- 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
$39
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
1 h 37 m
Average duration
1 h 37 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
73 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Venlo to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Venlo to Cologne will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
It's difficult to get from Venlo to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
32229 · 20075 · 10619
32225 · 20073 · 10617
32221 · 20071 · 10615
32233 · 20077 · 10621
32237 · 20079 · 10623
32229 · 20075 · 10619
32225 · 20073 · 10617
32221 · 20071 · 10615
32233 · 20077 · 10621
32237 · 20079 · 10623Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Venlo to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 45 miles (73 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Venlo to Cologne:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Venlo to Cologne costing on average $42 (€35).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 56m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€35) compared to roughly $21 (€17) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.17 (€-17.35). The journey takes 1h 24m versus 1h 12m 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 Venlo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
32221 · 20071 · 10615 | 7:58 AM Blerick | 1h37 | 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32225 · 20073 · 10617 | 8:58 AM Blerick | 1h37 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32229 · 20075 · 10619 | 9:58 AM Blerick | 1h37 | 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32233 · 20077 · 10621 | 10:58 AM Blerick | 1h37 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32237 · 20079 · 10623 | 11:58 AM Blerick | 1h37 | 1:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32289 · 20065 · 10609 | 12:58 AM Blerick | 5h37 | 6:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
32214 · IC 3020 · ICE 121 | On time 6:01 AM Blerick | 3h10 | 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 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 Venlo to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:29. The fastest train covers the 45 miles (73 km) distance in 1h 13m.
Distance 45 miles (73 km) |
Average train duration 1h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 1h 13m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 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 Venlo 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.

Most Venlo to Cologne trains use the Blerick to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Venlo and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Blerick has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Wilhelmina, Brasserie Sur Meuse
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Blerick. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Blerick.
Available at Blerick: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Blerick: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Blerick.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Puur, Theaterhotel Venlo, Hotel American.
Venlo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Chez l'Hêtre, Brasserie Sur Place
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Venlo. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Venlo. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Venlo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Venlo: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Venlo: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Van der Valk Hotel Venlo, Campanile Venlo, Hotel Puur.
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-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Ehrenfeld 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: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.
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