A Scenic Drive: Cologne To Amsterdam

how many hours driving from cologne to amsterdam

The distance between Cologne and Amsterdam is around 150-165 miles, or 240-266 kilometres, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 42 minutes.

Characteristics Values
Driving Distance 160-165 miles
Driving Time 2 hours, 30 minutes - 2 hours, 42 minutes
Flight Distance 133 miles
Flight Time 46 minutes

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Travel time and distance

The distance between Cologne and Amsterdam is approximately 150 miles (240 kilometres) to 165 miles (266 kilometres) by road. The driving time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 42 minutes.

The fastest way to get to Amsterdam from Cologne is by plane, which takes around 50 minutes in the air. However, when you factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airport, as well as check-in and security, the total travel time is around 8 hours.

Taking a train is a popular option for this journey. The train from Cologne to Amsterdam Centraal takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours. There are direct trains available, as well as trains with changes. The cheapest one-way ticket price for this route in second class is €20, but there are more flexible fares available for a higher price. First-class fares start from €32 one-way.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cologne to Amsterdam. The journey by bus takes at least 3 hours and 45 minutes. The cheapest bus tickets cost around €13 one-way.

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Transport options

The distance between Amsterdam and Cologne is approximately 160 miles (240-260 km). There are several transport options to get from Amsterdam to Cologne, including:

By Plane

Flights are available from Amsterdam to Cologne, with prices starting at $59 for a one-way trip. However, there are currently no direct flights between the two cities, and flying is the most expensive and time-consuming option when you consider check-in times and travel to and from the airport.

By Train

The train is a fast and affordable option to travel between Amsterdam and Cologne, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours and 30-40 minutes. The train fare ranges from $30 to $75, and tickets can be purchased online or at the station. It is recommended to book your trip in advance for the most economical fares.

By Bus

Buses are also available between Amsterdam and Cologne, with prices ranging from $24 to $35. However, there are no direct buses, and the journey can take up to 4 hours and 45 minutes, including transfers.

By Car

Driving from Amsterdam to Cologne offers the flexibility to make stops along the way and explore the small towns that line the route. The drive typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance of about 160 miles (240-260 km).

By Rideshare

Ridesharing is the cheapest option, with prices ranging from $18 to $20. However, it is also the slowest option, with a travel time of about 3 hours and 17 minutes.

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Train travel

There are frequent services, with approximately 36 trains travelling between the two cities per day, departing every three to four hours. The first train leaving Amsterdam on weekdays is usually scheduled to depart at around 6:15 am, with the last train leaving at 8:30 pm. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves at around 6:08 am, with the final departure at 8:30 pm.

The train from Amsterdam to Cologne is direct, departing from Amsterdam Centraal station and arriving at Cologne Hauptbahnhof station, which is located right in the city centre next to the cathedral. In between, the train makes stops in Utrecht and Arnhem in the Netherlands, before crossing the border and stopping at Oberhausen, Duisburg and Dusseldorf in Germany.

The cheapest one-way ticket price for this route in 2nd class is €20, or $22.50. This is a non-refundable ticket for a specific departure time. More flexible fares are available, with prices increasing to around €81, or $40.50, for a fully flexible ticket. First-class fares start from €32. Booking for this route opens 180 days before travel, and the earlier you book, the lower the price.

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Driving route

The driving distance between Cologne and Amsterdam is around 160 miles or 260 kilometres. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes without making any stops.

  • Dusseldorf – Drive for about 38 minutes (36.2 miles/58.3 kilometres) and spend an hour in this city, known for its art scene and fashion industry.
  • Essen – After Dusseldorf, drive for 36 minutes (28.6 miles/46 kilometres) and spend an hour in Essen, famous for its industrial history and the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine.
  • Xanten – Get back on the road for 44 minutes (34.8 miles/56 kilometres) and take an hour to explore Xanten, a town known for its archaeological park, the Archaeological Park of Xanten, which features reconstructed Roman buildings.
  • Netherlands Open Air Museum – Drive for 49 minutes (43.5 miles/70 kilometres) and spend an hour at this museum, which showcases various historical buildings and traditional crafts.
  • Amersfoort – Your final stop before Amsterdam, Amersfoort is a 38-minute drive (36.2 miles/58.3 kilometres) from the museum. Explore this medieval city for about an hour before heading to your final destination.

Finally, drive for about 41 minutes (31.1 miles/50 kilometres) to reach Amsterdam. The total travel time for this road trip itinerary is around 4 hours.

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Cost of travel

The cost of travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne varies depending on the mode of transport and the time of year. The distance between the two cities is approximately 160 miles, and there are several ways to travel between them. Here is a breakdown of the costs for each option:

Train

The train is a popular option for travelling between Amsterdam and Cologne, with several train companies offering this route. The cheapest train tickets can be found for as low as $23, with the average price being around $58. The journey takes around 3 hours. It is recommended to book your trip in advance to get the best fares.

Bus

Taking the bus between Amsterdam and Cologne is another option. FlixBus operates this route and offers tickets starting at $24. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Plane

Although it is possible to fly between Amsterdam and Cologne, this option is usually the most expensive and time-consuming when factoring in travel to and from the airport. The cheapest one-way flight is currently $182, and the flight time is around 10 hours with a stopover.

Car

Finally, driving between Amsterdam and Cologne gives you the flexibility to stop at any number of destinations along the way. The road distance is approximately 163 miles, and the drive takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Keep in mind that you will also need to budget for fuel and any tolls or parking fees.

In conclusion, there are several options for travelling between Amsterdam and Cologne, each with its own cost considerations. The cheapest options are usually the bus or ridesharing, while flying tends to be the most expensive. Booking in advance can often help secure lower fares, especially for train travel.

Frequently asked questions

It takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to drive from Cologne to Amsterdam.

The distance between Cologne and Amsterdam is 150 miles (240 km).

The fastest way to get from Cologne to Amsterdam is to drive, which takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Amsterdam is by rideshare, which costs around $18-26 and takes about 3 hours.

Yes, there are direct trains from Cologne to Amsterdam that take about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

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