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Train from Amsterdam to Cologne: journey time, stations and tips
Travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne by train is quick and straightforward. You can travel on fast ICE services as well as slower routes with changes, with arrivals mainly at Cologne Hbf and one fast service at Köln Messe/Deutz, with journey times from about 2.5 hours.
Amsterdam to Cologne at a glance
| Journey time | about 2.5 to 5.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Direct train | Yes, there are direct trains. Other journeys have 1 to 5 changes. |
| Departs from | Amsterdam Centraal and sometimes Amsterdam Zuid |
| Arrives at | Cologne Hbf and in one case Köln Messe/Deutz |
| Trains | ICE, Intercity and various regional services such as ERB, RB, NX and sometimes S-Bahn |
| Classes | 2nd and 1st class |
Journey times are rounded and vary by date. cyah always shows current times and availability.
The journey
The fastest train journeys from Amsterdam to Cologne are by ICE and take about 2.5 hours. There are both direct services and longer options with one or more changes. On those slower routes, you change to Intercity and regional services such as ERB, RB, NX and sometimes S-Bahn on the way to Cologne. Most arrivals are at Cologne Hbf, right beside the cathedral, while one fast journey arrives at Köln Messe/Deutz on the other side of the Rhine. You can travel in 2nd or 1st class.
Stations and arrival
Most journeys leave from Amsterdam Centraal, while some start from Amsterdam Zuid. Amsterdam Centraal is the most convenient station for many travellers thanks to its central location and easy metro, tram and bus connections. In Cologne, you will usually arrive at Cologne Hbf, right in the city centre next to the cathedral. From there, you can walk straight into the old town and shopping streets. If you arrive at Köln Messe/Deutz, Cologne city centre is still nearby and can be reached quickly by local transport or by crossing the Rhine.
Tips for your train trip to Cologne
- Get to the station a little early, especially for an international ICE journey. There is no airport style check-in, but extra time makes boarding and any changes much less stressful.
- Bring luggage that you can carry and store yourself. On both long distance and regional trains, you will usually keep your bags with you.
- It is worth bringing snacks or drinks for the journey. Some long distance trains have onboard facilities, but this can vary by service and route.
- Book ahead if you are travelling at weekends, around holidays or during busy travel periods. You will usually have a better choice of departures and seating options.
- You can combine your train and hotel in one booking. That makes it easy to sort your stay in Cologne at the same time and keep everything together in My booking.
Search live trains to Cologne
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FAQ: train from Amsterdam to Cologne
How long is the train from Amsterdam to Cologne?
The fastest journeys take about 2.5 hours. Other options take around 4 to 5.5 hours depending on the number of changes.
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to Cologne?
Yes. There are direct ICE services. At other times, you may travel with one or more changes.
Which station do you leave from in Amsterdam?
Most journeys depart from Amsterdam Centraal. Some services start from Amsterdam Zuid.
Which station do you arrive at in Cologne?
Most trains arrive at Cologne Hbf. One fast service arrives at Köln Messe/Deutz instead.
Can I choose a seat?
With cyah, you can pass on a seat preference such as window or aisle where the operator offers it. You cannot pick an exact seat number yourself.
Can I book train and hotel together with cyah?
Yes, you can book your train to Cologne and your hotel in the same trip. That way, you can manage everything together in My booking.
Other train routes: Amsterdam → Berlin · Amsterdam → Brussels · Amsterdam → Frankfurt · Amsterdam → London · Amsterdam → Paris · All trains