Travel Guide: The Hague To Cologne

There are several ways to get from The Hague, Netherlands to Cologne, Germany. The distance between the two cities is approximately 138-140 miles (223 km) and you can travel by bus, train, car or plane. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 50 minutes, but the cheapest way is by bus, which costs on average $12 (€11).

Travel by train

Travelling by train is a great way to get from The Hague to Cologne. The journey is around 223 kilometres, and the fastest trains take around 2 hours and 47 minutes. On average, there are about 69 trains per day, leaving approximately every 13 minutes. The first train from The Hague is usually around 05:15 or 05:23, and the last departure is usually around 00:55.

The train from The Hague to Cologne will involve at least one change, usually in Utrecht. The journey will cost from $23.29 upwards for a standard class ticket, and you can book in advance with Trainline. You can also book with Omio, Rail Europe, or Rome2Rio.

Deutsche Bahn is a popular train company for this route and offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and night trains. FlixBus is another popular, low-cost option, offering standard tickets with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, extra legroom, and luggage space.

Travel by bus

FlixBus offers a direct service from The Hague to Cologne, with 7 buses per day. The journey takes a minimum of 5 hours and 10 minutes, with 5 stops along the way. The route covers a distance of 177 miles.

The Hague Central Bus Station is the departure point for the FlixBus service, with buses leaving from the international bus stop at level +1 of the bus station of Den Haag Centraal.

Upon arrival in Cologne, buses stop at Cologne Airport CGN (Terminal 2), Leverkusen Mitte station, and Cologne East (Bergisch Gladbach, Refrath).

FlixBus tickets start at $18.99, with an average price of $46.99. Booking in advance and outside of busy travel periods can help secure the lowest fares.

FlixBus offers comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets on board. Each passenger can bring one carry-on and one checked bag.

An alternative bus option is provided by Union Ivkoni, with buses departing from The Hague Central Bus Station and arriving at Cologne via Duisburg Hbf. This journey takes approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes.

Travel by car

The driving distance between The Hague and Cologne is around 174-177 miles, and the journey should take approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes to 3 hours and 2 minutes.

• Drive for about 50 minutes, then stop in Utrecht and stay for about 1 hour.
• Next, drive for another 51 minutes, then stop at the Netherlands Open Air Museum and stay for 1 hour.
• Drive for 50 minutes, then stop in Winterswijk and stay for 1 hour.
• Drive for 54 minutes, then stop in Duisburg and stay for 1 hour.
• Finally, drive for about 47 minutes and arrive in Cologne.

Travel by plane

To get from The Hague to Cologne by plane, you will first need to take a train from Den Haag Centraal to Schiphol Airport. From there, you can take a flight from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Dusseldorf (DUS). The flight duration is around 50 minutes. After arriving at Dusseldorf, take the train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Messe/Deutz.

The total journey time for this option is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including transfers. The price for this route starts from $212 (€183).

Travel times and schedules

The journey from The Hague to Cologne can be made by train, bus, or car. Each mode of transport offers different travel times and schedules to suit various preferences and budgets. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

Trains provide a direct and comfortable option for traveling between The Hague and Cologne. The average journey time by train is around 3 hours and 30 minutes, but it can vary slightly depending on the specific departure time and route. There are usually several daily departures, with more frequent options during peak travel times. The train schedule tends to be consistent throughout the week, offering departures in the morning, afternoon, and early evening.

For those who prefer a more economical option, buses are also available for this route. The travel time by bus is generally longer, ranging from 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops along the way. Bus schedules can vary, with some direct options and others requiring a transfer. It's important to check the departure times, as they may be less frequent than train departures.

Driving from The Hague to Cologne offers flexibility and the potential for scenic detours. The direct driving distance is approximately 270 kilometers, and the travel time is typically around 3 to 4 hours without any significant stops or traffic delays. This option allows you to set your own schedule and make detours or sightseeing stops along the way if desired. Keep in mind that traffic conditions can impact your travel time, especially during peak hours or in case of any road incidents.

When planning your trip, it's advisable to check the latest schedules and departure times, as they can vary slightly between different transport providers and days of the week. Additionally, consider any potential delays or disruptions that could affect your journey, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays. Allowing for some flexibility in your schedule is always a good idea when traveling between The Hague and Cologne.

Frequently asked questions