Paderborn to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Sun, Sep 06
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Eurobahn
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Paderborn to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 06

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Paderborn to Cologne without transferring at least once.

  • FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    7:20 AM6h21
    Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West
    1:41 PMCologne Hbf
    271One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1540+NordWestBahn75088
    12:23 AM5h52
    Paderborn Hbf
    6:15 AMCologne Hbf
    301One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1746 · ICE 611
    1:16 PM2h30
    Paderborn Hbf
    3:46 PMCologne Hbf
    341One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2156 · 17415
    10:10 AM2h28
    Paderborn Hbf
    12:38 PMCologne Hbf
    351One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche Bahn90014 · ICE 1548
    9:21 AM2h48
    Paderborn Hbf
    12:09 PMCologne Hbf
    381One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Paderborn to Cologne

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Paderborn to Cologne is a bus with an average price of €27.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Paderborn to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 2h 28m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 10m.

Flight takes on average 4h 57m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Paderborn and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Paderborn to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Live departures

Paderborn to Cologne train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn26708 · 174118:12 AM Paderborn Hbf
2h26
10:38 AM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 654+NordWestBahn75020
Delayed
7:41 AM 8:23 AMPaderborn Hbf
2h51
11:14 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn26710 · 174139:12 AM Paderborn Hbf
2h26
11:38 AM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn90014 · ICE 1548
Delayed
9:21 AM Paderborn Hbf
2h48
10:11 AM 10:11 AMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn90064 · ICE 954
On time
9:51 AM Paderborn Hbf
2h31
12:22 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn90044 · 2684612:15 AM Paderborn Hbf
2h57
3:12 AM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
NordWestBahn75088+Deutsche BahnICE 1540
Delayed
12:23 AM Paderborn Hbf
5h52
4:15 AM 4:15 AMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn90008 · 174096:21 AM Paderborn Hbf
3h17
9:38 AM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain7:20 AM Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West
6h21
1:41 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Paderborn to Cologne by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12

Why should you book Paderborn to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Eurobahn offer trains services from Paderborn to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Paderborn to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Eurobahn to find the best option for your trip from Paderborn to Cologne.
  • 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Paderborn to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

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

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Paderborn to Cologne

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconNo changes and no delays
Iconwith snack machine
IconClean train and hygienic toilet
IconGood equipment
Disadvantages
IconHigh capacity utilisation and excessive volume on the train
IconAnnouncements very incomprehensible
IconNo ticket inspection
The train had been very full here, so I had to stand. That's why it was also very noisy. Furthermore, the announcements had been very incomprehensible and there was no ticket inspection. At least the train was quite clean and the toilets also looked very hygienic. There was also a snack machine on the train. There was a good wifi connection and plenty of power sockets. The train had not been delayed and I didn't have to change trains to get to my destination. Despite this, the journey was not so nice.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Paderborn to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurobahn from Paderborn to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurobahn trains will get you between Paderborn and Cologne from €19. 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
2h 21m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€20
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
€40
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
4 a day

Eurobahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Eurobahn Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Eurobahn Price
€52
Eurobahn frequency
4 a day

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.

  • Must visit

Kolumba

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

  • Must visit

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

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

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 Paderborn to Cologne

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Paderborn to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €19, while the average price is around €28.
The train from Paderborn to Cologne takes 2h 21m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Paderborn to Cologne leaves at 12:12 AM.
The distance by train from Paderborn to Cologne is 95 miles (153 km).
The last train from Paderborn to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Paderborn to Cologne. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Paderborn to Cologne.
The train station in Paderborn that goes to Cologne is Paderborn Hbf, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Paderborn to Cologne is by train, with a cost of around €19.
The train journey from Paderborn to Cologne offers a blend of picturesque countryside views, including rolling hills and charming small towns, though it is not particularly famous for being the most scenic route in Germany.
A day trip from Paderborn to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 21m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. However, there are 8 train trips available per day for this route.
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 Paderborn to Cologne.
Since both Paderborn 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 Paderborn 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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
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 Paderborn to Cologne

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.

Departure train stations in Paderborn
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Paderborn station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Paderborn to Cologne leave from Paderborn Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Paderborn city centre at Paderborn Hbf, Bahnhofstr. 29, 33102 Paderborn.
Paderborn HbfPaderborn Hbf, Bahnhofstr. 29, 33102 PaderbornWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Paderborn Hbf from Paderborn city centre

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

TrainRb74 · 2m · €1 · every ~3 min
Bus1, 5, 9, 23, 13, N1 · 3m · every ~14 min
R61, S60, 493, 471, 470, 411 · 8m

Paderborn Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Koya Kitchen, Café Central, Moso Sushi & Grill, Waffel Dream

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn Hbf. ATMs are available at Paderborn Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Paderborn Hbf. Information desks are available at Paderborn Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Paderborn Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Paderborn Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Paderborn Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Haus Irma, Südhotel.

Paderborn NordPaderborn Nord, Nordstr. 46, 33102 PaderbornWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Paderborn Nord from Paderborn city centre

Paderborn Nord is 1 km from Paderborn city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb74 · 2m · €1 · every ~3 min
Bus1, 5, 9, 23, 13, N1 · 3m · every ~14 min
R61, S60, 493, 471, 470, 411 · 8m

Paderborn Nord train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria, Café Röhren, Cherusker Klause, Haci Baba

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn Nord. ATMs are available at Paderborn Nord.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Paderborn Nord. Information desks are available at Paderborn Nord.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Paderborn Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Paderborn Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Paderborn Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn Nord.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Aspethera, Zur Mühle, Arthotel Ana Fleur, Cherusker Hof.

Paderborn-SennelagerSennelager, Sennebahnhof 7, 33098 PaderbornWifiLockersShoppingParkingTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Paderborn-Sennelager from Paderborn city centre

Paderborn-Sennelager is 6 km from Paderborn city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb74 · 12m · €4 · every ~2 min
BusRb74 · 15m
N1, 1 · 16m · every ~5 min
N1, 1 · 25m · every ~5 min
1 · 31m · every ~4 min

Paderborn-Sennelager train station facilities and services

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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn-Sennelager.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Paderborn-Sennelager. Information desks are available at Paderborn-Sennelager.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Paderborn-Sennelager. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Paderborn-Sennelager: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Paderborn-Sennelager: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn-Sennelager.

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