- 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 01
$56
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$86
Fastest journey on Sep 01
3 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
3 h 41 m
Trains on Sep 01
25
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 $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from The Hague to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 535 · ICE 123
IC 625 · ICE 225
IC 551 · ICE 127
IC 543 · ICE 125
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621
IC 519 · ICE 121
IC 535 · ICE 123
IC 543 · ICE 125
IC 551 · ICE 127
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621Omio 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 an average ticket price of $22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 39m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, while a flight costs an average of $421.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $421 Average price | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 25m Average total duration 6h 25m Onboard + 2h 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 $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from The Hague to Cologne costing on average $71 (€58).
A bus is $399 (€323) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from The Hague to Cologne costing on average $421 (€341).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Flight takes on average 6h 25m.
Tickets start at around $71 (€58) compared to roughly $64 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.67 (€-6.21). The journey takes 4h 9m 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 tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1414 · IC 3015+ 20011+ 26808 | 3:22 AM Den Haag HS | 6h01 | 9:23 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 3 transfers | |
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 10615 | 5:49 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 519 · ICE 121 | On time 6:10 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h38 | 9:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073 · 10617 | 6:49 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1723 · IC 3923 · 18923 · 10913 | 6:55 AM The Hague Centraal | 4h16 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 625 · ICE 225 | On time 7:40 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h50 | 11:30 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 10619 | 7:49 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 8:49 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1731 · IC 3931 · 18931 · 10917 | 8:55 AM The Hague Centraal | 4h17 | 1:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079 · 10623 | 9:49 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 1:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 535 · ICE 123 | On time 10:10 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h40 | 1:50 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3526 · ECD 9528 · ICE 315 | On time 10:18 AM Den Haag HS | 3h57 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 1737 · IC 3235+ 20021+ 26818 | 10:25 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h58 | 2:23 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 3 transfers | |
IC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 10625 | 10:49 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 2:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1739 · IC 3939 · 18939 · 10921 | 10:55 AM The Hague Centraal | 4h16 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 10627 | 11:49 AM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 543 · ICE 125 | On time 12:10 PM The Hague Centraal | 3h40 | 3:50 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3534 · ECD 9536 · ICE 17 | On time 12:18 PM Den Haag HS | 3h57 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 1745 · IC 3243+ 20025+ 26822 | 12:25 PM The Hague Centraal | 3h57 | 4:22 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 3 transfers | |
IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629 | 12:49 PM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1747 · IC 3947 · 18947 · 10925 | 12:55 PM The Hague Centraal | 4h15 | 5:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 547 · IC 3047+ 20027+ 26824 | 1:10 PM The Hague Centraal | 4h13 | 5:23 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 3 transfers | |
IC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 10631 | 1:49 PM The Hague Centraal | 3h46 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 551 · ICE 127 | 2:10 PM The Hague Centraal | 3h40 | 5:50 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3542 · ECD 9544 · ICE 317 | On time 2:18 PM Den Haag HS | 3h57 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 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 9m. 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 9m |
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 Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 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.

Most The Hague to Cologne trains use the Den Haag Centraal to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare The Hague and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Den Haag Centraal is 1 km from The Hague city centre. Public transport options include:
Den Haag Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Pavlov, The Penthouse
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Den Haag Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Den Haag Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Den Haag Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Den Haag Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Den Haag Centraal: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Park Centraal Den Haag, Holiday Inn Express The Hague - Parliament, Novotel Den Haag City Centre.
Den Haag Hs is 1 km from The Hague city centre. Public transport options include:
Den Haag Hs has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Basaal, The Penthouse Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Den Haag Hs. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Den Haag Hs. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Den Haag Hs: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Den Haag Hs: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Den Haag Hs: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Mercure Den Haag Central, The Student Hotel The Hague, Novotel Den Haag City Centre.
Den Haag Laan v NOI is 3 km from The Hague city centre. Public transport options include:
Den Haag Laan v NOI has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Gember, The Penthouse Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Den Haag Laan v NOI. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Den Haag Laan v NOI. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Den Haag Laan v NOI: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Den Haag Laan v NOI: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Den Haag Laan v NOI: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Den Haag, The Hague Marriott Hotel, Babylon Hotel Den Haag.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need