Exploring Germany: Cologne And Düsseldorf's Close Proximity

Düsseldorf and Cologne are two German cities that are relatively close to each other. The distance between the two cities is approximately 21 to 26 miles, depending on the mode of transportation. The distance by air is 21 miles, while the road distance is 24.6 to 26 miles.

There are several ways to travel between Düsseldorf and Cologne, including by train, bus, rideshare, taxi, or car. The train journey takes around 21 to 33 minutes, while driving takes about 26 to 37 minutes. The train is the quickest and most convenient option, with frequent departures and a travel time of just 21 minutes.

Both cities offer unique experiences and attractions for visitors. Cologne is known for its stunning cathedral, the Kölner Dom, which is the most visited sight in Germany. It also has a busy shopping street and a vibrant nightlife. Düsseldorf, on the other hand, boasts the Königsallee, the most splendid shopping boulevard in Germany. It also has a modern art gallery and is known for its lively bars, cafes, and restaurants along the Rhine promenade.

Travel time and distance

The distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is approximately 21 to 25 miles. The road distance is 24.6 miles. The flight distance is 21 miles or 34 km.

The train journey time between the two cities is around 21 to 33 minutes and covers a distance of around 25 miles. The train service is operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, National Express, Deutsche Bahn Regional, and others. Typically, 1634 trains run weekly, although schedules can vary on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to check in advance.

The fastest train from Düsseldorf to Cologne takes 22 minutes, while the average duration is 27 minutes. There are 7 trains that depart from Düsseldorf to Cologne every day, with 7 travelling directly.

The cheapest way to travel between the two cities is by ridesharing, which costs around $3 and takes 48 minutes. The quickest way to travel is by train, which costs $3 to $75 and takes 21 minutes.

The distance between the two cities can also be covered by bus. The direct bus from Cologne to Düsseldorf takes approximately 38 minutes.

The nonstop drive between Düsseldorf and Cologne takes around 37 minutes to cover a distance of 26 miles.

Transport options

The distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is around 21 to 25 miles, and there are several transport options to get from one city to the other. Here are some of the ways you can travel between the two:

By Train

The train is a popular option for travelling between Cologne and Düsseldorf, with frequent departures throughout the day. The journey time is around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of train. There are several train companies operating on this route, including Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, and others. The train journey is direct, and tickets can be purchased online or at the station. The cost of a train ticket ranges from $3 to $12 for a one-way trip.

By Bus

Taking the bus is another option for travelling between the two cities. There is a direct bus service that departs twice a week (on Wednesdays and Sundays) and takes approximately 38 minutes. The cost of a bus ticket is between $35 and $50.

By Car

You can also drive between Cologne and Düsseldorf. The driving distance is around 25 miles, and the drive typically takes around 25 to 37 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

By Plane

While not a typical option, if you happen to have access to a private jet, you could fly between the two cities. The flight distance is around 21 miles, and the flight time is approximately 33 minutes.

Things to do in Cologne

The distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is around 21 to 26 miles, with a road distance of 24.6 miles. The quickest way to travel between the two cities is by train, which takes around 21 to 23 minutes. Now, here are some things to do when you get to Cologne:

Cologne Cathedral

With its remarkable twin-spire church, Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most visited tourist attraction. Stand in awe under vaulted ceilings and admire the intricate stained glass. Don’t miss the mind-boggling ‘Richter-Fenster’ in the southern transept, a 106-square-metre window made up of 11,000 hand-blown glass panels in 72 different colours.

Ludwig Museum

Chocolatier and magnate Peter Ludwig gave his name to Cologne's most prominent collection of modern art. The renowned Ludwig Museum is home to the third-largest collection of Picasso works in the world and holds spectacular exhibitions. The Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra also shares the same building, making it one of the city’s cultural hubs.

Farina Fragrance Museum

The Fragrance Museum has been around since 1709 and is one of the oldest factories for fine perfumes in the world. The museum details the complex process behind every bottle of a signature scent.

Schokoladen Museum

Dig into the rich 5,000-year history of chocolate and learn how a humble jungle pod is turned into everyone's favourite sweet treat. For a more hands-on experience, head to the showcase chocolate fountain and dip in.

