How To Travel Amsterdam to Cologne (2026)

Amsterdam to Cologne travel is possible by train or coach.

Cologne (Köln) is a major city in Germany and is located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. It is around 230km south-east in distance from Amsterdam and is known as Keulen in Dutch.

[1] Amsterdam-Cologne by Train (recommended)

The best way to travel between Amsterdam and Cologne is by rail. Travel by train gives you centre-to-centre convenience, no check-in or security lines and a regular direct train service.

It can be easily booked using the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) or the NS International site (euros) orwith prices starting at just €20 one-way.

For more info and details about the ICE train service see our complete guide here: Amsterdam to Frankfurt by ICE Train

Modern ICE trains (ICE3neo 408 variants, deployed in summer 2024) run up to 6-7x daily from Amsterdam Central Station to Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Hbf).

The journey takes from 2 hours 40 minutes. The train is jointly operated by DB (German Railways) and NS (Dutch Railways).

Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) is next to the imposing Cologne cathedral (Kölner Dom) and close to the banks of the river Rhine.

The ICE train makes stops in Utrecht Central and Arnhem Central in the Netherlands then crosses the Dutch-German border at Emmerich. On the German side it stops at Oberhausen, Duisburg and Düsseldorf before arriving in Cologne. It continues onward to Frankfurt.

Amsterdam-Cologne train ticket fares

Booking for Amsterdam-Cologne rail fares open 180 days before travel.

The Amsterdam-Cologne ICE train has 2nd class and 1st class tickets with the following possible fare components:

• Supersparpreis Europa – only valid on a specific departure and non-changeable/non-refundable. CHEAPEST
• Sparpreis Europa – a mid-flex fare only valid on a specific departure but which is changeable and refundable for a fee.
• Flexpreis Europa – a fully-flexible fare with unrestricted choice of trains and includes a City ticket for Berlin public transport. EXPENSIVE

For Amsterdam-Cologne the cheapest one-way fare buckets are:

• €19.99 (2nd class) and €29.99 (1st class) for Supersparpreis Europa
  
• €24.99 (2nd class) and €34.99 (1st class) for Sparpreis Europa
• €76 (2nd class) and €134 (1st class) for Flexpreis Europa

As you get closer to the departure date the cheaper fares will tend to sell out and you may only find higher fares available.

Children 0-4 always travel free. In addition children ages 4-14 can travel free with any standard adult passenger on a (Super) Sparpreis fare – though you must include the child on your ticket when booking.

ICE (Amsterdam-Cologne) train seats

2nd class on the ICE has a 2-2 seat configuration. There is a special 5 seat family compartment (2nd class) available with adjacent baby changing facilities. A 2nd class seat reservation costs €5.50 extra and is recommended.

In the summer (June to August) seat reservations are mandatory for international travel and are freely included with your ticket.

Luggage racks on the ICE trains can accommodate small and medium size bags. In the middle of standard 2nd class carriages you can also find a larger luggage rack.

1st class has seating in a 1-2 configuration. 1st class carriages can also have a smaller ‘quiet zone’ compartments. A 1st class reservation costs €6.90 though full-flex tickets include this.

In our opinion, both the 1st and 2nd class seats on the ICE are extremely comfortable.

Free WiFi is available to all passengers and there are power outlets accessible from each seat.

The ICE trains have a Bordrestaurant carriage serving hot meals at extra charge. 1st class passengers can order and get served at their seats.

Those with a full-flex 1st class ticket can access the DB lounge at Cologne station; any international 1st class ticket holders can access the NS International lounge at Amsterdam Central.

With reasonable prices, a quick journey time, comfort and convenience we highly recommend the ICE train for travel between Amsterdam and Cologne.

How to book online: Amsterdam-Cologne train tickets can be booked at the Trainline site here or at the NS International site

When searching for trains try to stick with the direct ICE trains which require no changes. There are other longer options such as Amsterdam-Brussels-Cologne by Eurostar/ICE trains or taking Intercity/regional trains with various changes.

Also see: Amsterdam-Dusseldorf travel options

[2] Amsterdam-Cologne by Coach

The coach is the cheapest travel option between Amsterdam and the Cologne area but with travel time longer than the train. The journey should take 4-6 hours.

• Flixbus operates multiple Amsterdam-Cologne direct coach services daily
• The main coach stop in Amsterdam is at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station
• Note, Flixbus serves Cologne airport – not central Cologne
• Fares start at €14 one-way
• Flixbus allows 1 checked bag which is stowed in the luggage compartment
• It also allows 1 item of small hand baggage

Also note that Flixbus operates a FlixTrain rail service between Duisburg/Düsseldorf and Cologne Hbf. When searching for Amsterdam-Cologne fares this train component may be offered as a connection.

Czech bus operator RegioJet has a daily bus service between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Prague which makes a stop at Cologne-Bonn airport. The journey time is around 5-6 hours and one-way fares start at €15.

[3] Amsterdam-Cologne Flights

There are no direct flights between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Cologne-Bonn airport (CGN).

Amsterdam Resources

Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.

The I Amsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your I Amsterdam City Card online here

Cologne Resources

In Cologne you can book your hotel with Booking.com here. For a selection of tours and attractions in Cologne book with GetYourGuide here

As Germany and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement you do not normally need to go through a passport control check when travelling between Amsterdam and Cologne. However, temporary checks could sometimes be in place.

This article was originally published in 2019. Last checked and updated 28 January 2026.

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