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 €54 - €59 and takes 6h 50m.

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

The fastest way to get from Zurich to Cologne is to fly which takes 3h 46m and costs €75 - €200.

Is there a direct bus between Zurich and Cologne?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Zürich Bus Station station and arriving at Köln. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 6h 50m.

Is there a direct train between Zurich and Cologne?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Zürich HB and arriving at Köln Hbf. Services depart three times a week, and operate Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The journey takes approximately 5h 4m.

How far is it from Zurich to Cologne?

The distance between Zurich and Cologne is 576 km. The road distance is 533.9 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 which takes 5h 4m and costs €220 - €310.

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

The train from Zürich HB to Köln Hbf takes 5h 4m including transfers and departs three times a week.

Where do I catch the Zurich to Cologne bus from?

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

Where do I catch the Zurich to Cologne train from?

Zurich to Cologne train services, operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), 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 which takes 5h 4m and costs €220 - €310. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €54 - €59 and takes 6h 50m, you could also fly, which costs €75 - €200 and takes 3h 46m.

Where does the Zurich to Cologne bus arrive?

Zurich to Cologne bus services, operated by GrandBus, arrive at Köln station.

Where does the Zurich to Cologne train arrive?

Zurich to Cologne train services, operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), arrive at Köln Hbf station.

Can I drive from Zurich to Cologne?

Yes, the driving distance between Zurich to Cologne is 534 km. It takes approximately 5h 24m 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.

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

Book your Zurich to Cologne bus tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Cologne?

There are 1827+ hotels available in Cologne.

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

How to get fromZurich to Cologne

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 8 ways to get from Zurich to Cologne by train, bus, car, plane, or train (Trenitalia)

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

Train
best
1. Take the train from Zürich HB to Köln Hbftrain Ice
5h 4m
€220–310
Bus via Bonn UN Campus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Zurich Bus Station to Bonn UN Campusbus FlixBus N11
10h 18m
€52–78
Bus
1. Take the bus from Zürich Bus Station to Kölnbus Ivano-Frankivsk
6h 50m
€54–59
Drive 533.9 km
1. Drive from Zurich to Colognecar 533.9 km
5h 24m
€95–137
Fly to Cologne Bonn Airport
1. Fly from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)plane ZRH - CGN
3h 46m
€76–192
Train via Mannheim
1. Take the train from Zürich HB to Basel SBBtrain Ice / ...
2. Take the train from Basel SBB to Mannheim, Hauptbahnhoftrain 12 / ...
3. Take the train from Mannheim, Hauptbahnhof to Köln Messe/Deutz Bftrain 47 / ...
5h 18m
€94–232
Fly to Düsseldorf International Airport, train
1. Fly from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)plane ZRH - DUS
2. Take the train from Düsseldorf Hbf to Köln Hbftrain
4h 25m
€85–239
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
4h 22m
€125–266

Zurich to Cologne by train

3Weekly Trains

5h 4mAverage Duration

€220Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Zurich to Cologne.

Launch map view

Distance: 575.5 km
Duration: 5h 4m

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

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) operates a train from Zürich HB to Köln Hbf 3 times a week. Tickets cost €220–310 and the journey takes 5h 4m. Alternatively, GrandBus operates a bus from Zürich Bus Station to Köln once daily. Tickets cost €54–59 and the journey takes 6h 50m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Germany

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.