Cologne is the strongest first base, with Bonn and Düsseldorf on nearby rail corridors. Ruhr cities sit farther north and need a different cultural plan.
Frequent regional trains make multi-city days possible, but major museums and the cathedral deserve time rather than a station checklist.
Use one city as an anchor
Cologne suits cathedral and Rhine routes. Düsseldorf suits art, architecture and northern connections.
Read the train label carefully
Local, regional and long-distance services share busy stations but use different tickets.
Give industrial heritage a full day
Large Ruhr sites sit beyond the historic Rhine-city circuit.
A practical itinerary
- Days 1 to 2: explore Cologne.
- Day 3: visit Bonn or Düsseldorf by rail.
- Days 4 to 5: add a focused Ruhr or museum route.
City-to-city travel
Short distances can still be affected by events and engineering work.
Accessible planning
Check the exact station lift and museum entrance before departure.
Places to add to your map
- Cologne: Main visitor base on the Rhine.
- Düsseldorf: State capital and art centre.
- Bonn: Museum and history city south of Cologne.
Open the route planner to place these stops in a wider Germany trip.
Continue planning
Questions about North Rhine-Westphalia
Where should I stay in North Rhine-Westphalia?
Cologne is the easiest base for a first visit. Düsseldorf is better for northern routes and its own art and architecture focus.
Can I visit Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn by train?
Yes. They sit on busy rail corridors, though the ticket type and live service pattern should be checked for each day.
Sources and updates
This guide was last reviewed on 28 August 2026. Transport, access and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official German rail journey planner, Deutsche Bahn
- Official accessible travel guidance for Germany, German National Tourist Board
- Official Cologne visitor information, Cologne Tourist Board