How to travel from Cologne to Groningen

Sat, Sep 19
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VIAS Rail GmbH
Deutsche Bahn
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VIAS Rail GmbH
Deutsche Bahn
WestfalenBahn
Regionale
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cologne to Groningen

Omio 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 an average ticket price of $33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, while a train costs an average of $49.

Distance: 159 miles (256 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$49

Average price

$33

Average price

Cheapest

$70

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 18m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 40m

Average total duration

7h 10m

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Groningen is a bus with an average price of $33.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Groningen:

A bus is $16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Groningen costing on average $49.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Groningen is by train with an average journey time of 5h 18m.

Other travel options to Groningen take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Groningen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Groningen among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $49 compared to roughly $70 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21. The journey takes 4h 48m 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.

Travel options
from Cologne to Groningen

How to get from Cologne to Groningen by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Cologne to Groningen is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • FlixBus
    2:45 PM6h50
    Cologne
    9:35 PMGroningen
    $351One-way
    0 transfers

Cheapest

  • FlixBus
    2:45 PM6h50
    Cologne
    9:35 PMGroningen
    $351One-way
    0 transfers

Fastest

  • FlixBus
    2:45 PM6h50
    Cologne
    9:35 PMGroningen
    $351One-way
    0 transfers

Other options

  • FlixBus
    1:45 PM6h50
    Cologne
    8:35 PMGroningen
    $391One-way
    0 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

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FAQs: Travel from Cologne to Groningen

Travel to Groningen easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cologne to Groningen.

FAQs
There are 2 options to travel between Cologne and Groningen including taking a train and bus.
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Groningen is a bus with an average price of $48.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Groningen:

A bus is $28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Groningen costing on average $76.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Groningen is by train with an average journey time of 4h 36m.

Other travel options to Groningen take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 11m.

The distance from Cologne to Groningen is approximately 159 miles (256 km).
The average frequency per day from Cologne to Groningen is:
  • Around 14 trains per day.
  • Around 4 buses per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cologne and Groningen as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Cologne to Groningen:
  • Buses mostly depart from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) and arrive in Groningen, Centraal Station.
  • Trains mostly depart from Cologne Hbf and arrive in Groningen station.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Cologne to Groningen, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with FlixBus to go to Groningen by bus.
  • Travel with Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to go to Groningen by train.
Yes, there is a direct route available from Cologne to Groningen:
  • 1 direct buses per day with FlixBus.
Omio customers who travel from Cologne to Groningen often also extend their vacation to go to Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Groningen and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Groningen to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Groningen, you can visit Vismarkt for fresh produce and local specialties, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, and learn about nautical history at the Northern Maritime Museum. Enjoy a bike tour through the scenic countryside, attend a performance at the historic Stadsschouwburg, or take in panoramic city views from Martinitoren. Discover modern art at the Groninger Museum, enjoy leisurely walks in Noorderplantsoen, relax in the Renaissance-style Prinsentuin, or visit Forum Groningen for cultural experiences including a library and cinema.
Two to three days in Groningen are typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, enjoy the vibrant cultural scene, and experience the local lifestyle.

Travelling from Cologne to Groningen: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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