- Must visit
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Major art museum with one of Europe’s best collections from medieval painting to modern masters, including notable Impressionist works.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
4 h 46 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
225 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Cologne will cost around $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Zurich for Cologne on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 225 km distance in an average of 4 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 46 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 4 h 46 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.
1:33 PM4h46Zurich6:19 PMCologne$1271One-way0 transfers- 8:33 AM4h46Zurich1:19 PMCologne$1451One-way0 transfers
- 1:33 PM4h46Zurich6:19 PMCologne$1271One-way0 transfers
- 8:33 AM4h46Zurich1:19 PMCologne$1451One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Cologne 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 train which can get you there in 4h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $134.
Distance: 139 miles (225 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price | $275 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $185 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 29m Average total duration Fastest 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 8m Average total duration 9h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration 7h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $39 (€32).
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Cologne:
A bus is $84 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Cologne costing on average $123 (€100).
A bus is $236 (€192) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Cologne costing on average $275 (€224).
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 4h 59m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 50m.
Flight takes on average 9h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $123 (€100) compared to roughly $185 (€151) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $63 (€51). The journey takes 4h 59m versus 4h 6m 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.
Live departures
Zurich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:33 PM Zurich | 4h40 | 11:13 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
| 8:33 AM Zurich | 4h46 | 1:19 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:33 PM Zurich | 4h46 | 6:19 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Cologne 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Cologne
Switzerland
Italy
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 18:20. The fastest train covers the 139 miles (225 km) distance in 4h 40m.
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 139 miles (225 km) |
Average train duration 4h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€49) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 40m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 6:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Cologne trainsSwiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Cologne from $32 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 32m
Cheapest Price
$153 (€125)
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
Leading museum of modern and contemporary art, known for Picasso, Pop Art, and major postwar European collections.
- Recommended
Romano-Germanic Museum
Large archaeology museum presenting Cologne’s Roman past through mosaics, glass, inscriptions, and everyday artifacts.
- Must visit
Altstadt
Historic old town lanes with colorful houses, breweries, and churches; ideal for wandering between the Rhine and cathedral.
- Must visit
Rhine Promenade
Lively riverside promenade with classic skyline views, boat traffic, and easy walks connecting the old town and southern harbor.
- Recommended
Rheinauhafen
Modern harbor redevelopment known for the dramatic Kranhaus buildings, waterfront paths, and a polished urban atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
Canederli
Canederli are bread dumplings from the Alpine north, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic local comfort dish.
- Gluten-free
Speck Alto Adige
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from South Tyrol. It is prized for its mountain-aging tradition and is commonly served with bread, cheese, or dumplings.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of the region’s Alpine cuisine.
Restaurant Zur Rose
Michelin-starred dining with creative tasting menus rooted in local ingredients. Elegant atmosphere for a high-end South Tyrolean meal.
Wirtshaus Vögele
Historic traditional restaurant known for South Tyrolean classics, wood-paneled rooms, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere in the old town.
Forsterbräu Central
Well-known local tavern serving canederli, schnitzel, and regional wine in a rustic setting popular with residents and visitors.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are generally manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
KVB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.70
- Day pass
- €9.00
To the city center
Cologne Central Station, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless card payment is available at many ticket machines and in the KVB App, but not reliably onboard every bus or tram.
- Validate paper tickets if required, and buy before boarding when possible to avoid fines.
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
Train ticket prices from Zurich to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $61 (€49), while the average price is around $123 (€100).
The train from Zurich to Cologne takes 4h 40m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Zurich to Cologne leaves at 12:20 AM.
The distance by train from Zurich to Cologne is 139 miles (225 km).
The last train from Zurich to Cologne leaves at 6:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Zurich to Cologne.
There is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Zurich to Cologne.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Cologne is Zurich HB, which connects to Cologne station.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $32 (€26).
Yes, the train journey from Zurich to Cologne is scenic, offering views of the Swiss countryside, picturesque villages, and the Rhine River as it winds through Germany.
A day trip from Zurich to Cologne is not feasible as the travel time is 4h 40m each way. There are 9 train journeys available per day, and the distance is 139 miles (225 km).
To fully experience Cologne, including its historic cathedral, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, spending 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Cologne.
Since both Zurich and Cologne 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 include Brescia, Bergamo, Milan, Verona, Palazzolo sull'Oglio.
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.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, public transport, and around popular attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. Staying alert and keeping valuables secure helps ensure a safe visit.
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 to Cologne
Most Zurich to Cologne trains use the Zürich HB to Cologne station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Cologne 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
Which Zurich station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Trains from Zurich to Cologne leave from Zürich HB. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11
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.
Which Cologne station do trains from Zurich arrive at?
Trains from Zurich to Cologne most often arrive at Cologne. Some services arrive at Chiari, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cologne arrival station.
Cologne25033 Cologne, Province of Brescia, Italy
City-centre transport
Getting to Cologne from Cologne city centre
TrainRe · 17m · $5 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · $5
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · $6
Cologne train station facilities and services
Cologne has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cologne.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Zurich
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