Cologne Botanical Garden

You’ll encounter some 12,000 plant species over the 5.5 hectares of Cologne’s lovingly maintained botanical gardens, conveniently located next to the huge city zoo. Follow your nose and you’ll end up at the lovely Dank Augusta garden café, where the coffee and cakes are a treat.

Claudius Therme

Cologne has many spas, but Claudius Therme on the banks of the Rhine is its most impressive, with indoor and outdoor areas where you can relax. Pools, saunas, steam rooms, sleeping zones – it’s a day of unadulterated relaxation. Remember to leave your bashfulness at the door, as clothes aren’t allowed.

Peter's Brauhaus

Come hungry for a traditional German dining experience at Peter's Brauhaus. From the Himmel un Äd (Sky and Earth) to the Kassler (smoked and boiled pork), meals are heavy on the meat and potatoes—rich, fatty, and delicious. Wash it all down with a crisp Kölsch, a distinctive golden beer brewed under strict historic provisions.

Things to do in Düsseldorf

The distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is around 21 miles or 34 kilometres. The quickest way to travel between the two cities is by train, which takes around 20 to 25 minutes.

Explore Old Town Düsseldorf

Old Town Düsseldorf (Altstadt) is well preserved and features elegant, charming Renaissance architecture. You can stroll around the cobbled streets and hear the local dialect, Düsseldorf Platt. See the impressive Old Town Hall, the Stadterhebungsmonument, and the Marktplatz, where you'll find the Town Hall and a large equestrian statue.

Visit Schloss Benrath

Schloss Benrath (Benrath Palace) is a Baroque palace built between 1756 and 1773. It features decadent interiors and is surrounded by huge parks and gardens. The palace is home to three museums focusing on 18th-century life, European garden art, and natural history.

Take a Cruise on the Rhine

The Rhine River flows through Düsseldorf, and there are several boat tours available. You can take a sightseeing cruise to learn about the city and the river's history or opt for a sunset cruise for a magical view of the city as twilight falls.

Climb the Rhine Tower (Rheinturm)

The Rhine Tower offers superb views of the city from its observation deck. At 172.5 metres (566 feet) above the ground, you can see for miles. There's also a restaurant and the world's largest digital clock, the Lichtzeitpegel.

Stroll Along Königsallee

Königsallee is one of Germany's ritziest shopping districts, comparable to Avenue Montaigne in Paris. This elegant street is lined with exclusive boutiques, designer clothing stores, luxury shopping arcades, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.

Visit the Museum Kunstpalast

The Museum Kunstpalast houses artwork dating from the 3rd century BC to the present day. You'll find fine art, sculptures, drawings, graphic art, photos, and applied art. They also host theatrical performances and classical concerts.

Explore the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden of Düsseldorf features plants from temperate climate zones, a domed hot house, a wildflower meadow, beehives, and an apothecary and Alpine garden. There are over 6,000 species of plants to discover.

Wander Through the Hofgarten

The Hofgarten is a large park north of Düsseldorf's city centre. Designed in the English landscape style, it features extensive meadows, wooded areas, streams, and ponds. You'll also find interesting sculptures and historic monuments, including the Märchenbrunnen and a sculpture by Henry Moore.

Discover the Neanderthal Museum

Just outside Düsseldorf, you can visit the Neanderthal Museum, where the first Neanderthal remains were discovered. The museum features life-like waxworks, an archaeological park, a Stone Age workshop reproduction, and artwork representing human evolution.

Transport costs

The cost of travelling between Düsseldorf and Cologne varies depending on the mode of transport chosen. The distance between the two cities is approximately 24 miles, and there are several options for making the journey.

One option is to travel by train. The train journey takes around 20-33 minutes and costs between $3 and $75. There are several train companies that operate this route, including Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, FlixTrain, and National Express.

Another option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes around 38 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes, and costs between $35 and $50. National Express is one of the bus companies that offer this service.

For a more flexible option, you can also consider a taxi or a rideshare. The taxi journey will take around 26 minutes and costs around EUR 104.00. Ridesharing is a more affordable option, costing around $3 and taking about 48-49 minutes.

Finally, you can also drive your own car between Düsseldorf and Cologne. The drive takes around 26-37 minutes to cover the 24-mile distance.

Frequently asked questions