- 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 on Sep 06
€27
Average ticket price on Sep 06
€48
Fastest journey on Sep 06
2 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 06
2 h 26 m
Trains on Sep 06
18
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Paderborn to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paderborn to Cologne will cost around €48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €27.
It's difficult to get from Paderborn to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 1540+
75088
ICE 1746 · ICE 611
IC 2156 · 17415
90014 · ICE 1548
26718 · 17421
26716 · 17419
26710 · 17413
26708 · 17411
26714 · 17417Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paderborn to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 58m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €27, while a flight costs an average of €328.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€28 Average price | €27 Average price Cheapest | €328 Average price | €27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Paderborn to Cologne:
A bus is €2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paderborn to Cologne costing on average €28.
A bus is €301 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paderborn to Cologne costing on average €328.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 10m.
Flight takes on average 4h 57m.
Tickets start at around €28 compared to roughly €27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-0.85. The journey takes 2h 28m versus 2h 16m 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 Paderborn to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
26708 · 17411 | 8:12 AM Paderborn Hbf | 2h26 | 10:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 654+ 75020 | Delayed 7:41 AM 8:23 AMPaderborn Hbf | 2h51 | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26710 · 17413 | 9:12 AM Paderborn Hbf | 2h26 | 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
90014 · ICE 1548 | Delayed 9:21 AM Paderborn Hbf | 2h48 | 10:11 AM 10:11 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
90064 · ICE 954 | On time 9:51 AM Paderborn Hbf | 2h31 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
90044 · 26846 | 12:15 AM Paderborn Hbf | 2h57 | 3:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
75088+ ICE 1540 | Delayed 12:23 AM Paderborn Hbf | 5h52 | 4:15 AM 4:15 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
90008 · 17409 | 6:21 AM Paderborn Hbf | 3h17 | 9:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 7:20 AM Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West | 6h21 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.

Trains from Paderborn to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 2h 21m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Paderborn 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 Paderborn to Cologne trains use the Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Paderborn and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Paderborn Hbf is 1 km from Paderborn city centre. Public transport options include:
Paderborn 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: Koya Kitchen, Café Central, Moso Sushi & Grill, Waffel Dream
Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn Hbf. ATMs are available at Paderborn Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Paderborn Hbf. Information desks are available at Paderborn Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Paderborn Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paderborn Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paderborn Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Haus Irma, Südhotel.
Paderborn Nord is 1 km from Paderborn city centre. Public transport options include:
Paderborn Nord 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: Cafeteria, Café Röhren, Cherusker Klause, Haci Baba
Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn Nord. ATMs are available at Paderborn Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Paderborn Nord. Information desks are available at Paderborn Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Paderborn Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paderborn Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paderborn Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn Nord.
Nearby hotels include Aspethera, Zur Mühle, Arthotel Ana Fleur, Cherusker Hof.
Paderborn-Sennelager is 6 km from Paderborn city centre. Public transport options include:
Paderborn-Sennelager has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn-Sennelager.
Ticket office support is available at Paderborn-Sennelager. Information desks are available at Paderborn-Sennelager.
Luggage storage is available at Paderborn-Sennelager. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paderborn-Sennelager: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paderborn-Sennelager: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn-Sennelager.
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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