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Taking the train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf in 2 hours 18 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 2 hours 47 minutes to travel the 94 miles (151 km) from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf by train, although you can get there in as little as 2 hours 18 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 44 trains per day running on this route. You won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available. You can travel with DB trains during your journey, as they are the main operator of services on this route.
Train tickets from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf start from £19.46 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Köln Hbf? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf by train
It takes an average of 2h 47m to travel from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf by train, over a distance of around 94 miles (151 km). There are normally 44 trains per day travelling from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £19.46 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:15 | |
| Departure station | Paderborn Hbf | |
| Arrival station | Köln Hbf | |
| Journey time | From 2h 18m | |
| Distance | 94 miles (151 km) | |
| Frequency | 44 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £19.46 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn and IC (Intercity) trains from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
IC (Intercity)
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
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Intercity (IC) classes from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC) when travelling from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf.
Second Class
Enjoy comfy seats with power sockets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity (IC)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf.
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.
You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
Cheap train tickets from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf take?
The average journey time by train between Paderborn Hbf and Köln Hbf is 2 hours and 47 minutes, with around 44 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paderborn Hbf and Köln Hbf by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf is 2 hours and 18 minutes.
How much does the train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf cost?
Train ticket prices from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf can start from as little as £19.46 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf leave?
The first train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf leaves at 00:11. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf leave?
The last train from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf leaves at 23:15. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paderborn Hbf and Köln Hbf by train?
Trains travelling from Paderborn Hbf to Köln Hbf cover a distance of around 94 miles (151 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Köln Hbf to Paderborn Hbf.