Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE)

Sat, Jun 20
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Deutsche Bahn
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
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Deutsche Bahn
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf

Showing times and prices for Jun 20

Cheapest price

$124

Average price

$150

Fastest journey

5 h 42 m

Average duration

6 h 32 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

405 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf will cost around $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Zurich Airport for Cologne Hbf on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 405 km distance in an average of 6 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 42 m .

On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 7 h 13 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    9:39 AM6h42
    Zurich Airport
    4:21 PMCologne Hbf
    $1241One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:09 AM7h13
    Zurich Airport
    3:22 PMCologne Hbf
    $1561One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:23 AM5h42
    Zurich Airport
    2:05 PMCologne Hbf
    $1691One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $89.

Distance: 251 miles (405 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

$150

Average price

$212

Average price

$56

Average price

Cheapest

$165

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 19m

Average total duration

5h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 9m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

11h 1m

Average total duration

10h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 16m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf is a bus with an average price of $56 (€46).

This is compared to other travel options from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf:

A bus is $95 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf costing on average $150 (€124).

A bus is $156 (€128) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf costing on average $212 (€174).

The fastest way to travel from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 9m.

Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 49m.

Bus takes on average 10h 31m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich Airport and Cologne Hbf including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 27m faster (5h 49m by train vs 6h 16m by car) and roughly $15 (€12) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($150 (€124) vs $165 (€136)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)9:09 PM Zürich Flughafen
8h12
5:21 AM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Saturday, June 20
Deutsche Bahn8:09 AM Zurich Airport
7h13
3:22 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:23 AM Zurich Airport
5h42
2:05 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf 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.

Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26

Why should you book Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) offer trains services from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.

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 Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.
  • 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 Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.

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 Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 09:39. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (405 km) distance in 5h 42m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $32 (€26)
Distance
251 miles (405 km)
Average train duration
5h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
$64 (€52)
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 42m
First train
6:39 AM
Last train
9:39 AM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $32 (€26)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich Airport and Cologne Hbf from $32 (€26). 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 Duration
5h 42m
Cheapest Price
$64 (€52)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
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

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 20m
Cheapest Price
$177 (€145)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
1 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

Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Cologne’s key archaeological museum for Roman heritage, famous for mosaics and finds from the city’s ancient past. Parts of the collection may be presented in temporary locations during building works

  • Recommended

Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud

Leading fine arts museum with important medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century paintings, offering one of Cologne’s strongest classic art collections.

Euro

Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
Mid-range
EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes and bars.

FAQs: Trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $64 (€52), while the average price is around $150 (€124).
The train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf takes 5h 42m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf is 251 miles (405 km).
The first train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf leaves at 6:39 AM.
The last train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf leaves at 9:39 AM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf is by bus, with a cost of around $32 (€26).
Yes, the train journey from Zurich Airport to Köln Hbf is scenic, offering views of the picturesque Swiss countryside, rolling hills, charming villages, and stretches along the Rhine River, enhancing the travel experience.
A day trip from Zurich Airport to Köln Hbf is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 42m. Trains run 8 times per day over a distance of 251 miles (405 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf.
Since both Zurich Airport and Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Venlo.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf 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.
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.
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 Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf

Most Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf trains use the Zürich HB to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Zurich Airport and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Cologne
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre

Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS, 9 · 3m · $4 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · $1 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · $2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · $2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · $2 · every ~19 min

Zürich HB train station facilities and services

Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.

Zürich StadelhofenStadelhoferstrasse 8, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 900 300 300WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich Stadelhofen from Zurich city centre

TramLine 11, Line 15
BusSeveral lines available
S-BahnLines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16

Zürich Stadelhofen train station facilities and services

Zürich Stadelhofen 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 and drink

Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof NordHofwiesenstrasse 369, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland+41 848 446 688Accessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord from Zurich city centre

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS8, S2, S24, Ir36, S14, Re48, S19, S, Ir13, Ic1, S21, S15, S9, Sn8, Ir, N1 · 4m · $2 · every ~31 min
9, S · 12m · $5 · every ~3 min
BusE · 13m · $4
N10 · 12m · $4
Tram10, 11, 17, 50, 51, 8 · 12m · $4 · every ~19 min

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord train station facilities and services

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord.

More options for your journey from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf

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

Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Zurich Airport

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