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Essen to Cologne Central Station train ticket prices
With Deutsche Bahn (DB), you can discover the most affordable train tickets for your journey from Essen to Cologne Central Station, with the lowest fare being £10.49 and the average price at £35.90. Choose from Sparpreis (Saver), Super Sparpreis (Super Saver), and Flexpreis (Flexible) tickets. Benefit from high-speed ICE trains connecting over 300 stations in Germany, as well as frequent regional trains linking towns and cities. Booking ahead ensures the best price for long-distance journeys.
Essen to Cologne Central Station train journey information
Find detailed DB train schedules from Essen to Cologne Central Station, including first and last departure times, stops, distance, journey time, train companies, and price options. Check train times and prices for a smooth journey.
First train | 11:03 |
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Last train | 15:00 |
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Departure station | Essen |
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Arrival station | Cologne Central Station |
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Distance | 35 miles (57km) |
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Journey time | From 49m |
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Price | From £10.49 |
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Train operators | FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn |
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Essen to Cologne Central Station train travel guide
Travelling from Essen to Cologne Central Station with Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains is both efficient and comfortable. The average travel time is 1h 1m, and you can enjoy affordable ICE train tickets or regional train tickets.
Planning and booking
1. How long is the train ride from Essen to Cologne Central Station?
The average travel time from Essen to Cologne Central Station on a train is 1h 1m. For those seeking the quickest option, the fastest travel time is 49m. To get more detailed train information, precise timings, and schedules, explore TrainPal and plan your trip effectively.
2. Are there direct trains from Essen to Cologne Central Station?
Yes, direct train services from Essen to Cologne Central Station are available. With TrainPal, you can access detailed information on stops, times, departure and arrival stations, and train types, such as high-speed ICE and regional trains. To secure the best fares, consider ticket options like Sparpreis, Super Sparpreis, and Flexpreis.
3. What is the price of a train ticket from Essen to Cologne Central Station?
The lowest price for a train ticket from Essen to Cologne Central Station is £10.49, with the average cost being around £35.90*. Ticket prices can change based on booking time, train service, and available discounts. Therefore, check the latest prices for the best discounts. Enjoy cost-effective and flexible travel choices.
4. Are there frequent trains from Essen to Cologne Central Station?
The route from Essen to Cologne Central Station has a daily frequency of 17 trains, ensuring frequent service. This allows you to enjoy convenient and efficient departures throughout the day, giving you flexibility in your travel plans. Refer to the most recent schedules for the most precise and current information on train timings and availability.

Onboard services
1. Can I bring my bike on the Essen to Cologne Central Station train?
Yes, you can take your bicycle on the train from Essen to Cologne Central Station. Make sure to reserve your bicycle ticket and parking spot in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
Key Points:
- Train Types: Bicycles are permitted on local transportation, including Interregio-Express, Regional-Express, Regionalbahn, and S-Bahn, in addition to long-distance transport like Intercity, Eurocity, ICE 4, ICE 3 neo, and ICE T.
- Advance Booking:Book your bicycle ticket, secure a parking spot, and steer clear of peak hours.
- Pricing:Long-distance bike tickets start at £7.50, while daily bike tickets for local transportation cost between £5.45 and £5.90.
- Check Local Regulations:The regulations for transporting bikes vary by region.
- Properly Park Bicycle:Put your bike in the designated spot as directed.
Using both train and bike for travel is environmentally friendly and convenient.
2. What amenities are available on trains from Essen to Cologne Central Station?
All ICE trains, some IC trains, and certain regional trains have WiFi. In first class on ICE and IC trains, passengers can enjoy quieter spaces, comfortable seating, access to first-class lounges, digital newspapers and magazines, and seat reservations for those with flexible fares. Priority travel is also accessible at designated stations. Enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free journey!

Good to know
1. Can I buy last-minute train tickets from Essen to Cologne Central Station
In Germany, last-minute train tickets from Essen to Cologne Central Station are available for purchase online, at ticket machines, and station counters. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to book your train tickets in advance for better availability and pricing. It is not mandatory, but especially during peak travel periods,
booking in advance can guarantee better seat availability and typically lower prices. Make your travel arrangements stress-free by booking early and enjoying the benefits of planning ahead.
