4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€102
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€123
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h 42 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
6 h 32 m
Trains on Sep 19
3
Distance
405 km
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 €123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €102.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 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, Sep 19 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.
9:39 AM6h42Zurich Airport4:21 PMCologne Hbf€1021One-way0 transfers- 8:09 AM7h13Zurich Airport3:22 PMCologne Hbf€1281One-way0 transfers
- 8:23 AM5h42Zurich Airport2:05 PMCologne Hbf€1391One-way0 transfers
- 8:23 AM5h42Zurich Airport2:05 PMCologne Hbf€1391One-way0 transfers
- 9:39 AM6h42Zurich Airport4:21 PMCologne Hbf€1021One-way0 transfers
- 8:09 AM7h13Zurich Airport3:22 PMCologne Hbf€1281One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the flight 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 an average ticket price of €49 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €49, while a flight costs an average of €400.
Distance: 251 miles (405 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€131 Average price | €400 Average price | €49 Average price Cheapest | €137 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 47m Average total duration 5h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 24m Average total duration 10h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is €82 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf costing on average €131.
A bus is €352 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf costing on average €400.
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 17m.
Bus takes on average 10h 54m.
The journey is about 59m faster (5h 17m by train vs 6h 16m by car) and roughly €6 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€131 vs €137). 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, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 9:09 PM Zürich Flughafen | 8h12 | 5:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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.
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Why should you book Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €102 but you can travel from only €35 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 06:39. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (405 km) distance in 4h 39m.
Distance 251 miles (405 km) |
Average train duration 5h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price €102 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 4h 39m |
First train 6:39 AM |
Last train 6:39 AM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Zurich Airport to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Zurich Airport and Cologne Hbf from €35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Most popular train connections from Zurich Airport
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
Most popular train connections to Cologne Hbf
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