Travel Guide: Trains From The Hague To Cologne

Trains from The Hague to Cologne cover a distance of around 138-139 miles (223 km) and take on average 2 hours 44 minutes to 4 hours 19 minutes. Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, FlixBus, and National Express are some of the train companies that operate this route. The cheapest tickets can be found for $23 (€20) when booked in advance, while same-day tickets average around $82. The first train from The Hague to Cologne usually departs around 5:15 or 5:23 am, and the last train leaves around 11:55 pm or 12:19 am.

The Hague to Cologne train times

There are no direct trains from The Hague to Cologne, and you will need to make at least one change. The average journey time is around 4 hours, with the fastest train taking 3 hours and 39 minutes. The first train leaves The Hague at 00:32, and the last train leaves at 23:55. On weekdays, the first train is scheduled to depart at around 05:23, and the last train is usually at 23:55. On Saturdays and Sundays, trains leave The Hague at around 05:15, with the last train leaving at around 00:55. There are approximately 34-68 trains per day.

The price of a train ticket from The Hague to Cologne starts at $15 (€13) when booked in advance. The average price is around $63 (€54), but prices can vary depending on the time of day, route, and class. The cheapest way to get from The Hague to Cologne is to take the bus, which costs $15-$40 and takes 4 hours and 42 minutes.

The Hague to Cologne train prices

There are a variety of prices for train tickets from The Hague to Cologne, with the cheapest tickets costing as little as $15 (€13) when booked with Deutsche Bahn. The average price of a train ticket for this journey is around $58 (€50), although prices can vary depending on the time of day, the class of travel, and how far in advance the ticket is booked. Tickets bought on the day of travel tend to be more expensive and can cost upwards of $65.

The best way to find cheap train tickets for this route is to book the journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling during rush hour. Booking 70-84 days in advance is recommended to find the best prices.

It is also worth noting that there are no direct trains from The Hague to Cologne, and all journeys will require at least one change. The average journey time is around 3-4 hours, but the fastest train takes 2 hours and 47 minutes.

The Hague to Cologne: direct trains

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from The Hague to Cologne. All train journeys between the two cities require at least one change. The journey takes between 2 hours 44 minutes and 4 hours 19 minutes, with an average journey time of 3 hours 40 minutes. The route covers a distance of approximately 138 to 139 miles (223 km).

Train Companies

Deutsche Bahn and VIAS Rail GmbH operate trains from The Hague to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn offers a range of services, including high-speed InterCity Express (ICE) trains, regional trains, and night trains.

Tickets

Single tickets start from $15 (€13) with Deutsche Bahn, and from $23 (€20) with VIAS Rail GmbH. The average ticket price is around $63 (€54). The cheapest tickets can be found for $23 (€19) when booked in advance.

Times

On weekdays, the first train from The Hague to Cologne departs at around 05:23, and the last train leaves at around 23:55. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train of the day leaves at around 05:15, and the final departure is at 00:55. There are approximately 68 trains per day, leaving every 13 minutes.

The Hague to Cologne: average journey time

The average journey time for the train from The Hague to Cologne is around 3 hours and 20 minutes, with the fastest train taking 2 hours and 47 minutes. The route covers a distance of approximately 138 to 139 miles (223 km).

There are normally 7 to 9 trains per day travelling from The Hague to Cologne, with around 68 trains per day on weekends. The first train leaving The Hague is scheduled to depart at around 5:23 a.m. on weekdays and 5:15 a.m. on weekends. The last departure is usually at around 11:55 p.m.

The train from The Hague to Cologne is not direct and usually involves one change. The price of a one-way ticket starts at $23 (€20) but can go up to $82 if bought on the day. The cheapest tickets can be found by booking your journey in advance and avoiding travel during rush hour.

The Hague to Cologne: things to do in Cologne

There are many things to do in Cologne, Germany, after taking the train from The Hague. Here is a list of attractions and activities to keep you occupied during your visit:

Cologne Cathedral

The Gothic Cologne Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to the city. With its towering spires, intricate stained glass, and intricate stained glass, it is a true work of art. The cathedral is the most visited landmark in Cologne and one of the tallest churches in the world. Its spires dominate the city's skyline and it is said that they saved the church from destruction during World War II as Allied pilots used them as a navigation point. Inside, you will find tall columns, ribbed ceilings, beautiful stained glass, paintings, statues, mosaic floors, and ironwork. The Shrine of the Three Kings, located behind the main altar, is said to hold the bones of the Three Wise Men in a large gold-covered sarcophagus.

Beer & Brewery Tours

Cologne has a rich beer culture, with the local brew known as Kölsch. There are many brewpubs in the city where you can sample this unique beer. The pubs have an old-world atmosphere, with waiters dressed in traditional costumes serving trays of Kölsch in narrow glasses called stanges. One such pub is Peters Brauhaus, which offers an authentic experience.

Hohenzollern Bridge

This historic bridge provides scenic views of the river and the cityscape, including the cathedral. It is adorned with half a million love locks, making it a romantic spot for a stroll.

Chocolate Museum

For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum is a must-visit. It showcases the past and present global story of cocoa and chocolate, with over 4,000 square meters of exhibition space.

NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

This museum provides an insightful look into Germany's past, particularly World War II, with an audio tour available for non-German speakers.

Historic Old Town

Cologne's Historic Old Town is full of colourful buildings, cobbled lanes, and a preserved cathedral. It offers a diverse range of dining and shopping options, with a resilient post-war ambiance.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

This impressive museum houses artwork spanning from the 13th to the 19th centuries, including pieces by masters such as Breugel, Monet, and Picasso.

Botanical Gardens Flora

These tranquil botanical gardens offer a diverse array of global flora, serene picnic spots, and a charming outdoor café.

Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus

Here, you can learn about the history of perfume and the Farina family, who created the famous Eau de Cologne.

Saint Gereon's Basilica

One of Cologne's 12 Romanesque churches, Saint Gereon's Basilica dates back to the 11th century and features a unique domed structure and intricate floor mosaic.

KölnTriangle

This skyscraper offers panoramic views of the city, including the cathedral, from its 28th floor. It also features exhibitions and a Mongolian barbecue restaurant.

Kölner Zoo

With a wide variety of animals, including exotic species and elephants, this zoo is a great attraction for families.

These suggestions should give you a good starting point for your visit to Cologne, but there is much more to discover and explore in this vibrant German city.

Frequently asked questions