Direct connections mean you can get to Cologne quickly and comfortably without changing trains. 

• From Basel SBB: journey time around 4 hours; direct connections in the online timetable.
• From Zurich main station: journey time around 6 hours; direct connections in the online timetable.

Services on the train.

The SBB EuroCity offers the following services:

• SBB Restaurant

The ICE offers the following services:

• Free WiFiLink opens in new window.
• Free entertainment on the ICE PortalLink opens in new window.
• DB RestaurantsLink opens in new window.

Buy tickets.

Get advice at the ticket counter or buy tickets online. If you buy tickets online, it’s best to do this on a laptop or PC and to take your time. You can find the best prices in the supersaver ticket finder.

• Buy tickets online
• Find stations
• Supersaver ticket finder

You can find information on booking group travel to Cologne on the group travel help page.

A night train runs every evening from Zürich HB and Basel SBB to Cologne. For a relaxed journey.

Outward journey.

• From Zurich main station on the Nightjet, departure at 21:59, arrival in Cologne at 05:35. Direct connections in the online timetable.
• From Basel SBB on the Nightjet, departure at 23:13, arrival in Cologne at 05:35. Direct connections in the online timetable.

Return journey.

• From Cologne on the Nightjet, departure at 23:53, arrival at Basel SBB at 06:20, direct connections in the online timetable.
• From Cologne on the Nightjet, departure at 23:53, arrival at Zurich main station at 08:05, direct connections in the online timetable.

Booking, comfort categories and services on the night train.

Details on how to buy tickets, the different comfort categories and the services on night trains can be found on our Nightjet page.

Interrail is an inexpensive and flexible way to travel to Cologne. Tip: Discover the city as part of an Interrail trip through Germany or across several countries – you’ll often travel cheaper than with Point-to-Point Tickets.