Transfers Countries Netherlands AmsterdamAmsterdam to Cologne

Private car transfer from Amsterdam to Cologne

Door-to-door
in 3 hours

From €80
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Amsterdam.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 hours.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Cologne.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

262 km3 hours

Overview: The car trip from Amsterdam to Cologne

Traveling by car from Amsterdam to Cologne is an unforgettable trip that lets you see the heart of Europe right before your eyes. Covering a distance of around 165 miles (265 kilometers), your expedition will take about 2.5-3 hours, considering traffic conditions.

Along the way, you can stop by several important landmarks, such as the Dutch city of Utrecht, famous for its Medieval center, and the historic Duisburg town in Germany, a city dotted with lakes, canals, and harbors.

During the drive, you’ll also get the chance to stop by De Haar Castle, the largest castle in the Netherlands, where you can get a glimpse into the lavish lives of the noble Jewish family, the Rothschilds.

Each stop on this trip will also provide you with valuable insights into the culture and history of these two countries, making your drive both fun and educational, perfect for solo travelers and families.

About Cologne

Your road trip takes you from Amsterdam to Cologne, the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest city in the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia. Regarded as one of the key inland ports of Europe, this city is Rhineland’s historical, cultural, and economic capital.

The ancient Romans founded this German city. Since then, it has enjoyed a history spanning over two millennia. From its founding, it swiftly became a major trading hub because of its proximity to the Rhine River.

During the Middle Ages, Cologne flourished even further, becoming hailed as a significant religious center with the unveiling of the Cologne Cathedral during the 13th century. In 1709, the original cologne was created here, designed to smell like mountain daffodils, orange blossoms after the rain, and an Italian spring morning.

Cologne was an imperial city until France took over in 1794. In 1815, Prussia led Cologne to a new era of prosperity.

World War II caused Cologne extensive damage, but it gradually rebuilt itself, preserving its historical heritage while developing into a modern metropolis. Today, this resilient city is proud to show its beauty and culture to the rest of the world.

During your time in Cologne, you can explore its top attractions, which include the:

Cologne Cathedral
Museum Ludwig
Lindt Chocolate Museum
Cologne Zoological Garden
Old Market
Museum of Applied Art Cologne
Flora und Botanischer Garten (Flora and Botanical Garden Cologne)
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
Hohenzollern Bridge

From Amsterdam to Cologne: travel tips

To ensure your trip from Amsterdam to Cologne will be filled with fun and not hassles, you can follow these important travel trips.

As you plan your trip between these two cities, consider the peak travel times to avoid traffic congestion and crowded trains. Generally, weekdays are less busy than weekends. Consider scheduling your trip during non-peak days. Likewise, secure all the important and necessary travel documents in an envelope or folder and keep them in your. If you prefer digital copies, keep them in a folder on your phone. You should also make sure these documents are updated. Remember, you’ll be visiting two countries, even though your passport won’t get stamped. So preparation is key. Third, learn to respect local customs and traditions. For instance, Germans value punctuality, so be sure to be on time, whether when riding trains or attending shows. Learn some basic German phrases so you can communicate with locals with ease, such as when you have questions about directions.

How to get from Amsterdam to Cologne

Options for getting from Amsterdam to Cologne include riding the train or bus. Otherwise, you can catch a flight, board a cruise, drive a car, or book a private shuttle service like Daytrip.

Amsterdam to Cologne by train

Taking a train is a popular choice because it’s efficient, convenient, and fast. There are multiple direct trains from Amsterdam to Cologne, including high-speed trains which only take around 2.5 hours. The cheapest train ticket costs $23 (21 euros).

Amsterdam to Cologne by bus

Buses are another economical choice to get from Amsterdam to Cologne. The average ticket price is around $34 (32 euros), so they can actually be more expensive than the train. But travel times are longer, averaging 4.5-5 hours, and they are less comfortable and have fewer amenities than the train.

Amsterdam to Cologne by flight

While the flight from Amsterdam to Cologne takes only around an hour, this doesn't take into account the time getting to and from the airport or the 2 hours needed for check-in and security. The cheapest direct flight is $206 (190 euros). Considering the total travel time is longer than just taking a train, and tickets cost nearly 10x as much, flying is about the worst way to get from Amsterdam to Cologne.

Amsterdam to Cologne by cruise

Meanwhile, if you want a more relaxing way to get to Cologne from Amsterdam, you can take a cruise. Your boat tour will offer you glimpses of the coastal towns in these areas, and sometimes short shore excursions. Boat cruise tickets start at around $159 (147 euros).

Amsterdam to Cologne with Daytrip private car service

If you want a comfortable tour through the Dutch and German countryside, you want to take Daytrip's private car service from Amsterdam to Cologne. Daytrip offers door-to-door service, meaning you won't have to get to a train or bus station first. In fact, you won't have to even lift your luggage---your private driver will handle that!

