How much is the train ticket from Essen to Cologne?

The cheapest train tickets from Essen to Cologne start from R 149. The average price for this train route is around R 374. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Essen to Cologne?

The average train journey time from Essen to Cologne is 51m, covering a distance of 57 km. The quickest train can get you there in 48m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE .

Which train operators serve the Essen to Cologne route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 18 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE , FlixTrain , Deutsche Bahn , Deutsche Bahn EuroCity , FlixBus .

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Essen to Cologne?

The earliest train from Essen to Cologne departs at 06:00. And the latest train departs at 20:50.

Which 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 highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

Which train operator offers the most punctual service 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.

Train Essen to Cologne from R 88 | Refundable Tickets

Previously seen journeys

Next departures from Essen to Cologne on 29 January
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	Train	08:56	Essen Central Train Station	50m	09:46	Hbf	No tags
	Train	16:03	Essen Central Train Station	54m	16:57	Hbf	No tags
Deutsche Bahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE	Train	16:21	Essen Central Train Station	58m	17:19	Hbf	No tags
	Train	16:55	HBF	51m	17:46	Hbf	No tags
	Train	17:07	Essen Central Train Station	53m	18:00	Hbf	No tags

Compare 3 ways to travel from Essen to Cologne

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cologne. The journey takes about 50 minutes and with fares starting at just R 78, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3carpool per day

50mAverage duration

59 kmDistance

2kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 97 - R 229	Average duration1h 45m	CO₂ emissions 2kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 149 - R 583	Average duration51m	CO₂ emissions 1kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 78 - R 195	Average duration50m	CO₂ emissions 2kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Essen and Cologne?

Essen

A
HBF
Am Hauptbahnhof 27, 45127 Essen, Germany
Visit page
B
Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit
Freiheit 5A, 45127 Essen, Germany
Visit page

Cologne

A
Hbf
Bahnsteig Gleis 2 + 3, 50667 Köln, Germany
Visit page
B
Cologne/Bonn Airport
Visit page
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

Deutsche Bahn ICE

3.5/513 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness5

WiFi5

FlixTrain

3/522 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness3.2

WiFi1.8

Deutsche Bahn

4/58 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness3

Cleanliness3.8

WiFi3.2

Deutsche Bahn EuroCity

5/51 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

WiFi5

FlixBus

3.5/512 162 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Based on 12162 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the temperature but often complained about the Wi-Fi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at R 87

Flixbus Essen Cologne recent customer reviews

My flight was @ 14:20 and I saw 10: 50 to cologne airport, but after buying it I changed to 22:50. I wasted my money yesterday, I never use flix bus yesterday anymore

Ehichioya Austine E.

25 June 2025

DE train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, Deutsche Bahn ICE, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Essen to Cologne by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ 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 from R 149. The average price for this train route is around R 374. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Essen to Cologne?
The average train journey time from Essen to Cologne is 51m, covering a distance of 57 km. The quickest train can get you there in 48m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.
Which train operators serve the Essen to Cologne route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 18 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, FlixBus.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Essen to Cologne?
The earliest train from Essen to Cologne departs at 06:00. And the latest train departs at 20:50.
Which 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 highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which train operator offers the most punctual service 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.