9:51 AM Meppen station | 3h38 | 1:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Meppen to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:52, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 122 miles (197 km) distance in 2h 44m.
Distance 122 miles (197 km) |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 44m |
First train 1:52 AM |
Last train 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 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 Meppen 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 Meppen to Cologne trains use the Meppen to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Meppen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Meppen 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: Mundwerk, Höltingmühle, Bootshaus, Zum Goldenen Drachen
Wi-Fi is available at Meppen. ATMs are available at Meppen.
Ticket office support is available at Meppen. Information desks are available at Meppen.
Luggage storage is available at Meppen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Meppen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Meppen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Meppen.
Nearby hotels include Altstadt-Hotel, Hotel-restaurant Schmidt.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need