Train Gelsenkirchen - Cologne prices from £5.06

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£5.06

Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train

The journey from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train is 40.42 mi and takes 1 hr 48 mins. There are 14 connections per day, with the first departure at 00:01 and the last at 20:45. It is possible to travel from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train for as little as £5.06 or as much as £30.35. The best price for this journey is £5.06.

Lowest Price£5.06
Journey Duration1 hr 48 mins
Connection per Day14
Lowest Price£5.06
Highest Price£30.35
First Departure00:01
Last Departure20:45
Distance40.42 mi
DepartureGelsenkirchen
ArrivalCologne
CarriersDeutsche Bahn, National ExpressMore

Gelsenkirchen to Cologne Train Times

Departure date
Friday, 29 Mar 2024

Use Virail to find the best way to travel from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne?

Prices will vary when you travel from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne. On average, though, you'll pay about £20.44 for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as £5.06, but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
Prices will vary when you travel from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne. On average, though, you'll pay about £20.44 for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train?

Traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train will usually take 1 hr 48 mins. This journey covers a distance of 40.42 mi . When planning your trip, bear in mind that 1 hr 48 mins is an average, and route times may vary from day to day. Weather conditions, issues with transport, unexpected diversions, and local events could all cause delays to your journey. Please keep the possibility of these exceptional events in mind when making travel plans. The journey between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne by train usually takes 1 hr 48 mins to cover a distance of 40.42 mi. The shortest journey from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne will take you 0 hrs 50 mins. Remember, as always, that this time does not include any delays that might occur due to weather conditions, construction, or unexpected diversions and disruptions. If arriving in Cologne quickly is a priority for you, look for express or non-stop services. You may also find that a connecting route reaches your destination faster than some direct journeys. Virail will allow you to explore all your options and come to a decision that suits your needs.

When traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train, which stations can I use?

Depending on the type of transport, and the provider you decide to use for your journey, you will be able to depart Gelsenkirchen from the following stations: Gelsenkirchen Hbf,Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Arriving at Cologne, your route will pass through all or some of the following stations: Köln, Hbf (Breslauer Platz),Köln, Messe/Deutz,Cologne Mülheim,Köln, Flughafen. Not all transport providers serve every station, so check in advance to see exactly where your route takes you. You may need to use another form of transport to get from one station to another or to your final destination when you arrive in Cologne.

How many journeys from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne are there every day?

On average, there are 14 daily departures from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 2 departures from Gelsenkirchen which travel directly to Cologne. There are 12 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

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Compare prices and tickets from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne

Cheap train tickets from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book Gelsenkirchen to Cologne travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne

The cheapest Gelsenkirchen - Cologne train tickets can be found for as low as £4.93 if you’re lucky, or £7.54 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as £13.91.

Find the best day to travel to Cologne by train

When travelling to Cologne by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Deutsche Bahn is the German national railway company headquartered in Berlin, Germany which operates an extensive rail network throughout Germany, including high-speed intercity trains (ICE), regional trains, and local commuter trains.

Eurobahn is a private railway company that operates in Germany. It was founded in 1998 and offers regional and commuter train services in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Eurobahn operates on several lines, including the S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr, the RB 61, and the RB 52. The company is known for its modern trains and high-quality service, including free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Eurobahn is committed to sustainability and has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental impact, such as using energy-efficient trains and promoting public transportation as an alternative to driving.

Eurocity (EC) trains are specifically designed for short and long-distance travel, connecting major cities in various European countries as part of the extensive international train services. Eurocity (EC) trains are operated by a range of national railway companies across Europe, including Deutsche Bahn (Germany), SNCF (France), Trenitalia (Italy), SBB (Switzerland), and ÖBB (Austria). The Eurocity (EC) service offers regular schedules and convenient connections between prominent cities like Paris, Berlin, Milan, and Vienna.

Eurostar is a high-speed passenger train service connecting London with several cities in mainland Europe, including Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Launched in 1994, Eurostar has since established itself as a popular mode of transportation for leisure and business travelers. With speeds reaching up to 300 km/h, Eurostar trains offer a fast and environmentally-friendly.

Flixtrain is a European low-cost passenger rail service that offers affordable and comfortable train travel to various destinations across Germany. It is owned and operated by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus, which is a popular bus transportation service in Europe. Flixtrain operates on several routes, including Berlin to Stuttgart, Berlin to Cologne, and Hamburg to Cologne, among others.

National Express is a British multinational public transport company that operates bus, and rail services in the UK, Europe, North Africa, and North America. The company was founded in 1972 and has its headquarters in Birmingham, UK. National Express operates a fleet of over 1,600 buses, serving over 900 destinations across the UK. The company also operates rail services in the UK, including the East Anglia franchise.

Express InterCity is a type of train service that operates in many countries around the world. It is designed to provide fast and efficient transportation between major cities, with limited stops along the way. Express InterCity trains typically offer amenities such as comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard food and beverage service. They may also have first-class or business-class seating options for passengers who want extra comfort and amenities. Express InterCity trains are often a popular choice for business travelers, tourists, and commuters who need to travel between cities quickly and conveniently.

