Zurich, Zurich (Canton) to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia from $48: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• On your train journey from Zurich to Cologne, you will typically be traveling with Deutsche Bahn (DB) or EuroCity (EC) services. DB offers a catering service on many of their trains, providing snacks, meals, and drinks for purchase. Look out for a trolley service passing through your carriage or visit the bistro car if available, where you can enjoy a range of options from sandwiches to hot meals.

• The trains on this route generally offer a variety of seating options, including First Class, Business Class, and Economy (Standard) Class. First Class features spacious seating, complimentary refreshments, and quieter carriages. Business Class combines comfort and work-friendly environments perfect for professionals, while Economy Class is a great option for budget-conscious travelers; all classes have standard amenities like electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi may be available depending on the train.

• Multiple operators serve the route from Zurich to Cologne, including Deutsche Bahn (DB) (bahn.com), EuroCity (EC) (eurocity.com), and occasionally SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) (sbb.ch). Ensure you check the schedules on their respective websites for the most convenient times and connections. For your arrival in Cologne, you can find local transport schedules at the Cologne public transport website (kvb-koeln.de). Upon arrival at Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station), you can leave luggage at the luggage storage service available on the lower level, and there are public restrooms but no showers. The fastest way to get to the city center from the station is via tram. Take tram line 1 or 7, both of which stop right outside the station and head into the city, with frequent services ensuring a smooth journey.