Exploring Europe: Amsterdam To Cologne Distance Revealed

Cologne is a major German city located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, about 150 miles (240 kilometres) southeast of Amsterdam. The distance between the two cities is a relatively short 165 miles or 266 kilometres by road, and there are several ways to travel between them.

Travel by train

Cologne is located around 150-165 miles or 240-266 kilometres from Amsterdam. The best way to travel between the two cities is by train. This is because travelling by train is both fast and affordable. The journey from Amsterdam Central Station to Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) takes approximately 2 hours and 30-40 minutes. The train is jointly operated by DB (German Railways) and NS (Dutch Railways).

The cheapest one-way ticket price for Amsterdam-Cologne in 2nd class is €20. This is the Supersparpreis Europa fare which is only valid on the particular departure time selected and is non-changeable and non-refundable. It can easily be found when booking 2-6 months in advance. There are more flexible fares available, such as the Sparpreis Europa fare from €25 one-way, which is changeable/refundable for a fee and includes a ticket for Cologne public transport. The fully-flexible Flexpreis fare starts from €81 one-way and also includes the public transport ticket.

1st class Amsterdam-Cologne one-way fares start from €32 (the non-changeable Supersparpreis Europa 1st class), from €39 (Sparpreis Europa 1st class, changeable/refundable for a fee) and from €139 (Flexpreis full-flex fare).

You can book your train tickets on the NS International site (euros) or the Trainline site (multi-currencies).

Travel by bus

Traveling by bus from Amsterdam to Cologne is a convenient and affordable option, with a journey time of around 4 to 5 hours. There are several direct bus services that operate between the two cities, providing a comfortable and scenic journey. Here is some detailed information to help you plan your bus trip from Amsterdam to Cologne:

Bus Operators and Journey Duration

The main bus operators offering direct services between Amsterdam and Cologne include FlixBus and Eurolines. These companies provide regular daily departures, with FlixBus usually offering more frequent trips. The journey time can vary slightly depending on traffic conditions and the time of day, but on average, it takes between 4 and 5 hours. It is always a good idea to check the latest schedules on the official websites of these bus operators, as timings may change.

Departure Points and Arrival Stations

In Amsterdam, buses to Cologne typically depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk, which is a major transport hub located on the western edge of the city. This station is easily accessible by public transport, with metro and bus connections available. Alternatively, some buses may depart from Amsterdam Duivendrecht, another transport hub located southeast of the city center. In Cologne, buses from Amsterdam arrive at the Cologne Airport or the main Cologne Bus Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof). The Cologne Bus Station is situated close to the city center, making it convenient for onward travel.

Booking Tickets

You can usually book your bus tickets online in advance through the websites of the respective bus operators. FlixBus, for example, offers an easy online booking system where you can select your preferred journey time and date. It is generally recommended to book in advance to secure your seat, especially during peak travel times or holidays. When booking, you will typically need to provide your travel dates, departure, and arrival points, as well as any preferences for seating.

Onboard Experience

The buses operating between Amsterdam and Cologne are usually modern, comfortable coaches with reclining seats, air conditioning, and ample legroom. Onboard services can vary between operators, but you can generally expect free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a toilet. Some buses may also offer light snacks and drinks for purchase. It is advisable to bring your own entertainment, such as books, music, or a laptop, to make the journey more enjoyable.

In summary, traveling by bus from Amsterdam to Cologne offers a comfortable, affordable, and scenic journey. With regular direct services provided by reputable bus operators, you can easily plan your trip and book tickets online. The approximately 4 to 5-hour journey time makes it a convenient option, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the countryside views as you travel between these two fantastic cities.

Travel by plane

Although there are no direct flights between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN), it is possible to fly between the two cities with a layover. For example, you can take a Eurowings flight from Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) with a layover at Hamburg Airport (HAM). The initial flight time is 55 minutes, and the connecting flight time is 58 minutes. However, when you factor in the time to get to and from the airport, check-in, and wait for your flight, the total travel time can be around 8 hours.

Another option is to fly with KLM Cityhopper, which offers flights between Amsterdam and Cologne in just one hour. However, this option can be expensive and may not save you much time when you consider the time spent travelling to and from the airport.

Alternative Travel Options

If you're looking for a more affordable and convenient option, travelling by train is recommended. The train journey from Amsterdam Central Station to Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) takes around 2 hours and 30-40 minutes, and tickets start at just €20. The modern ICE International trains offer centre-to-centre convenience, comfortable seating, free WiFi, and power outlets.

Alternatively, you can travel by bus. International coach services, such as Flixbus, offer trips from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to the Cologne area in 3 to 5 hours, with fares starting at €13. Bus travel is affordable, but it is slower than both plane and train travel.

Travel by car

The road distance between Amsterdam and Cologne is approximately 262 kilometres (162.9 miles) and the drive usually takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

If you're looking for a flexible mode of transport, driving is a good option as it allows you to stop at any number of destinations during the trip. There are many small, quaint towns that line the route between the two cities.

To make your journey as clear as possible, you can visit ViaMichelin.com to locate detailed directions and calculate trip costs.

Travel by night train

The distance between Amsterdam and Cologne is 257 km, and the road distance is 262.2 km. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by train, which takes 2 hours and 31 minutes and costs $30-$75. There are 7 ways to get from Amsterdam to Cologne, including by train, bus, plane, rideshare, night train, or car.

The night train from Amsterdam Centraal to Koeln Messe/Deutz is one of the 7 ways to get from Amsterdam to Cologne. The night train is a direct train that takes approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes to arrive at your destination. The train travels a distance of 214 kilometres.

The night train is a great option for those who want to save time and money. The train ride is approximately 30 minutes faster than the bus and is also half the price of the regular train. The night train is also a good option for those who want to avoid the hassle of transferring between different modes of transport.

The night train from Amsterdam to Cologne usually departs around 06:15 on weekdays and around 06:08 on weekends. The last departure is usually around 20:30. There are about 36 trains operating between the two cities every day, leaving approximately every 3 minutes.

Tickets for the night train start at $22.50 for a single trip. You can book your tickets online through various platforms, such as Omio and Rail Europe. It is recommended to book your trip in advance to secure the most economical fares.

The night train is a comfortable and convenient way to travel between Amsterdam and Cologne. The train has modern amenities, and the journey is relatively fast, making it a good option for those who want to save time and money.

Frequently asked questions