- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
3 h 6 m
Average duration
3 h 13 m
Trains per day
6
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 $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
It's difficult to get from Paderborn to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
92136 · 90328 · ICE 919
92014 · 90326 · ICE 944
ICE 644+
75020
ICE 642+
75030
92136 · 90328 · ICE 919
ICE 644+
75020
ICE 642+
75030
92014 · 90326 · ICE 944
IC 2044 · ICE 107+
75026Omio 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 prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. 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 $28, and a flight costs an average of $1012.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $1012 Average price | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 3h 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 $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paderborn to Cologne costing on average $51 (€41).
A bus is $973 (€787) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paderborn to Cologne costing on average $1012 (€818).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 10m.
Flight takes on average 5h 50m.
Tickets start at around $51 (€41) compared to roughly $34 (€27) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-17.62 (€-14.24). The journey takes 2h 27m 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 tomorrow, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 7:20 AM Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West | 6h21 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
75020+ ICE 644 | On time 8:23 AM Paderborn Hbf | 3h10 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
92014 · 90326 · ICE 944 | On time 9:21 AM Paderborn Hbf | 3h12 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
75026+ IC 2044 · ICE 107 | On time 9:23 AM Paderborn Hbf | 3h25 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
92136 · 90328 · ICE 919 | On time 10:21 AM Paderborn Hbf | 3h06 | 1:27 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
75030+ ICE 642 | On time 10:23 AM Paderborn Hbf | 3h11 | 1:34 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 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) 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 23m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 2h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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 Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, 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.

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