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Trip Summary
You can pick from 37 daily train trips between Amsterdam and Cologne. The average train journey from Amsterdam to Cologne takes 3 hours and 56 minutes, but some Deutsche Bahn train trips are as short as 2 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 133 mi (214 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 35m |
| Lowest price | US$21.08 |
| Trains per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Amsterdam to Cologne?
There are 4 train lines with service from Amsterdam to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 24 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity | 4 | 3h 28m | US$21.08 |
| DB Intercity-Express | 1 | 2h 46m | US$56.26 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 17 | 3h 32m | US$52.16 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 24 | 4h 14m | US$54.82 |
Deutsche Bahn IC is the German railway's long-distance train service provider with service across Germany and neighboring countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and Poland. Onboard amenities include restrooms, power outlets, and a restaurant car where passengers can purchase drinks, snacks, and meals.
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Amsterdam to Cologne start from US$21, and on average cost . Daily there are 24 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Amsterdam leaves from Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA and 9 other stations. And in Cologne trains arrive at Central Station and one other train station.
From Amsterdam to Cologne train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 4 hours and 14 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cologne faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 35 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 70 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Cologne.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Amsterdam to Cologne on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Amsterdam at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 37 scheduled trains on most days. 7 of these are direct connections to Cologne. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cologne to Amsterdam.
City Information
Amsterdam
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The Dutch capital of Amsterdam is one of Europe's most eclectic cities with so much to explore. As a hub of culture, history, and architecture, as well as sex, drugs, and all things rock and roll, no amount of time in this vibrant city will ever be enough. Of course, this makes it one of the best cities to visit after graduation.
To learn about one of the most significant parts of modern history, visit the Anne Frank House, a humbling testament to this remarkable girl's unwavering optimism and resilience during the horrors of World War II. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are also well worth a visit to discover artworks by Dutch masters.
For a look into contemporary life in Amsterdam, visit De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), a micro-neighborhood brimming with independent shops, artisan food eateries, and cozy cafes where you can experience an authentic Dutch Coffeeshop. Taking an iconic canal tour is another must, allowing you to experience the city while relaxing on the water. Since Amsterdam is known for its cycling culture, bring your bike or rent one during your stay to get around the city as the locals do.
Travel to Amsterdam is easy, with its connections to the rest of Europe via a vast network of motorways, utilized by FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus services. Amsterdam’s many connections are why it’s the starting point for our budget tour of the Netherlands. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is also a major international travel hub, and the Central Station is one of the largest rail terminals in Europe.
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Amsterdam?
Main departure station: Amsterdam Muiderpoort
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 10 stops and stations in Amsterdam where you can board the train.
All train stations in Amsterdam:
Amsterdam Muiderpoort
Amsterdam Holendrecht
Amsterdam RAI
Amsterdam Lelylaan
Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA
Amsterdam Amstel
Amsterdam Zuid
Amsterdam Sloterdijk
Amsterdam Centraal
Amsterdam Science Park
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Central Station
Cologne Central Station is, unsurprisingly, the central station and main transport hub of Cologne. Multiple nationwide and regional trains stop here and connect to other routes. Thalys and Deutsche Bahn ICE provide service to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and many more. Inside the station, you can kill some time perusing souvenir shops and grab a meal at one of the restaurants- or skip straight to desert at one of the multiple bakeries available. There's even a shop for clothes and a bank in the building. Once outside, you'll be in the center of Cologne, so there are plenty of attractions and restaurants nearby.
Train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
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Need a return trip from Cologne to Amsterdam?
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