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Cologne to Amsterdam from $13: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cologne, Germany
to
Amsterdam, Netherlands

How to Get from Cologne to Amsterdam: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$13 RideshareBest price
216.6 kmDistance
2h 42m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cologne to Amsterdam with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, Nightjet
Train
Average Duration
2h  56m
Estimated price
$40-170
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
3h  1m
Estimated price
$13-28
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 216.6 km
Duration: 2h 42m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  14m
Estimated price
$27-51
Company
Nightjet
Train
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$40-170
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  42m
Estimated price
$50-80
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
2h  55m
Estimated price
$119-460

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $12 $16 $15 $13 $11 $14 $13
Train $43 $38 $39 $45 $45 $41 $39
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Cologne to Amsterdam

The journey from Cologne to Amsterdam showcases a vibrant blend of Cologne's rich history and character against Amsterdam's picturesque canals and open-minded culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s neighborhoods each offer distinct atmospheres and attractions for visitors.

Jordaan
• Quaint streets lined with independent shops.
• Famous for its traditional Dutch architecture.
De Pijp
• Home to the bustling Albert Cuyp Market.
• Vibrant dining scene with diverse cuisines.
Museum District
• Hosts major museums like the Rijksmuseum.
• Beautiful green spaces perfect for relaxation.

Best Times To Visit Amsterdam's Attractions

Timing your visits to popular spots can enhance your Amsterdam experience.

Van Gogh Museum
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy quieter galleries.
Anne Frank House
Opt for late afternoons during weekdays to beat the crowds.
Rijksmuseum
Arrive right at opening time for a more peaceful visit.

Amsterdam Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Amsterdam experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters; spring and early fall often provide the most pleasant weather. Your travel experience can be influenced by rain, so packing layers and an umbrella is wise regardless of the season.

Dining Recommendation in Amsterdam

Try the traditional Dutch dish, stroopwafels, which features two thin waffles filled with a rich caramel syrup, a delightful contrast to the heartier dishes typical in Cologne. The vibrant markets and cozy cafes in Amsterdam provide a unique atmosphere, where you can savor local flavors while people-watching along the picturesque canals.

Cologne - Amsterdam operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cologne and Amsterdam, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from Köln Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$50-60

Train from Köln Hbf to D-Flughafen Bf

Average Duration
29m
Estimated price
$25-29
Contact phone
+43 51717
Website
https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home

Train from Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12 to Amsterdam Centraal

Average Duration
3h 13m
Estimated price
$40-170

Train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Amsterdam Centraal

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$40-170
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Düsseldorf central bus station to Amsterdam Sloterdijk

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$21-30
Contact phone
+420 222 222 221
Website
https://regiojet.com/

Bus from Düsseldorf Central Bus Station to Amsterdam Piarcoplein P+R Sloterdijk

Average Duration
4h 30m
Estimated price
$12-18
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Cologne to Amsterdam

Average Duration
3h 1m
Estimated price
$13-28
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.klm.com

Plane from Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$170-800

Cologne to Amsterdam: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cologne and Amsterdam offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Cologne to Amsterdam, spanning a distance of 263.9 km. In just 2 hours and 42 minutes, you'll transition from the historic streets of Cologne to the vibrant canals of Amsterdam. 💶 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from €46 to €74 for a convenient car journey from Cologne to Amsterdam.
Average price
€46 - €74
Useful tips for car travellers
• Gas stations along the A3 and A1 often have prices around €1.75 per liter; be sure to stop at larger stations like Aral or Shell for the best availability, especially just before entering the Netherlands where prices may vary.
• When arriving in Amsterdam, be mindful of the restricted traffic zones; certain areas, like the city center, only allow access to residents and have heavy fines for unauthorized vehicles; consider parking at P+R facilities where daily rates range from €8 to €15.
• Familiarize yourself with the Dutch driving laws: cars must yield to cyclists, and speed limits are strictly enforced with average to high fines; consider using navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze to stay updated on real-time traffic conditions and possible detours.
🚄 The direct train from Cologne to Amsterdam departing from Köln Hbf and arriving at Amsterdam Centraal takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes, with services operating every four hours every day. The train services are operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express. 🛤️ Route 1 involves a journey of 3 hours and 45 minutes covering a distance of 260 km with 3 transfers. The first step is a train towards Mönchengladbach lasting about 47 minutes, followed by a second step towards Venlo taking 31 minutes. The third step towards Schiphol Airport is a 1 hour and 32 minutes journey, and finally, a 26 minutes train towards Den Helder to reach Amsterdam Centraal. 💶 The prices for the train from Cologne to Amsterdam vary between €37 and €157.
Departure Point
Köln Hbf station
Arrival Point
Amsterdam Centraal station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard catering services on the Thalys trains, which operate on this route, include a variety of options such as a bistro service offering meals, snacks, and beverages. You can pre-order your meal online for a more extensive choice or purchase directly from the onboard menu.
• The Thalys trains offer three classes: Standard (Economy), Comfort (Business), and Premium (First Class). In Standard class, you’ll have basic amenities, Comfort class includes extra legroom and complimentary drinks; Premium offers the best service with gourmet meals and exclusive lounges at the stations.
• Multiple operators run the train from Cologne to Amsterdam, including Thalys (thalys.com) and ICE (Deutsche Bahn) (bahn.com). Be sure to compare prices and times when booking your tickets.
🛫 Experience the convenience and speed of flying from Dusseldorf Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with KLM's direct flight, taking just 50 minutes.
Departure Point
Dusseldorf Airport
Arrival Point
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
🚌 Traveling from Cologne to Amsterdam by bus involves a journey with a transfer in Düsseldorf central bus station. The total duration of the trip is approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes. 🌷 The bus service from Cologne to Amsterdam is operated by FlixBus, offering a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two cities. Prices for the bus tickets can range from €25 to €47 depending on various factors.
Departure Point
Düsseldorf central bus station
Arrival Point
Amsterdam Sloterdijk station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Since there is no direct bus from Cologne to Amsterdam, make sure to check the transfer times at Düsseldorf central bus station as FlixBus, RegioJet, and Eurolines operate on this route; you can find schedules and book tickets at FlixBus, RegioJet, and Eurolines.
• On your journey, consider packing snacks and water, as the bus may not have refreshment services, and plan your meal stops at Düsseldorf central bus station where you'll find various dining options like McDonald's, Vapiano, and local cafés inside the station.
• Upon arrival at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, navigate to the city center by taking tram line 19 or a train from the adjacent platform to Amsterdam Central; be aware that there are limited facilities inside Sloterdijk, so plan your transport in advance by checking GVB for public transport options before you arrive.

Trips to Amsterdam