How much is the train ticket from Essen to Cologne?

The cheapest train tickets from Essen to Cologne start from $10. The average price for this train route is around $23. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Essen to Cologne?

The average train ride duration from Essen to Cologne is 51m, covering a distance of 36 miles (57 km). The quickest train can get you there in 48m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE .

Which train operators service the Essen to Cologne route?

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

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Essen to Cologne?

The earliest train departs from Essen to Cologne at 6:00am. And the latest train departs at 8:50pm.

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 most timely service from Essen to Cologne?

According to Busbud traveler reviews, the most timely 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 traveler 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 $6 | Refundable Tickets

Previously seen trips

Next departures for Essen to Cologne on January 29
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	Train	8:56am	Essen Central Train Station	50m	9:46am	Hbf	No tags
	Train	4:03pm	Essen Central Train Station	54m	4:57pm	Hbf	No tags
Deutsche Bahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE	Train	4:21pm	Essen Central Train Station	58m	5:19pm	Hbf	No tags
	Train	4:55pm	HBF	51m	5:46pm	Hbf	No tags
	Train	5:07pm	Essen Central Train Station	53m	6:00pm	Hbf	No tags

Compare 3 ways to go 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 $5, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3carpool per day

50mAverage Duration

37 milesDistance

2kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$6 - $15	Average Duration1h 45m	CO₂ emissions 2kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$10 - $36	Average Duration51m	CO₂ emissions 1kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$5 - $12	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

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

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.

June 25, 2025

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling 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 from $10. The average price for this train route is around $23. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Essen to Cologne?
The average train ride duration from Essen to Cologne is 51m, covering a distance of 36 miles (57 km). The quickest train can get you there in 48m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.
Which train operators service the Essen to Cologne route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 18 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Essen to Cologne?
The earliest train departs from Essen to Cologne at 6:00am. And the latest train departs at 8:50pm.
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 most timely service from Essen to Cologne?
According to Busbud traveler reviews, the most timely 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 traveler 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.