How much does a cheap train ticket from Essen to Cologne cost?

The average train ticket price from Essen to Cologne is R 400. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Essen to Cologne is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the train trip from Essen to Cologne?

A train trip between Essen and Cologne is around 56m, although the fastest train will take about 45m. This is the time it takes to travel the 57 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between Essen and Cologne?

The number of trains from Essen to Cologne can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 21. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Essen to Cologne by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Essen to Cologne?

When taking the train from Essen to Cologne, you can travel comfortably and safely with Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn.

What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Essen to Cologne?

Trains travelling between Essen and Cologne leave from HBF or Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit and arrive at Hbf, Cologne/Bonn Airport, Köln-Blumenberg.

Train Essen to Cologne from R 136 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Essen to Cologne on 17 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	20:50	HBF	52m	21:42	Hbf	Cheapest
Train	12:50	HBF	49m	13:39	Hbf	Fastest
Train	18:03	HBF	50m	18:53	Hbf	No tags
Train	12:03	HBF	1h 10m	13:13	Cologne	No tags

Next departures from Essen to Cologne on 21 November
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	Train	06:00	Essen Central Train Station	47m	06:47	Cologne Messe/Deutz	Cheapest
	Train	18:00	Essen Central Train Station	45m	18:45	Cologne Messe/Deutz	Fastest
	Train	12:03	HBF	50m	12:53	Hbf	No tags
	Train	06:00	Essen Central Train Station	47m	06:47	Cologne Messe/Deutz	No tags
Deutsche Bahn ICE + S-Bahn	Train	06:00	Essen Central Train Station	59m	06:59	Hbf	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 7:29 PM CET.

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 42, 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 94 - R 441	Average duration1h 45m	CO₂ emissions 2kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 148 - R 1 435	Average duration56m	CO₂ emissions 1kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 42 - R 158	Average duration50m	CO₂ emissions 2kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Deutsche Bahn ICE

4/510 reviews

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness5

FlixTrain

3/516 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness2.7

Cleanliness4

WiFi1.3

Deutsche Bahn

4/56 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness3.4

WiFi3.4

Deutsche Bahn EuroCity

5/51 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

WiFi5

FlixBus

3.5/511 328 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Based on 11328 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the temperature but often complained with the Wi-Fi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at R 93

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

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

Stops in Essen

A - HBF

B - Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit

Stops in Cologne

A - Hbf

B - Cologne/Bonn Airport

C - Köln-Blumenberg

D - Köln-Dellbrück

E - Köln-Holweide

F - Köln Volkhovener Weg

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Essen to Cologne by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Essen to Cologne cost?
The average train ticket price from Essen to Cologne is R 400. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Essen to Cologne is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the train trip from Essen to Cologne?
A train trip between Essen and Cologne is around 56m, although the fastest train will take about 45m. This is the time it takes to travel the 57 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Essen and Cologne?
The number of trains from Essen to Cologne can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 21. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Essen to Cologne by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Essen to Cologne?
When taking the train from Essen to Cologne, you can travel comfortably and safely with Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn.
What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Essen to Cologne?
Trains travelling between Essen and Cologne leave from HBF or Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit and arrive at Hbf, Cologne/Bonn Airport, Köln-Blumenberg.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

14/11

R 157

15/11

R 167

Today

No data

17/11

R 136

18/11

No data

19/11

No data

20/11

No data

21/11

R 136

The cheapest trip from Essen to Cologne was searched and found on 17 Nov 2025 with a price of R 136

To 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 R 136 to R 1 481 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 R 136, which is on 2025-11-17.