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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Showing times and prices for Dec 15
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
50 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
57 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Fast trains
Of the 21 trains that leave Essen Hbf for Cologne Hbf on Mon, Dec 15, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 15 the direct trains cover the 57 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest trains will take 53 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.
FlixTrain08:50PM0h53
Essen Hbf09:43PMCologne Hbf
$141One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain12:50PM0h51
Essen Hbf01:41PMCologne Hbf
$141One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain06:03PM0h53
Essen Hbf06:56PMCologne Hbf
$151One-way
0 transfers
ICE 10308:00AM0h48
Essen Hbf08:48AMCologne Hbf
$201One-way
0 transfers
ICE 154811:14AM0h55
Essen Hbf12:09PMCologne Hbf
$201One-way
0 transfers
ICE 10308:00AM0h48
Essen Hbf08:48AMCologne Hbf
$201One-way
0 transfers
ICE 10510:00AM0h48
Essen Hbf10:48AMCologne Hbf
$281One-way
0 transfers
ICE 152110:55AM0h49
Essen Hbf11:44AMCologne Hbf
$281One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain12:50PM0h51
Essen Hbf01:41PMCologne Hbf
$141One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain08:50PM0h53
Essen Hbf09:43PMCologne Hbf
$141One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €3, and a train costs an average of €5.
Distance: 35 miles (57 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€9 Average price | €5 Average price Cheapest |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Sunday, December 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 5:50 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 7:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 7:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 7:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, December 15 | |||||
| ICE 103 | Delayed 7:09 AM 7:00 AMEssen Hbf | 0h48 | 7:58 AM 7:58 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 119 · S6 | On time 7:03 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 8:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26808 | 7:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h03 | 8:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10206 · ICE 121 | On time 7:20 AM Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 8:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 89710 | 7:32 AM Essen Hbf | 1h20 | 8:52 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 915 · 10525 | On time 7:36 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 8:36 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 621 · 10812 | On time 7:53 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 27 · S19 | On time 7:59 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 8:59 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 219 · S6 | On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf | 1h00 | 9:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26810 | 8:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10208 · 91461 | 8:20 AM Essen Hbf | 1h09 | 9:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 105 | Delayed 9:11 AM 9:00 AMEssen Hbf | 0h48 | 10:00 AM 10:00 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 26812 | 9:09 AM Essen Hbf | 1h02 | 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10210 · ICE 225 | On time 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 10:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1521 | On time 9:55 AM Essen Hbf | 0h49 | 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1548 | On time 10:14 AM Essen Hbf | 0h55 | 11:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10212 · 91465 | 10:20 AM Essen Hbf | 1h09 | 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2156 | On time 10:40 AM Essen Hbf | 0h58 | 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 11:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0h51 | 12:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 5:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0h53 | 5:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB,EC) as well as FlixTrain and National Express offer trains services from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB,EC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB,EC), but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain and National Express to find the best option for your trip from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
- 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 (ICE,RE,IC,RB,EC) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB,EC) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB,EC)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of FlixTrain and National Express to help you choose the right option for your journey from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
FlexibleCheapDisadvantages
SlowUtilisedThe ticket price is quite reasonable if you have several passengers. As there are many trains between Cologne and Essen, you don't have to wait long for the next train. It is also possible to travel from Essen to Cologne at night. However, the train does not run as frequently then.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 10 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) but you can travel from only $4 (€3) by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 35 miles (57 km) distance in 42m.
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
Bus from $4 (€3)
Distance 35 miles (57 km) |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 42m |
First train 00:09 |
Last train 21:20 |
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
Bus from $4 (€3)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express trains will get you between Essen Hbf and Cologne Hbf from $4 (€3). 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 (€7)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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
51m
Cheapest Price
$7 (€5)
FlixTrain frequency
3 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
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 51m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€23)
National Express frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
FAQs: Trains from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes, a day trip from Essen Hbf to Köln Hbf is feasible with a travel time of 42m, a distance of 35 miles (57 km), and trains running 10 times per day.
Train ticket prices from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $6 (€5), while the average price is around $11 (€9).
The distance by train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf is 35 miles (57 km).
The train journey from Essen Hbf to Köln Hbf predominantly passes through urban and industrial landscapes with brief views of the Rhine River, but it is not typically considered a scenic route.
The cheapest way to get from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf is by bus, with a cost of around $4 (€3).
The first train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf leaves at 12:09 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
The train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf takes 42m and runs 10 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf. This service operates 7 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
The last train from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf leaves at 9:20 PM.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf
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.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information 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
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.
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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Essen Hbf
More options for your journey from Essen Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf
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