- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$86
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Groningen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Groningen to Cologne will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
It's difficult to get from Groningen to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
RE 6152 · IC 3653 · ICE 241 · ICE 203
IC 552 · IC 3653 · ICE 241 · ICE 203
37645 · IC 552 · IC 3653 · ICE 241
IC 552 · ICE 129
IC 532 · IC 3633 · ICE 123
IC 540 · IC 3641 · ICE 125
IC 548 · IC 3649 · ICE 127
37625 · IC 532 · IC 3633 · ICE 123
37633 · IC 540 · IC 3641 · ICE 125Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Groningen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 43m. 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 $23, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$73 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest |
5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration 6h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 Groningen to Cologne:
A bus is $32 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Groningen to Cologne costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 46m.
The table below shows live departures for Groningen to Cologne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 520 · ICE 225 | On time 6:18 AM Groningen station | 4h53 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 6124 · IC 3625 · ICE 225 | On time 7:05 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h06 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
37617 · IC 524 · IC 3625 · ICE 225 | On time 7:10 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h01 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 524 · IC 3625 · ICE 225 | On time 7:18 AM Groningen station | 3h53 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 6126 · IC 17923 · 20207 · ICE 107 | On time 7:32 AM Groningen station | 5h16 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6126 · IC 17923 · 20207 · ICE 107 | On time 7:35 AM Groningen Europapark | 5h13 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6128 · IC 3629 · ICE 145 · ICE 107 | On time 8:05 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h43 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
37621 · IC 528 · IC 3629 · ICE 145 | On time 8:10 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h38 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 528 · ICE 123 | On time 8:18 AM Groningen station | 4h53 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 528 · IC 3629 · ICE 145 · ICE 107 | On time 8:18 AM Groningen station | 4h30 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6132 · IC 3633 · ICE 123 | On time 9:05 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h06 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
37625 · IC 532 · IC 3633 · ICE 123 | On time 9:10 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h01 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 532 · IC 3633 · ICE 123 | On time 9:18 AM Groningen station | 3h53 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 6136 · IC 3637 · ICE 147 · ICE 109 | On time 10:05 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h43 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6136 · IC 3637 · ICE 147 · 89882 | 10:05 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h37 | 2:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
37629 · IC 536 · IC 3637 · ICE 147 | On time 10:10 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h38 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
37629 · IC 536 · IC 3637 · ICE 147 | 10:10 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h32 | 2:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5 transfers | |
IC 536 · ICE 125 | On time 10:18 AM Groningen station | 4h53 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 536 · IC 3637 · ICE 147 · 89882 | 10:18 AM Groningen station | 4h24 | 2:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
IC 536 · IC 3637 · ICE 147 · ICE 109 | On time 10:18 AM Groningen station | 4h30 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6140 · IC 3641 · ICE 125 | On time 11:05 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h06 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
37633 · IC 540 · IC 3641 · ICE 125 | On time 11:10 AM Groningen Europapark | 4h01 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 540 · IC 3641 · ICE 125 | On time 11:18 AM Groningen station | 3h53 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 6142 · IC 17939 · 20215 · ICE 201 | On time 11:32 AM Groningen station | 5h16 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6142 · IC 17939 · 20215 · ICE 201 | On time 11:35 AM Groningen Europapark | 5h13 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 544 · ICE 127 | 12:18 PM Groningen station | 4h53 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:25 PM Groningen, Centraal Station | 8h31 | 8:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:30 PM Groningen, Centraal Station | 8h26 | 8:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 6148 · IC 3649 · ICE 127 | 1:05 PM Groningen Europapark | 4h06 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
37641 · IC 548 · IC 3649 · ICE 127 | 1:10 PM Groningen Europapark | 4h01 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 548 · IC 3649 · ICE 127 | 1:18 PM Groningen station | 3h53 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 6150 · IC 17947 · 20219 · ICE 203 | 1:32 PM Groningen station | 5h16 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6150 · IC 17947 · 20219 · ICE 203 | 1:35 PM Groningen Europapark | 5h13 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 552 · ICE 129 | 2:18 PM Groningen station | 4h53 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 6156 · IC 3657 · ICE 129 | 3:05 PM Groningen Europapark | 4h06 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
37649 · IC 556 · IC 3657 · ICE 129 | 3:10 PM Groningen Europapark | 4h01 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 556 · IC 3657 · ICE 129 | 3:18 PM Groningen station | 3h53 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 6158 · IC 17955 · 20223 · ICE 205 | 3:32 PM Groningen station | 5h16 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6158 · IC 17955 · 20223 · ICE 205 | 3:35 PM Groningen Europapark | 5h13 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 560 · ICE 221 | 4:18 PM Groningen station | 4h53 | 9:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 6164 · IC 3665 · ICE 221 | 5:05 PM Groningen Europapark | 4h06 | 9:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
37657 · IC 564 · IC 3665 · ICE 221 | 5:10 PM Groningen Europapark | 4h01 | 9:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 564 · IC 3665 · ICE 221 | 5:18 PM Groningen station | 3h53 | 9:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 6166 · IC 17963 · 20281 · ICE 542 | 5:35 PM Groningen Europapark | 6h00 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 6168 · IC 3669 · 26836+ 21237 | 6:05 PM Groningen Europapark | 5h06 | 11:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
37661 · IC 568 · IC 3573 · 20099 | 6:10 PM Groningen Europapark | 5h25 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
37661 · IC 568 · IC 3669 · 26836 | 6:10 PM Groningen Europapark | 5h01 | 11:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 568 · IC 3573 · 20099 · 10643 | 6:18 PM Groningen station | 5h17 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 568 · IC 3669 · 26836+ 21237 | 6:18 PM Groningen station | 4h53 | 11:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 572 · IC 60403 | On time 7:18 PM Groningen station | 4h35 | 11:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 572 · IC 60403 · ICE 619 | 7:18 PM Groningen station | 4h31 | 11:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 774 · IC 3675 · IC 60403 | On time 7:48 PM Groningen station | 4h05 | 11:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 774 · IC 3675 · IC 60403 · ICE 619 | 7:48 PM Groningen station | 4h01 | 11:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Groningen to Cologne run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 4h 8m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 4h 8m |
First train 12:38 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Groningen 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.

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