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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Cologne
Showing times and prices for 26 Mar
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
49 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
58 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Cologne will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $14.
Fast trains
Of the 15 trains that leave Essen for Cologne every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 51 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.
FlixTrain06:03PM0h53
Essen Hbf06:56PMCologne Hbf
$141One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain08:50PM0h50
Essen Hbf09:40PMCologne Hbf
$161One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain12:50PM0h51
Essen Hbf01:41PMCologne Hbf
$161One-way
0 changes
IC 201309:40AM1h00
Essen Hbf10:40AMCologne Hbf
$301One-way
0 changes
ICE 94609:37AM0h58
Essen Hbf10:35AMCologne Hbf
$331One-way
0 changes
ICE 10510:00AM0h48
Essen Hbf10:48AMCologne Hbf
$381One-way
0 changes
ICE 10308:00AM0h48
Essen Hbf08:48AMCologne Hbf
$461One-way
0 changes
ICE 51508:59AM0h49
Essen Hbf09:48AMCologne Hbf
$381One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain08:50PM0h50
Essen Hbf09:40PMCologne Hbf
$161One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain12:50PM0h51
Essen Hbf01:41PMCologne Hbf
$161One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Essen to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 58m. 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 coach costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 58 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
$17 Average Price | $6 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 28m Average total duration Fastest 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration 1h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg 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.
Live departures
Essen to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, 25 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:30 pm
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 103 | On time 7:00 am Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 7:48 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 119 · S6 | On time 7:03 am Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 8:03 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| 10206 · ICE 121 | On time 7:20 am Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 8:18 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 646 | On time 7:40 am Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 8:33 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 515 | On time 7:59 am Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 8:48 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 219 · S6 | On time 8:03 am Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 9:03 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| 26810 | 8:09 am Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 9:11 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10208 · 28511 | 8:20 am Essen Hbf | 1h09 | 9:29 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 946 | On time 8:37 am Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 9:35 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 2013 | On time 8:40 am Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 9:40 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 105 | On time 9:00 am Essen Hbf | 0h48 | 9:48 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 26812 | 9:09 am Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 10:11 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 11:50 am Essen Hbf | 0h51 | 12:41 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 5:03 pm Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 5:56 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 7:50 pm Essen Hbf | 0h50 | 8:40 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Cologne by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Thu
26 Mar
26 Mar
Fri
27 Mar
27 Mar
Sat
28 Mar
28 Mar
Sun
29 Mar
29 Mar
Mon
30 Mar
30 Mar
Tue
31 Mar
31 Mar
Wed
01 Apr
01 Apr
Why should you book Essen to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain offer trains services from Essen to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Cologne.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Essen to Cologne?
The best time to book your train from Essen to Cologne is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Essen to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Essen to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Essen to Cologne.
Trains
from $7Coaches
from $8Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 but you can travel from only $5 by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 49m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $5
Distance 58 km |
Average train duration 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $5
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Essen to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Essen and Cologne from $5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
49m
Cheapest Price
$9
Deutsche Bahn frequency
28 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
50m
Cheapest Price
$7
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
FAQs: Essen to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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.
Cheap train tickets from Essen to Cologne can start from as little as $7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Essen to Cologne is $17; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Essen to Cologne is 49m to travel the 58 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Essen to Cologne leaves at 12:01 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Essen to Cologne leaves at 11:58 pm.
Yes, there are 9 direct trains a day from Essen to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Essen to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Essen and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Cologne from Essen is worth doing with a journey time of 49m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Essen to Cologne is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Cologne including taking a coach and train.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Cologne
Essen
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Cologne.
Essen Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Essen.
Köln Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
More options for your journey from Essen to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Essen
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