Regional Express (Rex) is an Australian airline that operates scheduled regional flights to over 60 destinations across Australia. The airline was founded in 2002 and has its headquarters in Mascot, New South Wales. Rex operates a fleet of over 60 aircraft, including Saab 340 turboprops and Boeing 737-800NG jets. The airline's main focus is on providing affordable air travel to regional communities, with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and customer service. Rex also offers a frequent flyer program, Rex Business Flyer, and has partnerships with other airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia.

Regionalbahn is a type of train service in Germany that operates on regional routes, connecting smaller towns and cities with larger ones. These trains are usually slower than intercity trains, but they make more stops and are more affordable. Regionalbahn trains are operated by various companies, including Deutsche Bahn, and they offer single and multiple-day tickets. The trains are often used by commuters and tourists who want to explore the countryside and smaller towns.

Ticket types and facilities from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by EuroCity, Eurostar and FlixTrain when traveling from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne.

Second Class

With Deutsche Bahn's Eurocity trains, a second-class ticket guarantees you a more affordable journey. Throughout your trip, you can access basic facilities like electrical outlets, air conditioning, and a bar carriage.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

First Class

If you wish to elevate your travel experience in a quieter place with additional services such as adjustable seats, more legroom, catering service, and seat selection, you can opt for the first-class tickets on Deutsche Bahn's Eurocity trains.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Standard

Eurostar Standard tickets are for budget-conscious travelers and the most widely available and affordable option. However, they have limited flexibility
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Standard Premier

Eurostar Standard Premier tickets offer a premium economy experience, ideal for work in quiet and comfort, but at a higher cost than Standard. This ticket includes extra legroom, complimentary meals, and access to magazines.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Business Premier

Business Premier tickets are Eurostar's first-class option with top-level comfort and flexibility, but also the most expensive. With this ticket, you will have spacious seating, delectable meals served at your seat, access to exclusive lounges, and dedicated assistance.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Standard

A standard ticket on FlixTrain is a regular ticket / second class ticket. Flixtrain standard ticket offers you a comfortable seat, guaranteed Wi-Fi, access to power outlets, and one carry-on and one checked luggage with size restrictions.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
bicycle Bicycle

Second Class

Deutshce Bahn's second class ensures a comfortable journey with standard seating arrangements with free Wi-Fi, power socket, and. Second class passengers can buy food and drinks from the bar/bistro car or restaurant car.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

