OLTEN to COLOGNE train from $46 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Olten to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$130

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$130

Fastest journey on Sep 19

5 h 41 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

5 h 41 m

Trains on Sep 19

Distance

404 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Olten to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Olten to Cologne will cost around $130 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Olten to Cologne, including 1 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 404 km distance in an average of 5 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 41 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 41 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.

5:33 PM5h41
Olten
11:14 PMCologne
$1301One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Olten to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Olten to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $128 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $128, while a flight costs an average of $446.

Distance: 251 miles (404 km)

Compare train with

Train	Most popular Flight	Driving
$128 Average price Cheapest	$446 Average price	$173 Average price (fuel + tolls)
5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*	5h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest	1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular airline	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.

The cheapest way to travel from Olten to Cologne is a train with an average price of $128.

This is compared to other travel options from Olten to Cologne:

A train is $318 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Olten to Cologne costing on average $446.

The fastest way to travel from Olten to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 43m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 35m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Olten and Cologne including taking a train and flight.

We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Olten to Cologne among Omio's users.

Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 1h 16m faster (4h 35m by train vs 5h 51m by car) and roughly $45 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($128 vs $173). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Olten to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Olten to Cologne trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
IC 978 · ICE 274 · ICE 512	On time 5:33 PM Olten station	4h32	10:05 PM Cologne Hbf	2 transfers
IC 978 · ICE 274 · IC 2347	On time 5:33 PM Olten station	5h33	11:06 PM Cologne Hbf	2 transfers
IC 628 · ICE 2 · ICE 910 · ICE 22	On time 6:04 PM Olten station	6h02	12:06 AM Cologne Hbf	3 transfers
IC 628 · ICE 2 · ICE 910	On time 6:04 PM Olten station	4h26	10:30 PM Cologne Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 100	On time 6:33 PM Olten station	4h37	11:10 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
IC 737 · RE 2143 · 4706 · ICE 376	11:00 PM Olten station	11h05	10:05 AM Cologne Hbf	5 transfers
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Olten to Cologne by train or flight

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.

Sat
Sep 19

Sun
Sep 20

Mon
Sep 21

Tue
Sep 22

Wed
Sep 23

Thu
Sep 24

Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Olten to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Olten to Cologne.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Olten to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Olten to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Olten to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Olten to Cologne

Switzerland

Germany

Trains from Olten to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (404 km) distance in 4h 1m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Distance

251 miles (404 km)

Average train duration

4h 35m

Cheapest ticket price

$46

Trains per day

Fastest train

4h 1m

First train

12:02 AM

Last train

11:55 PM

Cheapest Month

Nov

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jan - Mar

Low Season

Oct - Dec

Busiest Day

Tue

Least Busy Day

Tue

Best time to book

5 days

Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Olten to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Olten and Cologne from $46. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Deutsche Bahn Duration

4h 1m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

$46

Deutsche Bahn frequency

8 a day

Luggage included

Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves

Luggage storage

Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?

Refund

If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.

Seat reservation

Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.

Pets

Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

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.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Kolumba

Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range: €20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining: €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Olten to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Olten 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.

Train ticket prices from Olten to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $46, while the average price is around $128.

The train from Olten to Cologne takes 4h 1m and runs 8 per day.

The distance by train from Olten to Cologne is 251 miles (404 km).

The first train from Olten to Cologne leaves at 12:02 AM.

The last train from Olten to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.

There is no direct train service currently available from Olten to Cologne.

Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Olten to Cologne.

The train station in Olten that goes to Cologne is Olten station, which connects to Cologne Hbf.

The cheapest way to get from Olten to Cologne is by train, with a cost of around $46.

The train journey from Olten to Cologne offers a mix of scenic landscapes, particularly as it travels through the Swiss countryside and along the Rhine River, providing picturesque views of rolling hills, charming villages, and historic castles.

A day trip from Olten to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 1m. However, there are 10 trains per day covering the 251 miles (404 km).

In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.

Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.

Yes, you can take the train from Olten to Cologne.

Since both Olten and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.

Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Olten to Cologne among Omio's users.

Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.

Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.

In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.

Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Olten to Cologne

Most Olten to Cologne trains use the Olten to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Olten and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Olten

Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Olten station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Olten to Cologne leave from Olten. The station is from Olten city centre at Bahnhofstrasse 22, 4600 Olten, Switzerland.

OltenBahnhofstrasse 22, 4600 Olten, Switzerland+41 58 668 86 00 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Olten from Olten city centre

TrainS20, S · 3m · $1 · every ~5 min

Bus501, 503, 505, 507, 509 · 6m · $2 · every ~18 min

N55 · 3m

Olten train station facilities and services

Olten has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Aarhof, Restaurant Salmen

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Olten. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Olten. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Olten: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Olten: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Olten: Elevators, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Olten Swiss Quality, Hotel Amaris, Hotel Astoria.

Which Cologne station do trains from Olten arrive at?

Trains from Olten to Cologne most often arrive at Köln Hbf. Some services arrive at Köln Messe/Deutz, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cologne arrival station.

Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · $9 · every ~3 min

BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m

Subway16 · 46m · $6 · every ~9 min

18, 16 · 51m · $6 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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.