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.
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.
沿途参观这些景点
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
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