Exploring The Distance: Paris To Cologne

Paris and Cologne are two of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. The distance between the two cities is around 250 miles or 400 kilometres. The best way to get from Paris to Cologne is by train, which takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $120 and $250.

Cologne to Paris by car

The distance between Cologne and Paris is approximately 300 miles by road. The trip can be done in one day, but it is recommended to spread it over two days to make stops along the way.

Day 1

Leaving Cologne, drive for about 52 minutes, then stop in Aachen and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 42 minutes, then stop in Liege and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 42 minutes, then stop in Namur and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 55 minutes, then stop in Mons.

Day 2

On the second day, drive for about 54 minutes from Mons, then stop in Cambrai and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 1 hour, then stop in Noyon and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 52 minutes, then stop at Parc Asterix and stay for 1 hour. Finally, drive for about 36 minutes to reach Paris.

The entire road trip from Cologne to Paris with the above itinerary will take 6.5 hours on the road with 1 overnight.

Cologne to Paris by train

Cologne and Paris are two of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and the train is one of the best ways to travel between the two cities. The distance between Cologne and Paris is around 250 miles (400 km) and the train is the best way to get from one city to the other. Here is some essential information about travelling by train from Cologne to Paris.

The train from Cologne to Paris takes, on average, 3 hours and 34 minutes, but the duration of the journey can vary depending on the provider and the number of transfers. The two cities are connected by about 50 trains every day, with some making direct connections and others requiring transfers. The first train leaves Cologne at around 3:30 a.m., with the last train departing in the early evening. The average ticket price for this route is around $106 (€91), but the cheapest tickets can be found for as low as $85 (€73) if you book in advance.

Train Stations in Cologne and Paris

The main departure point for trains from Cologne to Paris is Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf), which is located about one mile (1.5 km) from the city centre. The arrival station in Paris is Paris Gare du Nord, which is about four miles (6 km) from the city centre. Both stations offer a range of facilities and services, including waiting areas, eateries, parking, and luggage handling facilities.

Train Providers

There are two main train providers for the Cologne to Paris route: Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Thalys. DB is the main railway company of Germany and offers commuter train services from Cologne to Paris, usually with one or two stopovers in Frankfurt or Mannheim. Thalys provides high-speed, mostly direct train connections between the two cities, with travel times as short as 3 hours and 21 minutes.

Booking Tips

To find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Paris, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance and be flexible with connections. Slow trains that involve multiple transfers are usually cheaper, as are tickets during non-rush hours.

Cologne to Paris by plane

The distance between Paris and Cologne is approximately 251 miles or 404 km in a straight line. This is the flight distance if you were to travel by private jet.

If you are travelling by commercial airline, there are a few different routes you could take. One option is to fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) with a layover in Munich. Alternatively, you could fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) and then take a train to Cologne. Another option is to fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Frankfurt and then take a train to Cologne.

The average flight time from Paris to Cologne is around 3 hours and 10 minutes, but this does not include travel to and from the airport or time spent waiting for security and boarding. When these factors are taken into account, the total travel time for a commercial flight is more likely to be around 8 hours.

It is also worth noting that there are no direct flights between Paris and Cologne, so a layover in another city is always required.

When booking your flight, it is a good idea to use a platform that compares prices from multiple airlines, such as Skyscanner. The best price for a return flight from Cologne to Paris on Skyscanner is £49.

Finally, if you are travelling by plane, it is important to be aware of any COVID-19 travel requirements and restrictions. As of the time of writing, it is possible to travel from Cologne to Paris by plane, and there is likely no need to quarantine upon arrival or return. However, it is always recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before travelling.

Cologne to Paris by bus

Cologne and Paris are separated by a distance of about 250 miles (403 km). The two cities are easily accessible by bus, with 17 daily trips between them. The first bus leaves Cologne at 1:35 a.m., while the last bus departs at 11:50 p.m. The average price of a one-way ticket is $43, with prices ranging from $24 to $161. The trip can take anywhere from 5 hours 40 minutes to 11 hours 15 minutes, depending on the provider and the number of transfers.

FlixBus and BlaBlaBus are the two main bus companies that service this route. FlixBus, a European bus company, offers free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and power outlets on its buses. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or buy snacks and drinks directly from the driver. BlaBlaBus, on the other hand, has received 3.7 out of 5 stars based on over 8,000 reviews. While travelers were satisfied with ticket access and temperature control, they often complained about the Wi-Fi.

• FlixBus: Departure at 11:50 p.m. from Cologne Airport, arrival at 7:10 a.m. in Paris (Bercy Seine). Duration: 7 hours 20 minutes. Price: $80.
• BlaBlaBus: Departure at 4:20 p.m. from Cologne Airport, arrival at 11:50 p.m. in Paris (Bercy Seine). Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes. Price: $32.
• BlaBlaBus: Departure at 11:00 p.m. from Cologne Airport, arrival at 7:45 a.m. in Paris (Bercy Seine). Duration: 8 hours 45 minutes. Price: $24.

Cologne to Paris by rideshare

BlaBlaCar is a popular rideshare service that connects Cologne and Paris. It's a long journey, so ridesharing can be a comfortable and affordable option, especially if you book in advance.

The distance between Cologne and Paris is approximately 495 km (307 miles). The driveshare option will take you between 5 and 7 hours, depending on traffic and where you are dropped off. The rideshare usually includes a stop in the city of Brussels, which is a convenient halfway point and a chance to stretch your legs.

When booking, you can choose your preferred pickup and drop-off points. In Cologne, popular pickup locations include the Cologne Bonn Airport, the main train station (Köln Hbf), or the Deutz station. In Paris, you can be dropped off at one of the major train stations, such as Gare du Nord or Gare de l'Est, or even Charles de Gaulle Airport, depending on your driver's route and your preference.

Prices for ridesharing can vary, but they are often very competitive, especially when compared to last-minute train or flight tickets. It is recommended to book your rideshare trip in advance to secure the best price and your seat. You can also choose to book a 'women-only' ride if you prefer, and you can see the driver's profile and ratings before you book.

Frequently asked questions