Train from Essen to Cologne: Tickets & Schedules

Next train departures

Next departures for Essen to Cologne on March 21
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixtrainTrain
HBF
HbfCheapest
Deutsche Bahn ICETrain
Essen Central Train Station
HbfFastest
FlixtrainTrain
HBF
HbfNo tags
Deutsche Bahn ICETrain
Essen Central Train Station
Cologne Messe/DeutzNo tags
FlixtrainTrain
HBF
HbfNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:46 PM CET.

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 1 hour and with fares starting at just $5, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5carpool per day
1hAverage Duration
37 milesDistance
2kgCO₂ emissions
Average Price$6 - $33Average Duration1h 45m
2kg CO₂e
Average Price$10 - $44Average Duration51m
1kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average Price$5 - $13Average Duration1h
2kg CO₂e

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.

  1. 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 $24. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

  2. 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 38m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.

  3. Which train operators service the Essen to Cologne route?

    Several major train operators operate on this route with 16 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, FlixBus.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
03/14
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03/21
$7
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Essen to Cologne was searched and found on Mar 21, 2026 with a price of $7

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 $7 to $58 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 $7 which is on 2026-03-21.

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