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Planning a city trip can sometimes feel like a difficult choice, but combining a train journey to Düsseldorf and Cologne means it no longer has to be. Thanks to a fast and frequent connection, you can travel between these two German cities in less than half an hour. This way, you can enjoy the elegant shopping streets in Düsseldorf and the impressive Cologne Cathedral, all in one weekend. Read on to discover how to smartly plan this trip.
The journey from the Netherlands: straight to the heart of Düsseldorf
A major advantage of travelling to this region is its excellent accessibility from the Netherlands. With the international ICE train, you can travel directly from Amsterdam Centraal or Utrecht Centraal to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof. This journey takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes, with no transfers required. You step off in the city centre, ready to explore the city immediately. By booking in advance via NS International or Deutsche Bahn, you can often find affordable tickets, ensuring your city trip starts relaxed and efficiently.
‘ You can spend the morning in one city and the afternoon in the other, without losing much time to the journey itself. ’
The connection between Düsseldorf and Cologne: faster than you think
The distance between Düsseldorf and Cologne is only 34 kilometres, and the German railway network is perfectly equipped for this. The cities are connected by a very busy railway line from the Ruhr region, resulting in a very high frequency of trains. Throughout the entire day, with nearly a hundred connections, you can choose between different train types.
- ICE/IC trains: Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed trains will take you from Düsseldorf Hbf to Köln Hbf in 20 to 27 minutes.
- FlixTrain: A budget-friendly alternative that covers the same route, with tickets sometimes available from just a few euros.
- Regional trains (RE/RB): These take a little longer but also offer a reliable and regular connection.
This short travel time allows for flexibility. You can spend the morning in one city and the afternoon in the other, without losing much time to the journey itself. Trains run from early morning until late evening, so you’re not tied to a strict schedule.
How to plan a train trip to Düsseldorf and Cologne in one weekend?
A combined trip requires a little planning, but with the right approach, you can make the most of your weekend. Structure your journey smartly, ensuring you have enough time for both cities without having to rush. Good preparation ensures a smooth experience.
A practical itinerary
An effective way to organise your weekend is to visit the cities consecutively. For example, start on Saturday morning with the direct train to Düsseldorf. Upon arrival, you can leave your luggage in a locker at the station and explore the city. Visit the luxury shops on Königsallee, stroll through the historic Altstadt, and enjoy the atmosphere along the Rhine. Towards the end of the afternoon, take the short train ride to Cologne, where you’ll check into your hotel. Sunday will then be fully available for you to climb the Cathedral, visit the Ludwig Museum, or wander through the charming streets.
Booking tickets and saving costs
For the journey from the Netherlands to Germany, the earlier you book, the lower the price. Prices for the connection between Düsseldorf and Cologne are generally low, but it can be worthwhile to compare fares from Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain. Apps like the DB Navigator are useful for checking current travel times and potentially buying last-minute tickets. Travelling outside peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, can also help to avoid crowds and sometimes be cheaper.
Restaurants around Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof
Upon arriving at a station, you often want to quickly find something good to eat. Around Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, you have several options. Inside the station itself, you’ll find the usual chains for a quick bite, from bakeries to fast food. However, if you venture beyond the immediate station area, the offerings become more interesting. Within walking distance is the Japanese Quarter, a special part of Düsseldorf with a strong Japanese culture and architecture. Here you’ll find a high concentration of authentic Japanese restaurants, from ramen bars to sushi establishments. It’s a good choice for lunch or dinner and offers a different experience from traditional German cuisine.
‘ A visit to this cathedral is a must ’
What not to miss in both cities
To keep your trip manageable, it’s wise to focus on the highlights that are easily accessible from the main stations.
In Düsseldorf
From the Hauptbahnhof, you can easily walk to Königsallee, the famous shopping boulevard with luxury brands and impressive displays. From there, it’s a short stroll to the Altstadt, known as ‘the longest bar in the world’ due to its many cafés and breweries. The Rhine Promenade, which runs alongside the Altstadt, is perfect for a relaxed walk with views of the river.
In Cologne
Cologne’s most iconic structure, the Cathedral (Dom), stands directly next to the Hauptbahnhof. You can’t miss it. A visit to this cathedral is a must, and for those with enough energy, climbing the tower offers an impressive view. Other sights easily accessible on foot include the Roman-Germanic Museum and the Museum Ludwig. A boat trip on the Rhine offers a different perspective of the city and its skyline.
On the Traveler Tips website, you’ll find many more practical guides and articles to help you plan your trip. Discover our extensive information about train travel in Europe, detailed city guides, and tips for finding the best routes. Get inspired and carefully prepare for your next journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
To travel affordably between Düsseldorf and Cologne, you can use high-speed connections such as ICE/IC from Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain, with average travel times of 20-27 minutes. Tickets are available from €3 (FlixTrain) or €10 (Deutsche Bahn); booking early via Omio, Trainline, or bahn.de can save a lot of money. For travellers from the Netherlands, there are direct ICE trains from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Düsseldorf, from where you can easily continue to Cologne. Consider travelling outside peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) for the lowest prices.
The most efficient route to visit Düsseldorf and Cologne by train is to travel from the Netherlands (e.g., Amsterdam) by ICE to Düsseldorf Hbf, and from there continue directly to Köln Hbf. The train journey between Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Hbf takes an average of 20-27 minutes with high-speed connections such as ICE/IC or FlixTrain. For a day trip, you can explore Düsseldorf in the morning and visit Cologne in the afternoon, which involves a total travel time of approximately 4-6 hours (round trip between the cities), excluding travel time to and from the Netherlands. Booking early and travelling outside peak hours can save costs.
To travel comfortably by train to and between Düsseldorf and Cologne, it is advisable to book early for affordable tickets, preferably 1-2 months in advance. Use high-speed connections such as ICE or IC, which connect the cities in approximately 20-27 minutes, and avoid peak hours for a quieter travel experience. Consider FlixTrain for a budget-friendly option, although less frequent, and take advantage of amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets on the ICE. Easily combine the cities into a day trip by exploring Düsseldorf in the morning and continuing to Cologne in the afternoon, with both centrally accessible.
For a combined train journey to Düsseldorf and Cologne, the short travel time (an average of 20-27 minutes) and frequent direct connections between the cities are favourable. Regarding luggage, ICE trains offer Wi-Fi and power outlets, which is comfortable for longer journeys from the Netherlands. Transfers are minimal, as there are many direct connections; the central arrival point in both cities makes the journey stress-free. Booking early can significantly reduce ticket prices, especially for Sparpreis tickets.
