Think Thalys when planning your next trip from Cologne to Amsterdam by train! You’ll be well at ease aboard a high-speed TGV train as you travel northwest from Germany and across the scenic Netherlands to reach the Dutch capital city. Along the way, sit back, relax and enjoy the convenient services and amenities available to you in either Standard, Comfort or Premium Class. Free WiFi internet is provided in all seating classes on all routes – just one of the perks you’ll get when traveling with Thalys!
On average, three TGV trains make the commute to Amsterdam each day; one in the morning and two in the afternoon. All depart from Cologne and make a single stop in Brussels before continuing on to Amsterdam.
In just under 4 hours’ time, you’ll step off the train in central Amsterdam, the heart and soul of Holland. A city with a rich artistic heritage, it’s the home of such prominent art repositories as the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Hermitage Amsterdam. Take a leisurely stroll by the canals or take in the many architectural sights before visiting the historic Anne Frank House and Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Purchase your convenient “Thalys E-Ticket and Reservation” here, then simply print it out from home after receiving it by email. With ticket in hand, you’re ready to travel from Cologne to Amsterdam by train, seat reservation included!
How to get from Cologne to Amsterdam
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Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.There are 6 ways to get from Cologne to Amsterdam by train, night train, rideshare,
car or plane
Recommended
Train
Cheapest
Rideshare
- Take the rideshare from Cologne to Amsterdam
Train via Arnhem
- Take the train from Koeln Sued to Duesseldorf Flughafen
- Take the train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Arnhem Centraal
- Take the train from Arnhem Centraal to Amsterdam Centraal
Night train
- Take the night train from Koeln Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal
Drive
- Drive from Cologne to Amsterdam
Train, fly
- Take the train from Koeln Hbf to Duesseldorf Flughafen
- Fly from Dusseldorf (DUS) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
The train journey time between Cologne and Amsterdam is around 3h 25m and covers a distance of around 258 km. Operated by Österreichische Bundesbahnen and Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, the Cologne to Amsterdam train service departs from Köln Hbf and arrives in Amsterdam Centraal. Typically 10 trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
10 Weekly Trains
3h 25m Average Duration
₹3,900 Cheapest Price
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Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into Netherlands from Germany
- Entry is unrestricted for citizens and permanent residents of Germany
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Allowed for: All visitors
Restricted for: There are no current restrictions
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Conditions of entry into Netherlands from Germany
- There are no current restrictions
This applies to arrivals from all countries, with no exceptions
Rules to follow in Netherlands
Considerations leaving from Germany
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to travel from Germany to Netherlands?
Yes, entry into Netherlands is currently allowed from Germany.
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What are the travel restrictions in Amsterdam?
Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are recommended
- There is a social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres
- There are no current restrictions
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What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Amsterdam?
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Amsterdam is 1351.
Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Amsterdam?
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Amsterdam is recommended.
What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Amsterdam?
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 1351.
Are there restrictions returning to Germany from Netherlands?
No, returning to Germany from Netherlands is currently allowed.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 19 Sep 2022
Exceptions may apply, for full details: European Union.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit
Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
Is it cheaper to fly, bus, train or ferry from Cologne to Amsterdam?
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Amsterdam is to rideshare which costs ₹950 - ₹2,000 and takes 3h 1m.
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What is the fastest way to get from Cologne to Amsterdam?
The quickest way to get from Cologne to Amsterdam is to drive which costs ₹4,300 - ₹6,500 and takes 2h 42m.
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Is there a direct train between Cologne and Amsterdam?
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Köln Hbf and arriving at Amsterdam Centraal. Services depart once daily, and operate Monday to Saturday. The journey takes approximately 3h 25m.
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How far is it from Cologne to Amsterdam?
The distance between Cologne and Amsterdam is 214 km. The road distance is 262.1 km.
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How do I travel from Cologne to Amsterdam without a car?
The best way to get from Cologne to Amsterdam without a car is to train which takes 3h 25m and costs ₹3,900 - ₹5,500.
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How long does it take to get from Cologne to Amsterdam?
The train from Köln Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal takes 3h 25m including transfers and departs once daily.
