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

The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Cologne is to bus which costs €45 - €70 and takes 11h 15m.

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

The fastest way to get from Zurich to Cologne is to fly and train which takes 3h 36m and costs €100 - €280.

Is there a direct bus between Zurich and Cologne?

No, there is no direct bus from Zurich station to Cologne. However, there are services departing from Zurich Bus Station and arriving at Köln Heumarkt via Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 11h 15m.

Is there a direct train between Zurich and Cologne?

No, there is no direct train from Zurich to Cologne. However, there are services departing from Zürich HB and arriving at Köln Hbf via Basel SBB and Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 25m.

How far is it from Zurich to Cologne?

The distance between Zurich and Cologne is 581 km. The road distance is 534 km.

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

The best way to get from Zurich to Cologne without a car is to train via Mannheim which takes 5h 25m and costs €55 - €280.

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

It takes approximately 5h 25m to get from Zurich to Cologne, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Zurich to Cologne bus from?

Zurich to Cologne bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Zurich Bus Station.

Where do I catch the Zurich to Cologne train from?

Zurich to Cologne train services, operated by SBB GmbH, depart from Zürich HB station.

Train, bus or fly from Zurich to Cologne?

The best way to get from Zurich to Cologne is to train via Mannheim which takes 5h 25m and costs €55 - €280. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €45 - €70 and takes 11h 15m, you could also fly, which costs €75 - €210 and takes 3h 43m.

Where does the Zurich to Cologne bus arrive?

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

Where does the Zurich to Cologne train arrive?

Zurich to Cologne train services, operated by SBB GmbH, arrive at Basel SBB station.

Can I drive from Zurich to Cologne?

Yes, the driving distance between Zurich to Cologne is 534 km. It takes approximately 5h 26m to drive from Zurich to Cologne.

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

Book your Zurich to Cologne train tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Cologne?

There are 1727+ hotels available in Cologne.

Zurich to Cologne - 8 ways to travel via train, bus, night train, car

There are 8 ways to get from Zurich to Cologne by train (Trenitalia), bus, night train, car, train, 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 Mannheim
best
1. Take the train from Zürich HB to Basel SBBtrain Ice / ...
2. Take the train from Basel SBB to Mannheim, Hauptbahnhoftrain 20 / ...
3. Take the train from Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbftrain 43 / ...
5h 25m
€57–272
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Zurich Bus Station to Leverkusenbus N11
11h 15m
€45–70
Night train
1. Take the night train from Zürich HB to Bonn-Beuelnighttrain Nj
8h 20m
€179–312
Drive 534 km
1. Drive from Zurich to Colognecar 534 km
5h 26m
€93–133
Train
1. Take the train from Zürich HB to Basel SBBtrain Ir36 / ...
2. Take the train from Basel SBB to Köln Hbftrain 43 / ...
5h 58m
€61–191
Fly to Cologne Bonn Airport
1. Fly from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)plane ZRH - CGN
3h 43m
€76–208
Fly to Frankfurt, train
1. Fly from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Frankfurt (FRA)plane ZRH - FRA
2. Take the train from Frankfurt to Köln Messe/Deutz Bftrain
3h 36m
€102–278
Fly to Düsseldorf International Airport
1. Fly from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)plane ZRH - DUS
4h 45m
€88–229

Zurich to Cologne by train

98Weekly Trains

5h 25mAverage Duration

€57Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Zurich to Cologne.

Launch map view

Distance: 580.8 km
Duration: 5h 25m

What companies run services between Zurich, Switzerland and Cologne, Germany?

You can take a train from Zürich HB to Köln Hbf via Basel SBB and Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof in around 5h 25m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Zurich Bus Station to Leverkusen once daily. Tickets cost €45–70 and the journey takes 10h 15m.

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