Amsterdam to Cologne by train
Direct ICE International from Amsterdam Centraal to Köln Hbf roughly every two hours, taking about 2 hours 40 minutes. Fares from €20.
- Origin
- Amsterdam
- Destination
- Cologne
- Main stations
- Amsterdam-Centraal to Köln Hbf
- Countries
- Netherlands, Germany
Direct ICE International trains link Amsterdam Centraal and Köln Hbf roughly every two hours, and the trip takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.
The direct ICE is the train to take
Board the ICE International at Amsterdam Centraal. It calls at Utrecht Centraal and Arnhem Centraal, crosses into Germany, then stops at Oberhausen, Duisburg and Düsseldorf before Köln Hbf. Most continue south towards Frankfurt and some to Munich, so look for Frankfurt or Munich on the departure board rather than Cologne. NS runs the train as far as Arnhem and DB takes over from there, but one ticket covers the whole trip.
There is no direct Eurostar to Cologne. Eurostar journeys need a change in Brussels and take about four hours. Regional trains with two or three changes take a similar time. Keep them for days when the ICE is full or disrupted.
Journey time and how often trains run
The direct ICE takes about 2 hours 40 minutes and leaves roughly every two hours through the day. The pattern holds on most days of the week. It continues into the timetable that starts on 13 December 2026, although individual times can still move by a few minutes.
Köln Hbf sits directly beside Cologne Cathedral. Take the main exit and the cathedral is right in front of you.
Tickets, fares and seat reservations
Second-class tickets start from €20 one way. When those sell out for a departure, fares typically rise to between €25 and €72. Book early, because each train has only a limited number of cheap seats. You choose between three fare types:
| Fare | Changes and refunds |
|---|---|
| Supersparpreis Europa | Fixed train, no changes or cancellations |
| Sparpreis Europa | Changes and cancellations for a fee |
| Flexpreis Europa | Free changes and cancellations until the day of travel, plus a City-Ticket for local transport in many German cities |
A seat reservation is optional for most of the year, and the ticket alone lets you board. In summer 2027, from 25 June to 5 September, reservations become compulsory on international ICE journeys. An Interrail pass covers the ICE. Outside the summer period you can simply board, but in summer pass holders need a reservation too.
Diversions in November 2026 and January 2027
Two diversions change this trip, so plan around your exact travel date:
- 10 to 16 November 2026: ICEs run via Venlo and Mönchengladbach instead of Arnhem and the Ruhr. They skip Arnhem, Oberhausen, Duisburg and Düsseldorf, and the journey takes about 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes.
- Evening of 8 January to evening of 19 January 2027: Köln Hbf is closed to long-distance trains. ICEs from Amsterdam stop at Köln Messe/Deutz instead. S-Bahn trains run from there to Köln Hbf in a few minutes.
Where to book
Train service
- Check times & prices
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany's national railway, running ICE, IC and regional trains with Flexpreis, Sparpreis and Super Sparpreis fares.
Official website - Check times & prices
NS runs the Netherlands' domestic Intercity and Sprinter network, while NS International connects Belgium, Germany and beyond; Eurostar requires reservations.
Official website - Check times & prices
ÖBB is Austria's national railway, with Railjet high-speed and Nightjet sleeper services plus regional trains across Austria and neighbouring countries.
Official website
Find places to stay in Cologne
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to Cologne?
Yes. The ICE International runs direct from Amsterdam Centraal to Köln Hbf roughly every two hours, via Utrecht, Arnhem and Düsseldorf. Most of these trains continue to Frankfurt.
How long is the train from Amsterdam to Cologne?
About 2 hours 40 minutes on the direct ICE. From 10 to 16 November 2026 trains are diverted via Venlo and take about 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes.
How much does the train from Amsterdam to Cologne cost?
Second-class tickets start from €20 one way. Once the cheapest fares sell out for a departure, prices typically rise to between €25 and €72, and flexible tickets cost more.
Do I need a seat reservation on the ICE to Cologne?
Not for most of the year, including with an Interrail pass. Reservations are compulsory on international ICE journeys in summer 2027, from 25 June to 5 September.
Which station does the train arrive at in Cologne?
Köln Hbf, right beside Cologne Cathedral. From the evening of 8 January to the evening of 19 January 2027, ICEs stop at Köln Messe/Deutz instead while Köln Hbf is closed to long-distance trains.
Is there a night train from Amsterdam to Cologne?
Not one worth booking for this trip. The ÖBB Nightjet from Amsterdam to Zürich calls at Köln Hbf on selected nights, but it arrives shortly before midnight and needs a compulsory reservation. The daytime ICE is the better choice.
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