2. What are the peak travel times for trains from Essen to Cologne Central Station
In Germany, the peak times for train travel from Essen to Cologne Central Station are generally during weekday rush hours, roughly from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Moreover, weekends, particularly Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, along with holidays and school vacations, often experience increased demand. Booking tickets ahead of time during these periods is recommended to ensure a seat and potentially get better prices.
3. How early should I arrive at the station for my train from Essen to Cologne Central Station
For a stress-free travel experience, it is typically advised to arrive at the train station at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you plenty of time to find your platform, navigate through any crowds, and address any last-minute concerns like finding your seat or getting snacks. If you are unfamiliar with the station or it is quite large, arriving even earlier is a good idea to ensure a smooth start to your journey.
4. Can I use a Eurail pass on the Essen to Cologne Central Station route?
Yes, a Eurail Pass can be used on DB trains in Germany. This pass is accepted on most DB services, including InterCity Express (ICE), InterCity (IC), and EuroCity (EC) trains. However, please note that for certain high-speed or overnight trains, seat reservations may be required and could involve extra charges. Be sure to verify the specific requirements for each train and make any necessary seat reservations to ensure a hassle-free journey.
5. Can I use a regional day pass for the Essen to Cologne Central Station train?
Yes, Regional day passes can be used on DB trains in Germany, but their use is confined to regional trains within the designated area. Passes such as the Bayern-Ticket or Niedersachsen-Ticket provide unlimited travel for a full day on regional trains (including RE, RB, and IRE) and certain local public transportation modes, such as buses, trams, and S-Bahn trains. However, they do not apply to long-distance trains including ICE, IC, or EC. Be certain to examine the specific terms and conditions of the regional day pass to confirm it covers the routes you plan to take.
6. Do I need a passport or visa to travel from Essen to Cologne Central Station by train?
Domestic Travel Within Germany:
- Passport: For domestic travel on DB trains in Germany, no passport is needed. However, it's recommended to carry a valid ID, like a national ID card or driving licence, especially if your ticket requires identification.
- Visa: With legal residency in Germany, you can travel domestically on DB trains without a visa.
International Travel:
- Passport: When using DB trains for international travel, such as trips to neighbouring countries, you will need a valid passport or other acceptable travel documents.
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Visa:
- 1) Schengen Area: For travel to or from a Schengen Area country, separate visas for each Schengen Zone country are generally unnecessary if you have a valid Schengen visa or are from a visa-exempt nation.
- 2) Non-Schengen Countries: Travel to or from a non-Schengen country might require a visa, depending on the specific entry requirements of that country.
Confirm the entry and travel criteria for your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Consulting the embassies or consulates will yield the most precise and up-to-date information.
Find cheap Essen to Cologne Central Station ticket prices
Exchange and cancellation
Refunds for delayed or cancelled trains
- In the event of a train delay exceeding 20 minutes, you can transfer to another train on the same or an alternate route, travel at a later time, or board a train that does not require reservations. With a local transport ticket, you can pay the extra cost to upgrade and then reclaim the expense under passenger rights. In cancellations or delays, you can submit a compensation request for passenger rights online through your DB Navigator customer account or at int.bahn.de. Fill out the form and send it along with your ticket to DB headquarters. For additional details, visit DB Official Exchanges and cancellation info page.
How to buy cheap DB train tickets
Use TrainPal
Discover the cheapest train tickets with TrainPal. Compare second and first-class prices, and use our journey planner for the best deals. Save more with discount codes.
Super Saver from £16.33
Second-class Super Saver fares start at £16.33, first class at £21.78.
Book early for ICE trains
Book German long-distance train tickets (IC, ICE, EC) early for lower prices, as they increase closer to the departure date.
Regional Day Ticket
Regional Day Ticket (Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket) offers unlimited regional travel in Germany for one day, from £41.76.
IC and ICE overnight trains
Discover destinations in Germany and neighbouring countries on IC and ICE overnight trains with super saver fares from £16.33 and saver fares from £19.96.
Group travel for 6+ people
Groups of six+ enjoy super saver fares in Germany from £8.08, and in Europe from £12.62 per person.