- Must visit
Felix-Nussbaum-Haus
Daniel Libeskind-designed museum dedicated to painter Felix Nussbaum. Its architecture and the artist’s Holocaust-era works make it the city’s most distinctive museum visit.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
2 h 10 m
Average duration
2 h 10 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
167 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Osnabrück is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Osnabrück will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 12 trains that leave Cologne for Osnabrück on Sat, Jun 20, 8 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 167 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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.
FlixTrain
ICE 618
ICE 920
ICE 1028
ICE 208
ICE 204
ICE 616
ICE 618
ICE 208
FlixTrainOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Osnabrück among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 7m. 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 train costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $268.
Distance: 103 miles (167 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $43 Average price | $490 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Osnabrück:
A train is $7 (€6) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cologne to Osnabrück costing on average $43 (€35).
A train is $454 (€372) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Osnabrück costing on average $490 (€401).
Other travel options to Osnabrück take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 15m.
Flight takes on average 3h 59m.
The journey is about 16m faster (2h 15m by train vs 2h 31m by car) and roughly $0.72 (€0.59) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($36 (€29) vs $37 (€30)). 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Osnabrück 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:01 AM Cologne | 2h12 | 9:13 AM Osnabrück | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:01 AM Cologne | 2h12 | 10:13 AM Osnabrück | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:01 PM Cologne | 2h12 | 3:13 PM Osnabrück | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:01 PM Cologne | 2h12 | 4:13 PM Osnabrück | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
ICE 1028 | On time 4:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h21 | 6:21 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 541 · 10203 | On time 4:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 7:18 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 208 | On time 5:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h10 | 7:21 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2208 · 10205 | On time 5:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h34 | 8:15 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 618 | On time 6:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h10 | 8:21 AM Osnabrück Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, 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 Osnabrück run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 103 miles (167 km) distance in 2h 8m.
Distance 103 miles (167 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 8m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Osnabrück — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Osnabrück trip today.
Daniel Libeskind-designed museum dedicated to painter Felix Nussbaum. Its architecture and the artist’s Holocaust-era works make it the city’s most distinctive museum visit.
Major archaeological museum north of the city associated with the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. One of the region’s standout history attractions.
City museum complex with cultural history collections and changing exhibitions in the old town, useful for understanding Osnabrück’s past and urban development.
Historic market square framed by the Town Hall and St. Marien. It is the symbolic heart of Osnabrück and the best starting point for exploring the old town.
The old town combines medieval streets, churches, museums, and shopping lanes. It remains the essential area for first-time visitors and casual wandering.
Popular neighborhood with attractive streets, boutiques, nightlife, and historic character. It is one of the city’s liveliest and most photogenic walking areas.
A classic North German winter dish of slow-cooked kale served with smoked sausage, often enjoyed in Lower Saxony and around Osnabrück.
Air-dried Westphalian ham, traditionally cured and lightly smoked, reflecting the regional food culture of nearby Westphalia.
Dark, dense rye bread slowly baked for many hours. It is strongly associated with the Westphalia-Lower Saxony region and commonly served with cold cuts or cheese.
Well-known brewery restaurant in Osnabrück serving house beers and hearty regional German dishes in a historic, lively setting.
Established traditional German restaurant with a historic atmosphere, known for regional cuisine and a classic dining experience in the old town.
Popular long-running restaurant and wine venue offering German and Central European dishes in an elegant but accessible setting.
Moderate by German standards. Daily costs are manageable, with mid-range dining and hotels priced below major cities like Munich or Frankfurt.
Service is usually included, but small tips are customary. Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service, usually handed directly to the server.
Official public transport app
Osnabrück Hbf, Osnabrück -> Neumarkt, Osnabrück
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Osnabrück trains use the Köln Hbf to Osnabrück Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Osnabrück Altstadt. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Osnabrück 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 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.
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.
Osnabrück 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: Beykebab, Kochlöffel, Algarve Grill, Pizza Max
Wi-Fi is available at Osnabrück Hbf. ATMs are available at Osnabrück Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Osnabrück Hbf. Information desks are available at Osnabrück Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Osnabrück Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Osnabrück Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Osnabrück Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Osnabrück Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Pension Haus Auf Dem Klushügel, Best Western Hotel Hohenzollern, Ibis Budget, Boardinghouse Villa Il Paradiso.
Osnabrück Altstadt 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: McDonald's, Cafe Extrablatt, Cafe & Bar Celona, Café Mano Negra
Wi-Fi is available at Osnabrück Altstadt. ATMs are available at Osnabrück Altstadt.
Ticket office support is available at Osnabrück Altstadt. Information desks are available at Osnabrück Altstadt.
Luggage storage is available at Osnabrück Altstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Osnabrück Altstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Osnabrück Altstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Osnabrück Altstadt.
Nearby hotels include Romantikhotel Walhalla, Dom-Hotel, Hotel am Nikolaiort, Bergmann Boardinghouse.
Osnabrück-Sutthausen is 4 km from Osnabrück city centre. Public transport options include:
Osnabrück-Sutthausen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Osnabrück-Sutthausen.
Available at Osnabrück-Sutthausen: Parking.
Available at Osnabrück-Sutthausen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Osnabrück-Sutthausen.
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