To Cologne by train
With ICE International
Quickly to the city center
- From € 20 one-way trip with ICE International
- Travel time Amsterdam – Cologne 2.38 hrs
- Board directly, no check-ins
The earlier you book, the lower the price. The lowest fare from Amsterdam to Cologne is € 20 . If the € 20 tickets have run out on a particular time and day, the price will increase to between € 25 and € 72. You pay extra if you want a flexible ticket.
Cologne is known for the imposing Kölner Dom, which dominates the cityscape. This city on the Rhine combines rich history with a lively art and culture scene. Its numerous museums and galleries, cosy beer gardens and annual carnival make Cologne a versatile destination.
Travel information train to Cologne
With the international train ICE International you can travel from Amsterdam Central Station directly to Cologne. Now that's relaxing!
Cologne has something for everyone: a rich history, excellent restaurants, medieval architecture, and charming shops. The Cathedral is the most famous landmark, but not the only one! The city is adorned with parks, lively pubs, botanical gardens, museums, and a zoo. In February, the largest carnival parade in Europe is organised for the enthusiast. Time for a Kölsch beer!
Travel times to Cologne by train
| Route | Travel times | Transfers | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Cologne | 2.38 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Schiphol - Cologne | 2.56 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Rotterdam - Cologne | 2.58 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Utrecht - Cologne | 2.10 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
For a complete travel itinerary, consult our itinerary planner
Prices to Cologne with ICE International
ICE International offers different fare types for your journey. You can choose the Flexpreis (Plus), Sparpreis or Supersparpreis Europa rate. Each rate has its own conditions.
The price depends on
- The moment of booking - Early booking means lowest prices
- Travel class - 1st or 2nd class
- Flexibility - Regarding changing or cancelling bookings
Options flexibility ICE International
Supersparpreis Europa
- Always the lowest rates
- Can be booked until departure
- Changes and cancellations not possible
Sparpreis Europa
- Low rates
- Can be booked until departure
- Changes and cancellations possible at a cost
Flexpreis Europa
- Can be booked until departure
- Changes or cancellations free of charge (except for reservation costs)
- City Ticket included*
*City Ticket: In a significant number of German cities free tickets from/to station with local transport
Find out everything about ICE International and Intercity Berlin rates here
Cheap train tickets to Cologne
Do you already know what day and time you want to travel? Then choose for a Supersparpreis Europa rate: the best rate for the price-conscious travellers. You will not be able to cancel or rebook the ticket.
General tips for getting the cheapest tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
- Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee.
Practical information
To make your trip that much easier, we have summed up certain practical issues for you.
Facilities on board
Read more about all the facilities on board, so that you can make your trip as comfortable as possible.
Read more about ICE International facilities
Read more about Intercity Berlin facilities
View the itinerary planner and app
Please keep in mind that there could be delays or engineering works and check your trip with the itinerary planner. That way, you will never get an unpleasant surprise!
Download our app so that you will be kept informed of the possible changes.
Free access to the lounges
If you have a 1st class ticket, you can enjoy a free drink at the NS International Lounge in Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam. You also have access to the 1st class lounge of Deutsche Bahn at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, where you can enjoy a free snack and drink (excluding the Supersparpreis rate (Europe) and the Sparpreis Europe rate).
Seat reservation
In summer 2025 from 28 May to 31 August, seat reservation is compulsory. This reservation is free if you select it during booking. At other times, reserving a seat is not compulsory. However, we do recommend it. You will receive a confirmation after booking that includes the carriage number and your seat number.
Do you have a train ticket between the Netherlands and Germany without a seat reservation? And want to make sure you can sit down? Then you can reserve a seat online.
Seat reservation 1st class
When booking a first class full-flex ticket, the seat reservation costs are included in the price of your ticket.
Cologne
Tips Cologne
Hip & happening: this versatile city on the Rhine is surprisingly close!
Train and hotel Cologne
Here you'll find one of the largest art collections in the country, world-famous street art and the best shops and bistros. ICE will get you there in no time!
City trip Cologne
Cologne has everything for a perfect city break: art and the best shops and restaurants.
Walking tours Cologne
We have listed the most remarkable city walks in Cologne for you.
Hotels in Cologne
Going to Cologne for the weekend? Read our tips for the best hotels.
Restaurants in Cologne
Where do you go to get the best coffee, the most delicious lunches, the tastiest dinners and the freshest beers?
Shopping in Cologne
There’s no shortage of choice. We present the best neighbourhoods, shopping streets and malls for shopping in Cologne.
10 museums in Cologne
Which museum in Cologne should you not miss? Here are 10.
Book hotel Cologne on Booking.com
Zoo in Cologne
Read why Kölner Zoo is so special.