First Class

First Class travel with Deutsche Bahn provides a luxurious experience with comfortable seats and many amenities such as spacious seating with personalized on-seat service and exclusive lounge access at major stations. First-class passengers can have their orders delivered to their seats, but if you do not want to wait, you can also dine in the restaurant car or buy food and drinks from the bar/bistro car.
wifi WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
DB's EC trains feature recently updated coaches equipped with power sockets.
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Deutsche Bahn is progressively adding free WiFi to their EC trains.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
On DB Eurocity trains, you can bring any amount of luggage without restrictions. Store small bags either in the overhead racks or beneath your seats. For bigger luggage items, use the racks found in the compartments or close to the exterior doors.
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The Mobility Service assists with boarding, disembarking, and train transitions. Additionally, the staff is ready to address any inquiries or provide support to ensure a smooth journey.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
On EC trains, dine in the onboard restaurant or grab a quick bite from the bistro. First Class passengers receive complimentary meals at their seat. DB provides diverse, locally-sourced food options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
DB's EC trains now boast modernized carriages with air conditioning.
wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Business Premier travelers and Eurostar™ carte blanche holders enjoy free wi-fi in lounges at select stations. Free wi-fi vouchers are available at Ashford's information desk. All trains also provide free wi-fi, connect via EurostarTrainsWiFi.
quiet_zone Quiet zone open icon close icon
Starting September 2012, a quiet coach option is available for Business and Standard Premier travelers at no extra cost.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Every seat features UK and European power sockets. Business Premier and Standard Premier also include USB sockets.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
Your Eurostar ticket allows you to take a generous amount of luggage on board with no weight restrictions. You can carry two suitcases and one hand-held item, all labeled properly, as long as they don't exceed 85 cm in length. Baby strollers and pushchairs are allowed on board. You can also bring your bike or musical instrument, which will count as one of your two medium-sized luggage pieces as long as it is in a carrying case under 85 cm in length.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
Assistance for travelers with disabilities or the elderly is available at all stations. The type of assistance varies by location. Pre-booking at least 24 hours in advance is recommended, with a 60-minute prior arrival if not pre-booked.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
Café Métropole aboard Eurostar trains offers discounts for reusable cups. Unsold food is donated to Olio, benefiting London communities. Food in Standard Premier: Standard Premier offers international dishes throughout the day. Breakfast features fruits, pastries, and more until 10:14. After 10:15, enjoy a light meal, dessert, and drinks. Food in Business Premier: Business Premier's menu is curated by Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Drinks, from tea to champagne, are available throughout the journey.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
Fresh air is constantly drawn in and filtered throughout the journey.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
Got a musical instrument or guitar under 85 cm? You can include it as part of your luggage on Eurostar. If you have a boxed bike, reserve a spot by reaching out to the Eurostar travel service (available on select trains). Folding and children's bikes under 85 cm are welcome, but they should be in a protective bag. Heads up: e-scooters and hoverboards are a no-go. Plus, you can bring along a pair of skis or a snowboard in addition to your luggage
wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Connect effortlessly on FlixTrain and enjoy free WiFi, whether you're catching up on work, chatting, or simply browsing.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Keep your devices charged and ready. FlixTrain seats come equipped with power sockets and USB outlets.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
For your safety and the comfort of everyone on board, FlixBus permits you to bring one carry-on bag that should fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. You're also allowed one checked bag, but make sure you can load and unload it by yourself and store it in the overhead space or under your seat. Kindly ensure your luggage isn't bulky or poses a risk to others. Remember, it's up to you to keep track of your belongings during the trip.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
FlixTrain prioritizes comfort for all. Passengers with mobility concerns can book designated seats and utilize complimentary transportation for foldable wheelchairs and mobility aids. Reach out to FlixTrain for any assistance required.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
While FlixTrain doesn't offer onboard catering, you're welcome to bring along your own snacks and beverages.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
With FlixTrain, you can pack an extra piece of luggage, but it's a good idea to book early since train space is limited. Got sports equipment or a big musical instrument? They're welcome too, though an extra fee might apply. If you're cycling around, you can park your bike in specific areas for just 9 Euro, but ensure it's standard-sized and free of extra attachments. Remember to reserve a spot for your bike early, as space fills up fast
wifi WiFi open icon close icon
On ICE trains, enjoy free WiFi and access the ICE portal for movies, TV shows, audiobooks, games, and reading material.
quiet_zone Quiet zone open icon close icon
Seek tranquillity on ICE Frankfurt in Coach 21 (second class) and Coach 28/29 (first class). On ICE 104/105 Basel, it's Coach 31 (second class) and Coach 38/39 (first class).
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Stay charged with a power socket available for every two seats on the train.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
On ICE-trains, you can bring any amount of luggage without restrictions. Store small bags either in the overhead racks or beneath your seats. For bigger luggage items, use the racks found in the compartments or close to the exterior doors.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
For assistance in boarding, changing trains, or other queries, reach out to DB’s Mobility Service. The staff is always ready to assist and ensure a smooth journey.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
With ICE, choose between a full menu at the onboard restaurant or quick snacks at the bistro. For First Class passengers, complimentary food and drinks are served directly to your seat. DB's diverse menu, updated quarterly, features local and vegetarian/vegan options.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
ICE trains not only offer air conditioning but are also innovating with eco-friendly systems that both cool and heat using natural refrigerants.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
On Deutsche Bahn trains, make sure it's disassembled and snugly packed in a case or cover with your name labeled on it, and you can bring it on board for free. You're also allowed one regular and one hand luggage item. Just ensure your bike doesn't get in the way of other travelers or block aisles. Note: Special bikes aren't permitted, but if you're an international traveler, there's no need to worry about peak-time restrictions.
Services on board Deutsche Bahn, National Express and DB - InterCity Express (ICE) from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne
Compare services on board when travelling from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train.
Facilities Deutsche Bahn National Express DB - InterCity Express (ICE) DB - Regional Express TRI Train Rental Eurostar Eurobahn FlixTrain EuroCity DB - Regionalbahn VIAS Rail
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air_con Air conditioning check check check check check check check check check check check
bicycle Bicycle check check check check check check check check check check check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check check check check check check check check check check check

Gelsenkirchen to Cologne CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
4.55kg
Bus
4.88kg
Flight
13.01kg
Car
10.41kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne are 4.55kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne? By taking the train between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne you will save 8.46kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 0.33kg compared to a bus and 5.86kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne?
A train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne is £20.44. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as £5.06.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne is £5.06. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne by train?
Gelsenkirchen to Cologne is 40.42 mi.
How long does the train between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne take?
Gelsenkirchen to Cologne is on average 1 hr 48 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 0 hrs 50 mins.
Which companies operate from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne?
The train journey from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne is covered by 10 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Deutsche Bahn, National Express, DB - InterCity Express (ICE), DB - Regional Express, TRI Train Rental , Eurostar, Eurobahn, FlixTrain, EuroCity, DB - Regionalbahn and VIAS Rail.
How many train connections per day go from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne?
Gelsenkirchen to Cologne has 14 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne leave?
The earliest train from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne departs at 00:01. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne depart?
The latest train from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne departs at 20:45. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is £5.06 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne?
There are on average 2 direct connection(s) from Gelsenkirchen to go to Cologne.
What's the fastest journey time between Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne is 0 hrs 50 mins.
Is there a direct train from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne?
Yes, there is a direct train between Gelsenkirchen and Cologne.
What are the CO2 emissions for Gelsenkirchen to Cologne by train?
The train journey from Gelsenkirchen to Cologne creates 4.55kg of CO2 emissions.

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