- Must visit
Groninger Museum
The City’s flagship museum, known for bold postmodern architecture and strong collections of modern art, design, and regional history.
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
4 h 1 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Groningen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Groningen will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Groningen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 2200 · Bus 72013
IC 2200 · Bus 72013 · 37966
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 124 · IC 563
ICE 124 · IC 3648 · IC 559
ICE 126 · IC 3640 · IC 551
ICE 124 · IC 3648 · IC 559
ICE 126 · IC 3640 · IC 551 · 37658
ICE 126 · IC 3640 · RE 6151
28518 · ICE 146 · IC 3644 · IC 555Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Groningen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 19m Average total duration Fastest 4h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 24m Average total duration 6h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Cologne to Groningen:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Groningen costing on average $60 (€49).
Other travel options to Groningen take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 54m.
Tickets start at around $60 (€49) compared to roughly $70 (€57) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 4h 49m versus 3h 41m 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 Cologne to Groningen trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 222 · IC 3616 · IC 527 · 37634 | On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 10:49 AM Groningen Europapark | 3 transfers | |
ICE 222 · IC 3616 · IC 527 | On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 10:42 AM Groningen station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 222 · IC 531 | On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h53 | 11:42 AM Groningen station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 222 · IC 3616 · RE 6127 | On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 10:55 AM Groningen Europapark | 2 transfers | |
ICE 206 · ICE 242 · IC 3620 · RE 6131 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h44 | 11:55 AM Groningen Europapark | 3 transfers | |
ICE 206 · ICE 242 · IC 3620 · IC 531 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h38 | 11:49 AM Groningen Europapark | 4 transfers | |
ICE 206 · ICE 242 · IC 3620 · IC 531 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 11:42 AM Groningen station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 826 · ICE 242 · IC 3620 · RE 6131 | On time 7:17 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h38 | 11:55 AM Groningen Europapark | 3 transfers | |
ICE 826 · ICE 242 · IC 3620 · IC 531 | On time 7:17 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h25 | 11:42 AM Groningen station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 826 · ICE 242 · IC 3620 · IC 531 | On time 7:17 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h32 | 11:49 AM Groningen Europapark | 4 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Cologne to Groningen run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€21) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:34, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 3h 53m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 4h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€21) |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 12:34 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Groningen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Groningen trip today.
The City’s flagship museum, known for bold postmodern architecture and strong collections of modern art, design, and regional history.
A respected photography institution showcasing contemporary visual culture through exhibitions in Groningen.
The University Museum presents science, medicine, and academic history with accessible exhibits tied to the city’s university heritage.
The main square and social heart of Groningen, surrounded by major landmarks and a natural starting point for exploring the center.
A highly popular contemporary cultural building with striking architecture, public spaces, and one of the best urban viewpoints in the city.
One of the city’s most picturesque canal-side streets, lined with historic warehouses and often featured in photography.
A Groningen snack of ragout-coated boiled egg, breaded and deep-fried. It is one of the city’s best-known local specialties and a classic from snack bars.
Traditional mustard soup made with the region’s sharp Groningen mustard, usually enriched with cream and often served with bacon or leek. A signature northern Dutch comfort dish.
Air-dried Dutch sausage popular in the north, eaten as a snack with drinks. In Groningen it is a familiar borrel item with a firm texture and spiced flavor.
An established bistro in a historic building near the center, serving refined French and Dutch-influenced dishes in an elegant setting suited to a longer dinner.
A popular all-day restaurant known for creative brunch, lunch, and dinner in a stylish but relaxed setting. Good choice for seasonal dishes and local ingredients.
A well-known multi-level dining venue and bar with an extensive drinks selection and an international menu. Stylish atmosphere, especially good for dinner and cocktails.
Moderate by Dutch standards. Groceries and casual meals are manageable, but hotels and drinks can raise daily costs.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up small taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Groningen Airport Eelde, Groningen -> Grote Markt, Groningen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Groningen 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 Groningen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Groningen trains use the Köln Hbf to Groningen station pair, with some services arriving at Groningen Noord. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Groningen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Groningen 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: De Drie Gezusters, Mr. Mofongo
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Groningen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Groningen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Groningen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Groningen Hotel, The Student Hotel Groningen, City Hotel Groningen.
Groningen Noord is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:
Groningen Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen Noord.
Available at Groningen Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen Noord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Noord: Ramps.
Groningen Europapark is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:
Groningen Europapark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen Europapark.
ATMs are available at Groningen Europapark.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Europapark.
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