- 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
$20
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
2 h 11 m
Average duration
2 h 12 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
167 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Osnabrück to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Osnabrück to Cologne will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 6 trains that leave Osnabrück for Cologne on Fri, Jun 19, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 167 km distance in an average of 2 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 11 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Osnabrück to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $280.
Distance: 103 miles (167 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price | $522 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 47m Average total duration 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 4h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Osnabrück to Cologne:
A train is $3 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Osnabrück to Cologne costing on average $38 (€31).
A train is $486 (€395) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Osnabrück to Cologne costing on average $522 (€424).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 17m.
Flight takes on average 4h 33m.
The journey is about 14m faster (2h 17m by train vs 2h 31m by car) and roughly $1 (€0.93) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($36 (€29) vs $37 (€30)). 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Osnabrück to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 | On time 6:37 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h11 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 | On time 7:37 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h11 | 9:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
10208 · IC 2007 | On time 7:45 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h29 | 10:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 | On time 8:37 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h11 | 10:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 9:37 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h11 | 11:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
10212 · IC 2009 | On time 9:41 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h33 | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 | On time 10:37 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h11 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 6:44 PM Osnabrück Hbf | 2h12 | 8:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, 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 Osnabrück to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 103 miles (167 km) distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 103 miles (167 km) |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 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 Osnabrück 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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