Once on the road, you can chat with your driver about local culture or (and here's the best part) stop for sightseeing along the way! Stop by Utrecht for even more canals and medieval buildings (plus the UNESCO-listed Rietveld-Schröder House), or impressive castles like De Haar Castle, the Rothschilds' extravagant abode and largest castle in the Netherlands! Your trip comes to a close when your driver drops you off right in front of your accommodation.

Things to do when you get to Cologne

Right as you get from Amsterdam to Cologne, you can enjoy several activities— this German city is pulsating day and night.

Adrenaline, anticipation, and just good vibrations—the fun never ends in big cities. It’s the perfect hangout place for culture geeks, sports lovers, entertainment enthusiasts, and foodies. Don’t miss a moment by reading the guide below.

Sightseeing: faith and history

Cologne offers a wealth of memorable activities for its visitors. Be sure to include Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in your itinerary. If you think you are fit enough, climb the 533 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Otherwise, you can just take the elevator.

Then there’s the Roman-Germanic Museum, which houses a broad collection of artifacts from the Roman era, offering insights into the city’s founding and ancient past.

Take your palate on a gastronomic adventure and dance the night away

The culinary scene and heritage of Cologne are some of the best in the world. You can try both traditional German dishes and international cuisines paired with the local beer, Kölsch, served in small glasses at various pubs around the city.

Some of the best restaurants in this city are Enoteca, L'Escalier, La Société, Em Krützche, Früh am Dom, Hirschlein, and Taku. But that’s not an exhaustive list.

Are you traveling with friends? Don’t forget the nightlife experience here in Cologne. The best spot would be the Belgian Quarter, renowned for its vibrant bars and clubs, offering entertainment until sun-up.

Participate in festivals and events

Plan your trip to Cologne early on, considering these delightful festivals around town: the Kölschfest in January, the Cologne Carnival every February, the Art Cologne in April, the PollerWiesen techno music festival in July, the Beethovenfest Bonn in September, and the Christmas markets every December. Mark your calendars!

When is the best time to visit Cologne

To make sure your trip from Amsterdam to Cologne will be hassle-free, it is important to know this information. Cologne is a year-round destination, so many would tell you that traveling to this city is perfect at any time of the year.

But in general, schedule your visit during the spring season (from April to June) or during the fall season (from September to October). During these times, the weather is just right, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), there are fewer crowds than in the summer, and accommodation prices are usually lower.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Amsterdam to Cologne

Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Cologne?

Yes, you can do a day trip in these two cities. With a travel time of around 2.5 hours by train or three hours by car, you can visit Cologne’s major attractions and return to Amsterdam on the same day.

Is there a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Germany?

Yes, the ICE (InterCity Express) and Thalys trains provide direct routes to various German cities, including Cologne, offering fast, efficient, convenient, and affordable travel. High-speed trains offer a fast way to get to Cologne from Amsterdam, but they can also be more expensive than regular trains.

Can I travel by cruise from Amsterdam to Cologne?

Yes, you can travel by cruise to Cologne from Amsterdam. This is a good option if you want a more dramatic and relaxing way to reach Cologne, with idyllic views of the coast the entire trip. Cruise ticket starts at around $159 (147 euros).

How do I get from Amsterdam to Cologne?

There are several ways to travel to Cologne from Amsterdam, including by train, car, bus, cruise, or plane. Each mode of transportation offers different perks in terms of cost, travel time, and convenience. For a comfortable and flexible journey, consider using Daytrip, which provides a private car service with an English-speaking driver and enriching sightseeing stops!

How long does it take to get from Amsterdam to Cologne by train?

Riding a train is a popular option mainly because it is convenient and fast, without the high costs. The journey lasts around 2.5 hours, especially if you choose to board high-speed trains, such as the InterCity Express (ICE).

How much is a train ticket from Amsterdam to Cologne, Germany?

The average train ticket price is $56 (52 euros). If you wish to save, the cheapest ticket costs $23 (21 euros), depending on the class and time of your booking. Prices may vary, so it is advisable to buy in advance for the best rates.

Visit these sights on the way

De Haar Castle

Get a glimpse into the extravagant lives of the Rothschilds in the largest castle in the Netherlands. The Golden Age

Utrecht

The canals in this ancient Dutch city were voted the most beautiful in Europe. Canal Culture

Nijmegen

The oldest city in the Netherlands was made for walking - from its historic quarter to boat-watching, to the world’s largest multi-day walking event. Chugging Along

Huis Bergh Castle

This 20th century neo-Gothic castle-cum-hotel has stayed true to its medieval roots. Keeping Up Appearances

Classic Remise Dusseldorf

This free-to-enter nirvana for car enthusiasts offers a closer look at hundreds of highly coveted vehicles. Let the Good Times Roll

Schloss Benrath

With its huge park and ponds, this splendid example of baroque excess was built as summer retreat. Pink Pleasure Palace

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

550 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.