Travel Guide: Cologne To Düsseldorf

Travelling from Düsseldorf to Cologne is a popular route with several transport options available. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by train, with the journey taking between 18 and 30 minutes. There are direct trains available, with services departing every 15 minutes. The first train from Düsseldorf is scheduled to depart at around 04:57 on weekdays and 04:39 on weekends. The last departure is usually at around 23:27. Tickets for the train start from $3.

You can also travel by bus, rideshare, taxi, or car. The bus takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets costing between $3 and $40.

Travel by train

Getting to the station

All trains from Cologne to Düsseldorf depart from Cologne Hbf station, so you'll need to make your way there before your journey. Cologne Hbf is located just a few minutes' walk from the city centre, where you'll find plenty of attractions, including the stunning cathedral and the Chocolate Museum.

Buying tickets

You can buy your train tickets online, at the ticket vending machines at the station, or from a ticket office. Tickets for the Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express start at $24, while tickets for the RE1(RRX) regional train are cheaper at $3.

The journey

The fastest way to get from Cologne to Düsseldorf is by train, with the journey taking just 23 minutes on average. There are also slightly slower regional trains that take around 30 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes, so you won't be waiting long for the next one.

Arriving in Düsseldorf

When you arrive at Düsseldorf Hbf, you can easily get to the city centre and its attractions, including the Düsseldorf Palace and the Rhine embankment. Düsseldorf Airport is also just a short distance from the station, so it's easy to get to and from the airport by train.

Travel by bus

If you're travelling from Cologne to Düsseldorf by bus, you can choose from several bus companies, including FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Sindbad, Infobus, RegioJet, and MarinoBus.

The journey from Cologne to Düsseldorf by bus covers an approximate distance of 22 miles (35 km). There are two main departure points in Cologne: Fernbusbahnhof/Hbf Worringer Str. 140 and Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 14. The bus will arrive at the Düsseldorf Hbf station.

The bus journey takes approximately 50 minutes, and there are two services per day. Tickets cost between $2 and $21.

Travel by rideshare

Ridesharing is a great option for travelling from Cologne to Düsseldorf, especially if you want to avoid public transportation or don't have a driver's licence. It's also a very affordable choice, with prices starting at €3 for the trip.

To find ridesharing options, you can check out Blablacar's carpooling service, which connects drivers and passengers for rides between the two cities. This service is ideal if you're looking for a cost-effective and flexible way to travel.

When using ridesharing services, it's important to consider the cost and your own safety. While ridesharing can be convenient and affordable, it's always good to use reputable services and exercise caution when travelling with strangers.

In terms of the journey itself, the distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is approximately 25 miles, and the trip usually takes around 45 to 49 minutes. This makes it a relatively quick option for travelling between the two cities.

So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly and time-efficient way to get from Cologne to Düsseldorf, ridesharing is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to plan ahead, compare prices, and use a trusted platform like Blablacar to find your ride.

Travel by taxi

If you're looking for a direct and comfortable way to travel from Cologne to Düsseldorf, taking a taxi is a great option. Here's everything you need to know about travelling by taxi between these two German cities:

Distance and Duration

The distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is approximately 24 to 30 miles (38 to 47.5 kilometres), depending on the specific route taken. The taxi ride typically takes around 36 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi Fares and Booking Options

The cost of a one-way taxi ride from Cologne to Düsseldorf ranges from €90 to €110, and the fare is calculated using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. To save money, you can book your taxi ride in advance, as rates may vary unless booked ahead of time. Additionally, some taxi companies offer apps that allow you to book a ride, providing convenience and a fixed fare similar to a regular taxi fare.

Advantages of Taking a Taxi

Travelling by taxi offers several advantages. Firstly, taxis are available 24/7 and provide door-to-door service, ensuring a comfortable and direct journey. Secondly, taxis are a safe option, especially if you're travelling with children or heavy luggage. Additionally, taxi drivers are often knowledgeable about the area and can offer tips and recommendations during your ride.

Finding a Taxi

You can easily find taxi ranks at both Cologne Bonn Airport and Düsseldorf International Airport. At Cologne Bonn Airport, the taxi stands are located directly in front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. At Düsseldorf International Airport, the official taxi ranks are just outside the arrivals exit doors.

Tips and Payment Methods

While tipping is not expected, it is always appreciated by taxi drivers. Most travellers round up their fare to the nearest higher amount. Regarding payment methods, it's important to note that not all taxi drivers accept card payments, so it's best to check with your driver beforehand.

Other Transportation Options

Besides taking a taxi, you also have the option of travelling by train or driving yourself. The train offers a more cost-effective option, with tickets ranging from €11.70 to €14 for a one-way trip. However, the train journey may involve changes and can take longer than a direct taxi ride. Alternatively, driving yourself provides flexibility, but you'll need to navigate the roads and find parking at your destination.

Travel by car

The road distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is approximately 24 miles or 29.5 miles if you are travelling from Düsseldorf Airport. The drive should take around 26 minutes depending on traffic.

If you are travelling from Düsseldorf Airport, follow the signs to the Skytrain which will take you to the airport train station. From there, you can drive to Cologne.

If you are travelling from the centre of Düsseldorf, follow the A57 and A3 to Köln to reach Cologne.

Frequently asked questions