- 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
$62
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
3 h 1 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
223 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from The Hague to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from The Hague to Cologne will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
It's difficult to get from The Hague to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 543 · ICE 125
IC 559 · ICE 129
IC 535 · ICE 123
IC 551 · ICE 127
IC 527 · ICE 225
IC 551 · ICE 127
IC 543 · ICE 125
IC 559 · ICE 129
IC 527 · ICE 225
IC 535 · ICE 123Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from The Hague to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 10m. 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 bus costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $223.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $605 Average price | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration 4h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 9m Average total duration 8h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg 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 The Hague to Cologne:
A bus is $54 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from The Hague to Cologne costing on average $79 (€64).
A bus is $581 (€469) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from The Hague to Cologne costing on average $605 (€489).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 49m.
Flight takes on average 8h 9m.
Tickets start at around $79 (€64) compared to roughly $63 (€51) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.85 (€-12.80). The journey takes 4h 10m versus 3h 14m 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 The Hague to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 535 · ICE 123 | Delayed 10:10 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h01 | 11:14 AM 11:14 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1737 · IC 3235+ 20021+ IC 5106 | On time 10:25 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h45 | 2:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 543 · ICE 125 | On time 12:10 PM The Hague Centraal | 3h01 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | |||||
IC 527 · ICE 225 | On time 8:10 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h01 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1729 · IC 3227+ 20017+ 26814 | 8:25 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 The Hague to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:19. The fastest train covers the 138 miles (223 km) distance in 3h 1m.
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average train duration 4h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:19 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 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 The Hague 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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