What is the cheapest way to get from Essen to Cologne?

The cheapest way to get from Essen to Cologne is to bus which costs €26 - €45 and takes 7h 48m.

What is the fastest way to get from Essen to Cologne?

The fastest way to get from Essen to Cologne is to drive which takes 2h 35m and costs €35 - €60.

Is there a direct bus between Essen and Cologne?

No, there is no direct bus from Essen to Cologne. However, there are services departing from Essen Bibliotheek and arriving at Köln Heumarkt via Kapellen Dorp, Antwerp Rooseveltplaats and Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 7h 48m.

Is there a direct train between Essen and Cologne?

No, there is no direct train from Essen to Cologne. However, there are services departing from Essen and arriving at Koeln Hbf via Brussels-Nord. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3h 32m.

How far is it from Essen to Cologne?

The distance between Essen and Cologne is 288 km. The road distance is 220.5 km.

How do I travel from Essen to Cologne without a car?

The best way to get from Essen to Cologne without a car is to train via Brussels which takes 3h 32m and costs €50 - €200.

How long does it take to get from Essen to Cologne?

It takes approximately 3h 32m to get from Essen to Cologne, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Essen to Cologne bus from?

Essen to Cologne bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Antwerp Rooseveltplaats station.

Where do I catch the Essen to Cologne train from?

Essen to Cologne train services, operated by Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB), depart from Essen station.

Train or bus from Essen to Cologne?

The best way to get from Essen to Cologne is to train via Brussels which takes 3h 32m and costs €50 - €200. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €26 - €45 and takes 7h 48m.

Where does the Essen to Cologne bus arrive?

Essen to Cologne bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Leverkusen station.

Where does the Essen to Cologne train arrive?

Essen to Cologne train services, operated by Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB), arrive at Brussels-Nord station.

Can I drive from Essen to Cologne?

Yes, the driving distance between Essen to Cologne is 221 km. It takes approximately 2h 35m to drive from Essen to Cologne.

How do I get a train ticket from Essen to Cologne?

Book your Essen to Cologne train tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Cologne?

There are 1852+ hotels available in Cologne.

Essen to Cologne - 6 ways to travel via train, bus, car, and plane

How to get fromEssen to Cologne

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There are 6 ways to get from Essen to Cologne by train, bus, car, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Train via Brussels
best
1. Take the train from Essen to Brussels-Nordtrain Ic / ...
2. Take the train from Brussels-Nord to Koeln Hbftrain Ice / ...
3h 32m
€52–194
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Antwerp Rooseveltplaats to Leverkusenbus 280
7h 48m
€26–41
Drive 220.5 km
1. Drive from Essen to Colognecar 220.5 km
2h 35m
€40–57
Train, fly
1. Take the train from Roosendaal to Rotterdam Centraaltrain
2. Take the train from Rotterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airporttrain
3. Fly from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)plane AMS - DUS
4h 28m
€143–379
Train
1. Take the train from Essen to Anvers-Centraltrain S32 / ...
2. Take the train from Anvers-Central to Köln Hbftrain Trn
4h 1m
€45–199
Train via Venlo
1. Take the train from Roosendaal to 's-Hertogenboschtrain
2. Take the train from 's-Hertogenbosch to Venlotrain
3. Take the train from Venlo to Köln Hbftrain Ice
5h 3m
€27–103

Essen to Cologne by train

68Weekly Trains

3h 32mAverage Duration

€52Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Essen to Cologne.

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Distance: 287.7 km
Duration: 3h 32m

What companies run services between Essen, Belgium and Cologne, Germany?

You can take a train from Essen to Koeln Hbf via Brussels-Nord in around 3h 32m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Antwerp Rooseveltplaats to Leverkusen once daily. Tickets cost €20–35 and the journey takes 4h 5m.

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