Road Tripping: The Amsterdam to Cologne Drive Time

Are you thinking about hitting the road and taking a drive from Amsterdam, North Holland to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia? Well, buckle up and get ready, because we've got all the information you need to make your journey as smooth and successful as possible.

There are different routes you can take on this drive, with each having its own upsides and downsides. Below, we'll discuss the two fastest and the two slowest routes between these two beautiful cities, and how long each of them takes.

The Fastest Routes

Route 1: E35/A3

This is the most direct and fastest route between Amsterdam and Cologne. It has a total distance of 225 km and should take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes without traffic. However, during peak traffic times, it can take up to 4 hours. To avoid this, we recommend leaving early in the morning or later in the evening when the traffic is a bit lighter.

Route 2: E35/A12 and A3

This route is slightly longer than Route 1, but it takes a bit less time if you leave early enough or late enough. It has a total distance of 266 km and should take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes without traffic. During peak traffic times, you can expect to spend up to 4 and a half hours on the road.

The Slowest Routes

Route 3: A30 and A1

This is one of the slowest routes you can take between the two cities, with a total distance of 308 km. If you're in no rush, this route can actually be quite scenic, with beautiful views of the Dutch countryside. However, it can be quite slow at times, and you will have to pass through several towns and cities before reaching Cologne. You should allow at least 4 hours for this journey without traffic.

Route 4: A1, A50, A73 and A57

This route is the longest and the slowest of them all, with a total distance of 350 km. If you have the time and want to travel through some smaller Dutch and German towns and cities, then this route might be for you. However, it can take up to 5 hours on the road without traffic, and during peak traffic times, it can take even longer.

Conclusion

Now that you have a rough idea of the different routes and travel times, you can plan your journey more effectively and decide on which route is right for you based on whether you want to enjoy the scenery or get to Cologne as fast as possible. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to check for traffic updates and plan your journey accordingly to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. Safe travels!