- 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.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$69
Fastest journey
1 h 58 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 $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from Nijmegen to Cologne without transferring at least once.
Bus 16460 · 32233 · 20077 · 10621
IC 3028 · ICE 225
IC 3628 · 26818+
20021
IC 3620 · 26814+
20017
IC 3036 · ICE 123
IC 3028 · ICE 225
IC 3036 · ICE 123
IC 3628 · 26818+
20021
IC 3620 · 26814+
20017
Bus 16460 · 32233 · 20077 · 10621Omio 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 $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 15m. 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 $16, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 78 miles (127 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m 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 $25 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nijmegen to Cologne costing on average $49 (€39).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
Tickets start at around $49 (€39) compared to roughly $35 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.16 (€-10.58). The journey takes 2h 15m 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 tomorrow, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 3028 · ICE 225 | On time 9:13 AM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3620 · 26814+ 20017 | 9:26 AM Nijmegen station | 2h45 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Bus 16460 · 32233 · 20077 · 10621 | 9:48 AM Nijmegen station | 2h47 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 3036 · ICE 123 | On time 11:13 AM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3628 · 26818+ 20021 | 11:26 AM Nijmegen station | 2h45 | 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers |
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 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $16 (€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 1h 58m.
Distance 78 miles (127 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
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.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
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.
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.

Most Nijmegen to Cologne trains use the Nijmegen to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Nijmegen and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Nijmegen 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 options include: Restaurant Wally, De Hemel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Nijmegen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Nijmegen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nijmegen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nijmegen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nijmegen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Credible, Hotel Oranjestaete, Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Centre.
Nijmegen Lent is 2 km from Nijmegen city centre. Public transport options include:
Nijmegen Lent has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Nijmegen Lent.
ATMs are available at Nijmegen Lent.
Available at Nijmegen Lent: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nijmegen Lent.
Nijmegen Dukenburg is 4 km from Nijmegen city centre. Public transport options include:
Nijmegen Dukenburg has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Nijmegen Dukenburg.
ATMs are available at Nijmegen Dukenburg.
Available at Nijmegen Dukenburg: Parking, WC.
Available at Nijmegen Dukenburg: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nijmegen Dukenburg.
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.
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