- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
1 h 58 m
Average duration
2 h 24 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 $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
It's difficult to get from Nijmegen to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 3138 · IC 5106+
20021
IC 3036 · ICE 123
IC 3028 · ICE 225
IC 3138 · 26818+
20021
IC 3130 · 26814+
20017
IC 3036 · ICE 123
IC 3028 · ICE 225
IC 3138 · IC 5106+
20021
IC 3138 · 26818+
20021
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 |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $34 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 $57 (€47).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
Tickets start at around $57 (€47) compared to roughly $34 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-22.93 (€-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, Monday, July 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 3060 · ICE 129 | Delayed 5:13 PM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 5:13 PM 5:13 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3162+ 20033+ 26830 | 5:28 PM Nijmegen station | 2h43 | 8:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3068 · ICE 221 | Delayed 7:13 PM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 7:13 PM 7:13 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3170+ 20037+ 26834 | 7:28 PM Nijmegen station | 2h43 | 10:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 7671+ 21237 · 20039+ 26836 | 8:03 PM Nijmegen station | 3h08 | 11:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 3078 · IC 60403 | On time 9:43 PM Nijmegen station | 2h07 | 11:50 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3672+ 20043+ Bus RE19 · 26844 | 10:24 PM Nijmegen station | 3h47 | 2:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| Tuesday, July 7 | |||||
IC 3028 · ICE 225 | On time 9:13 AM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3130 · 26814+ 20017 | 9:28 AM Nijmegen station | 2h43 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3036 · ICE 123 | On time 11:13 AM Nijmegen station | 1h58 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3138 · 26818+ 20021 | 11:28 AM Nijmegen station | 2h43 | 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3138 · IC 5106+ 20021 | 11:28 AM Nijmegen station | 2h38 | 2:06 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 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 beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.
One of Germany’s key fine art museums, known for medieval painting, Gothic works, and major Impressionist holdings.
Cologne’s documentation center on National Socialism, housed in the former Gestapo headquarters with preserved prison cells.
Historic Old Town square surrounded by traditional facades and lively pedestrian streets, ideal as a base for central sightseeing.
Large central square in the Altstadt known for events, open space, and easy access to the Rhine promenade.
Trendy inner-city neighborhood popular for independent shops, street life, and photogenic urban corners beyond the main tourist core.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses and central to the city’s brewing culture.
A classic Cologne rye roll with aged Gouda, mustard, and onion. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a beloved beer-hall snack.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes with apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means ‘Heaven and Earth.’
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant offering modern tasting menus and polished service for a high-end culinary experience in Cologne.
Historic brewery and restaurant loved for house-brewed Kölsch and authentic local specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
Well-known casual restaurant famous for oversized schnitzels and hearty German comfort food with a friendly, classic atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is fair, while central hotels and dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne City Center, 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.

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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need