The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Cologne
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
4 h 56 m
Average duration
5 h 4 m
Trains per day
29
Distance
413 km
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 $197 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 29 trains that leave Zurich for Cologne on Sun, Apr 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Apr 26 the direct trains cover the 413 km distance in an average of 5 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 56 m .
On Sun, Apr 26 the slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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.
IC 60409 · IC 604027:59 PM9h58Zurich HB5:57 AMCologne Hbf$861One-way1 transfer
S 9+
S62+
69884+
176768:07 PM9h50Zurich HB5:57 AMCologne Hbf$971One-way6 transfers
S 9+
S62+
69884+
176768:07 PM9h57Zurich HB6:04 AMCologne Hbf$1211One-way5 transfers
IR 3283 · RE 3503 · S 3 · S 18:08 PM9h56Zurich HB6:04 AMCologne Hbf$1241One-way6 transfers
IC 782 · ICE 1005:59 PM5h11Zurich HB11:10 PMCologne Hbf$1461One-way1 transfer
IC 578 · ICE 2 · ICE 9105:34 PM4h56Zurich HB10:30 PMCologne Hbf$1751One-way2 transfers
ICE 1023:59 PM5h06Zurich HB9:05 PMCologne Hbf$2001One-way0 transfers
IC 780 · ICE 274 · ICE 5124:59 PM5h06Zurich HB10:05 PMCologne Hbf$2001One-way2 transfers
ICE 1041:59 PM5h06Zurich HB7:05 PMCologne Hbf$2131One-way0 transfers
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 5142:59 PM5h06Zurich HB8:05 PMCologne Hbf$2781One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train 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 $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $96.
Distance: 256 miles (413 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$170 Average price | $243 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest |
7h 4m Average total duration 6h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 27m Average total duration 7h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, April 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1082 · S3 · ICE 510 | On time 5:37 PM Zurich HB | 6h33 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 60402 | On time 9:59 PM Zurich HB | 7h58 | 5:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, April 26 | |||||
IC 284 · 4714 · ICE 200 | On time 6:37 AM Zurich HB | 6h28 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 284 · S2 · ICE 1010 | On time 6:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h52 | 12:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 388 · S3 · ICE 610 | On time 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 6h28 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 282 · S2 · ICE 918 · ICE 1228 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 7h55 | 4:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 282 · 4718 · ICE 108 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 6h28 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 282 · S2 · ICE 918 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h52 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 380 · S3 · ICE 518 | On time 9:37 AM Zurich HB | 6h28 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 280 · 4722 · ICE 106 | On time 10:37 AM Zurich HB | 6h28 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 280 · S2 · ICE 916 · ICE 28 | 10:37 AM Zurich HB | 7h56 | 6:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 280 · S2 · ICE 916 | On time 10:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h52 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 488 · S1 · ICE 218 · ICE 12 | 11:37 AM Zurich HB | 6h03 | 5:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 1941 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h34 | 7:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TGV 9222+ ECE 4 · ICE 1254 | 1:34 PM Zurich HB | 5h09 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 104 | On time 1:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 150 · ICE 514 | 2:34 PM Zurich HB | 5h31 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 514 | 2:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 8:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 1649 | On time 2:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h07 | 9:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 102 | On time 3:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 780 · ICE 274 · IC 2347 | On time 4:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h30 | 11:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 780 · ICE 274 · ICE 512 | 4:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h06 | 10:05 PM 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 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.
Apr 25
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May 15
Why should you book Zurich to Cologne trains with Omio?
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 ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) or ÖBB | InterCity to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Cologne.
- 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 to Cologne.
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 to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Cologne
Trains from Zurich to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€51) but you can travel from only $33 (€26) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 256 miles (413 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 256 miles (413 km) |
Average train duration 6h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€51) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 91 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Cologne from $33 (€26). 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.
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
More options for your journey from Zurich to Cologne
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