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How to take the rail journey from Cologne/Köln to Amsterdam
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Köln / Cologne / Koeln to Amsterdam by train
Taking the train from Cologne / Köln / Koeln to Amsterdam is usually blissfully simple, as the cities are usually linked every other hour by swish ICE trains.
Though what's a tad odd about this route is that the ICEs are high speed trains, but they only have the opportunity to travel at more than 270 kmh south of Köln/Cologne.
On this route to The Netherlands there are no high speed lines for them to whizz along.
Routes you can take to go from Köln / Cologne / Koeln to Amsterdam
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
Choose one of the following options:
Looking for connections?
Route Information
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
2hr 40min (approx)
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
From Koln Hbf
Mon - Fri 7 x trains per day
Sat = 5 x trains
Sun = 6 x trains
The usual final departure of the day does not operate on Saturdays.
Is the journey from Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is this journey scenic?
Not particularly, though it passes through multiple cities and after Utrecht the railway is beside a canal, over on the right.
What other tourist locations are along this route from Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam?
These trains also call in Arnhem and Utrecht.
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Amsterdam Centraal from Köln Hbf on this journey option?
Before 09:30 daily
Source = Deutsche Bahn
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Centraal is served by three metro lines and multiple tram routes / lines which head into the city centre - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Amsterdam Centraal.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Köln Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal on this journey option
Before 18:45 daily; though on most days there is a later departure from Köln Messe/Deutz station at around 20:45.
Source = Deutsche Bahn
How easy is it to get to the station in Cologne / Köln?
Köln Hbf is conveniently located in the city centre - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighborhood..
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Germany, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.
Does the ticket for these Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam trains include assigned seats?
Only when booking the most expensive types of ticket = Flexpreise tickets for travel in 1st class.
So they are not included when booking tickets for travel in 2nd class, or any other type of ticket valid for travel in 1st class
They are available, so they can be added for an additional cost, when booking those types of ticket.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam trains?
From June 1st to Sept 1st there are mandatory.
At other times of year they are option, but are recommended for travel at:
- business hours,
- Fridays after midday
- Sundays after midday
See [*the rail pass guide
Is catering available on these Cologne / Köln to Amsterdam trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany
What else is good to know about Dutch rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in The Netherlands.
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