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Where do I catch the Cologne to Amsterdam train from?
Cologne to Amsterdam train services, operated by Österreichische Bundesbahnen, depart from Köln Hbf station.
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How long is the flight from Cologne to Amsterdam?
The quickest flight from Dusseldorf Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the direct flight which takes 50 min.
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Where does the Cologne to Amsterdam train arrive?
Cologne to Amsterdam train services, operated by Österreichische Bundesbahnen, arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station.
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Can I drive from Cologne to Amsterdam?
Yes, the driving distance between Cologne to Amsterdam is 262 km. It takes approximately 2h 42m to drive from Cologne to Amsterdam.
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What companies run services between Cologne, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Österreichische Bundesbahnen operates a train from Köln Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal once daily, and the journey takes 3h 25m. Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express also services this route 5 times a week.
KLM
Websiteklm.comAve. Duration55 minWhenEvery dayEstimated price₹10,000 - ₹65,000
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Websitedelfi.deAve. Duration3h 25mFrequencyOnce dailySchedules atdelfi.de
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
German rail company Deutsche Bahn is known for its efficient and comfortable service. It offers many different types of rail transportation, including ICE or Intercity-Express for high-speed services between major cities and regions, IC (InterCity) for long-distance trains, RE (Regional Express) trains that connect regions and cities, and the S-Bahn rapid transit service. There are two main tickets on offer: the Flexpreis that has full flexibility, and the Sparpreis which is the cheaper, advanced fare (bookings usually open 6 months in advance for domestic tickets).
Phone+49 0180 6 99 66 33Websitebahn.comAve. Duration3h 8mFrequency5 times a weekEstimated price₹3,900 - ₹5,500WebsiteDeutsche BahnAve. Duration3h 9mFrequencyTwice a weekEstimated price₹3,900 - ₹5,500WebsiteDeutsche BahnAve. Duration34 minFrequencyEvery 4 hoursEstimated price₹1,300 - ₹1,900WebsiteDeutsche BahnNational Express
VIAS Rail GmbH
Dutch Railways (NS)
Dutch Railways (NS) is the main passenger railway operator in the Netherlands. Founded in 1938, NS connects all major cities in the Netherlands, and offers night trains, international trains, Intercity direct, and trains to and from the airport. NS International is the international subsidiary of NS; their services include high-speed trains such as Thalys, ICE International, Eurostar and TGV, to major European hubs including Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt and Lille.
Phone+31 30 751 5155Websitens.nlAve. Duration1h 3mFrequencyHourlyEstimated price₹1,000 - ₹2,400 WebsiteDutch Railways (NS)Book atNetherlands Rail Pass2nd Class₹1,000 - ₹1,5001st Class ₹1,700 - ₹2,400Nightjet
Abellio
Thalys
Phone+32 70 66 77 88Websitethalys.comAve. Duration32 minFrequency6 times a weekEstimated price₹3,100 - ₹6,000WebsiteThalysStandard₹3,100 - ₹4,300Comfort₹4,100 - ₹5,500Premium₹4,200 - ₹6,000
BlaBlaCar
Blablacar is a popular ridesharing platform with 70 million users over 22 (mostly European) countries. The basic idea is that you carpool with locals who are already planning to drive your route and have space in their car. With some flexibility, you’ll get to your destination often faster and cheaper than other means. On the website or app, enter your departure and arrival points and your date of travel, sift through the profiles of drivers who’ve posted pre-planned drives and find one whose timing and preferences match yours. Request to join the ride, wait to be accepted, and pay your share of the set price.
Websiteblablacar.comAve. Duration3h 1mFrequencyEvery 4 hoursEstimated price₹950 - ₹2,000Book atblablacar.co.ukWant to know more about travelling around Netherlands
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More Questions & Answers
Which airlines fly from Dusseldorf Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?
KLM offers flights from Dusseldorf Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
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How do I get a train ticket from Cologne to Amsterdam?
Book your Cologne to Amsterdam train tickets online with Omio.
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Where can I stay near Amsterdam?
There are 2187+ hotels available in Amsterdam. Prices start at ₹7,500 per night.
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