Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | HBF | Hbf | Cheapest | ||||
 | Train | Essen Central Train Station | Hbf | Fastest | ||||
Deutsche Bahn + DB Regio NRW | Train | Essen Central Train Station | Cologne Messe/Deutz | No tags | ||||
| Train | Essen Central Train Station | Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12 Train Station | No tags | ||||
DB Regio NRW + Deutsche Bahn + National Express | Train | Essen Central Train Station | Cologne Messe/Deutz | No tags | ||||
Deutsche Bahn + DB Regio NRW | Train | Essen Central Train Station | Cologne Messe/Deutz | No tags | ||||
| Train | Essen Central Train Station | Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12 Train Station | No tags | ||||
DB Regio NRW + Deutsche Bahn + National Express | Train | Essen Central Train Station | Cologne Messe/Deutz | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:34 AM CEST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Essen to Cologne
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Cologne. The journey takes about 59 minutes, and with fares starting at just $12, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Essen and Cologne?
Essen
- A
HBF
Am Hauptbahnhof 27, 45127 Essen, Germany - B
Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit
Freiheit 5A, 45127 Essen, Germany
Cologne
- A
Hbf
Bahnsteig Gleis 2 + 3, 50667 Köln, Germany - C
Köln-Blumenberg
Köln-Blumenberg, 50765 Köln, Germany - D
Köln-Dellbrück
Dellbrück, Diepeschrather Str., 51069 Köln, Germany - E
Köln-Holweide
Köln-Holweide, 51067 Köln, Germany - F
Köln Volkhovener Weg
Volkhovener Weg, 50767 Köln, Germany
Train companies
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Essen to Cologne by train
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the train ticket from Essen to Cologne?
The cheapest train tickets from Essen to Cologne start at $12. The average price for this train route is around $39. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Essen to Cologne?
The average train trip from Essen to Cologne takes 59m and covers 57 km. The quickest train gets you there in 46m and is operated by FlixTrain.
Which train operators serve the Essen to Cologne route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 37 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Essen to Cologne?
The earliest train from Essen to Cologne departs at 6:00am. The latest train departs at 9:22pm.
What is the best train operator from Essen to Cologne?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 reviews.
Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Essen to Cologne?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn EuroCity has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which train operator has the best on-time performance from Essen to Cologne?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Essen to Cologne?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Essen to Cologne was searched and found on Aug 13, 2026 with a price of $6To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Essen to Cologne, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $6 to $113 for a train ticket from Essen to Cologne based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $8 which is on 2026-08-14.
