- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
2 h 9 m
Average duration
2 h 27 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
127 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nijmegen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nijmegen to Cologne will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
It's difficult to get from Nijmegen to Cologne without transferring at least once.
32225 · 20073 · 10617
32229 · 20075 · 10619
32233 · 20077 · 10621
IC 3130 · 26814+
20017
RE 7627 · ICE 225
RE 7627 · ICE 225
32225 · 20073 · 10617
32229 · 20075 · 10619
32233 · 20077 · 10621
IC 3130 · 26814+
20017Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nijmegen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. 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 $15, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 78 miles (127 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Nijmegen to Cologne:
A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nijmegen to Cologne costing on average $58 (€47).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
Tickets start at around $58 (€47) compared to roughly $35 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.31 (€-18.85). The journey takes 2h 16m versus 1h 57m 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 Nijmegen to Cologne trains for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 3138+ 20021+ IC 5106 | On time 11:24 AM Nijmegen station | 2h46 | 2:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32241 · 20081 · 10625 | 12:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 2:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 7643 · ICE 125 | On time 1:02 PM Nijmegen station | 2h09 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
32245 · 20083 · 10627 | 1:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3044 · ICE 125 | On time 1:13 PM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3146+ 20025+ 26822 | 1:24 PM Nijmegen station | 2h47 | 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3146+ 20025+ 26822 | 1:28 PM Nijmegen station | 2h43 | 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32249 · 20085 · 10629 | 2:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 7651 · ICE 127 | 3:02 PM Nijmegen station | 2h09 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
32253 · 20087 · 10631 | 3:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3052 · ICE 127 | 3:13 PM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3154+ 20029+ 26826 | 3:24 PM Nijmegen station | 2h47 | 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3154+ 20029+ 26826 | 3:28 PM Nijmegen station | 2h43 | 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32257 · 20089 · 10633 | 4:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 7659 · ICE 129 | 5:02 PM Nijmegen station | 2h09 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
32261 · 20091 · 10635 | 5:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3060 · ICE 129 | 5:13 PM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3162+ 20033+ 26830 | 5:28 PM Nijmegen station | 2h43 | 8:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32273 · 20097 · 93599 | 8:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 10:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32277 · 20099 · 94001 | 9:08 PM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 7677 · IC 60403 · ICE 619 | 9:32 PM Nijmegen station | 2h28 | 12:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 7677 · IC 60403 | On time 9:32 PM Nijmegen station | 2h35 | 12:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3182+ 20043+ 26840 | 10:24 PM Nijmegen station | 2h49 | 1:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
32225 · 20073 · 10617 | 8:08 AM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 7627 · ICE 225 | On time 9:02 AM Nijmegen station | 2h09 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
32229 · 20075 · 10619 | 9:08 AM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3130+ 20017+ 26814 | 9:24 AM Nijmegen station | 2h47 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32233 · 20077 · 10621 | 10:08 AM Nijmegen station | 2h27 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 Nijmegen to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (127 km) distance in 2h 5m.
Distance 78 miles (127 km) |
Average train duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 5m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 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 known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
One of Germany’s important fine art museums, with medieval painting, Baroque masters, and strong 19th-century holdings in the city center.
Key archaeological museum for Cologne’s Roman heritage. The main building has been under redevelopment, but the collection remains a city highlight.
Popular riverside promenade and steps on the Deutz side, famous for one of the best panoramic views of Cologne Cathedral and the skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional façades and lively public space, ideal for soaking up Cologne’s central atmosphere.
Large central square in the Old Town, often used for events and a convenient base for exploring nearby historic streets and the riverfront.
Cologne’s iconic pale ale, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is a Rhineland favorite.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye roll with Gouda cheese, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a traditional brauhaus snack served with Kölsch.
A respected fine-dining restaurant offering creative modern cuisine and tasting menus, representing Cologne’s upscale food scene.
Historic brewery tavern with its own Kölsch, appreciated for authentic Cologne food, old-world atmosphere, and communal wooden tables.
A long-established, casual local favorite especially known for large schnitzels and hearty Rhineland comfort food in a friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and dining in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nijmegen 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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