Exploring The Distance: Cologne To Strasbourg

The distance between Cologne and Strasbourg is approximately 268 kilometres or 166 miles. There are several ways to travel between the two cities, including by train, bus, night train, car, or plane. The fastest way to get from Cologne to Strasbourg is by car, which takes around three and a half hours.

Travel by train

Cologne and Strasbourg are two beautiful European cities, with the distance between them being approximately 268 kilometres (166 miles). The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by train, which takes around 2 hours and 51 minutes. In this article, we will focus on providing a detailed guide for travelling by train from Cologne to Strasbourg.

Train Operators and Tickets

The train journey from Cologne to Strasbourg is served by multiple operators, including Deutsche Bahn with connection, Deutsche Bahn, Intercity-Express (ICE), Südwestdeutsche Verkehrs-AG, and Train Express Regional. These operators provide a range of ticket options, with prices varying depending on the type of ticket and the time of booking. The cheapest tickets can be found for prices starting from US$37.50, while booking 30 days in advance can cost around US$54, and booking 7 days in advance is usually around US$84. It is recommended to book train tickets in advance, as prices tend to increase closer to the travel date.

Train Stations

When travelling from Cologne to Strasbourg by train, passengers will typically depart from Köln Hbf, Köln Messe/Deutz, or Köln/Bonn Flughafen stations. The arrival stations in Strasbourg include Strasbourg and Strasbourg-Roethig. It is important to check the specific train schedule to determine the exact departure and arrival stations for your journey.

Train Schedule

The train schedule between Cologne and Strasbourg offers frequent services, with approximately 46 trains travelling between the two cities on weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, the first train from Cologne usually departs around 04:11, with the last train leaving at around 00:03. During the weekends, the first train typically departs at around 04:02, and the last train leaves at approximately 23:55. It is worth noting that the schedule may vary on specific dates and during holidays, so it is advisable to check the timetable before planning your trip.

Train Changes

It is important to note that there are no direct trains from Cologne to Strasbourg. The journey usually involves at least one change of train along the way. However, there are departures that allow for efficient connections without lengthy waiting times.

Travel Tips

When planning your train journey from Cologne to Strasbourg, consider the following tips:

• Book your train tickets in advance to take advantage of lower prices.
• Check the train schedule and plan your journey to ensure a smooth and efficient connection.
• Compare prices and ticket options from different operators to find the best deal.
• Be aware that the train schedule may vary on weekends and holidays.
• Consider the different departure and arrival stations in Cologne and Strasbourg to plan your journey accordingly.

Travel by bus

If you're considering a bus journey from Cologne to Strasbourg, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the distance between the two cities is approximately 300 kilometres, and the journey time can vary depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way. There are a few different bus companies that offer this route, and you can usually find tickets available for purchase online or at the bus station. FlixBus is a popular option for this route and offers multiple trips per day.

The journey by bus from Cologne to Strasbourg can take anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, depending on the particular bus and route you choose. Most buses will make a few stops along the way, including at least one longer break to allow passengers to stretch their legs, get some food, and use the restroom. These breaks usually take place at larger rest stops or highway service areas.

When planning your bus journey, it's important to consider the location of the bus stations in both cities. In Cologne, the main bus station is located in the city centre, close to the Cologne Cathedral and the central train station. This makes it easy to reach the bus station by public transport or on foot if you're departing from the city centre. In Strasbourg, the main bus station is located just outside the historic city centre, about a 15-minute walk from the Strasbourg Cathedral.

When travelling by bus, it's recommended to bring some entertainment, such as a good book, music, or a portable gaming device, to pass the time. Additionally, you might want to bring some snacks and drinks, although these are usually also available for purchase on board. It's also a good idea to dress comfortably and perhaps bring a travel pillow to make your journey more comfortable.

Travel by car

The driving distance between Cologne and Strasbourg is approximately 237 to 239 miles (381 to 385 km). The fastest route to get from Cologne to Strasbourg is by car, which takes around 3 hours and 18 to 22 minutes.

Step 1: Get on A559 in Porz from Julius-Leber-Str. and Oskar-Jäger-Str.

Get on A559 in Porz from Julius-Leber-Str. and Oskar-Jäger-Str. This route is approximately 11 minutes or 3.7 miles (6 km) long.

Step 2: Follow A559 to A3.

From your starting point, follow A559 to A3. This will take around 6 minutes or 4.3 miles (7 km).

Step 3: Follow A3 and A6 to A630 in Ludwigshafen. Take the A650 exit from A6.

Follow A3 and A6 to A630 in Ludwigshafen. Take the A650 exit from A6. This is a longer stretch of the journey, taking around 1 hour and 52 minutes to cover 111 miles (179 km).

Step 4: Follow A630 and B9 to your destination in Strasbourg.

Continue on A630 and B9 to your destination in Strasbourg, France. This last stretch will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes to cover 77.7 miles (125 km).

Please note that the estimated travel time does not include breaks and assumes ideal road and traffic conditions. Depending on factors such as traffic, weather, and road conditions, the actual travel time may vary. It is always recommended to check local traffic laws and regulations before starting your journey.

Travel by plane

The flight distance between Cologne and Strasbourg is 269km. The best way to travel between the two cities by plane is to fly from Zurich to Cologne Bonn.

From Zurich to Cologne Bonn

Flights from Zurich to Cologne Bonn are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The cheapest airline flying this route is Turkish Airlines. The cheapest month to fly is August, and the cheapest day of the week is Thursday. The cheapest time of day to fly is in the morning.

From Stuttgart to Frankfurt

You can also fly from Stuttgart to Frankfurt, and then take the train from Frankfurt to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf.

From Frankfurt to Dusseldorf

Another option is to fly from Frankfurt to Dusseldorf, and then take the train from Frankfurt to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf.

Travel by night train

The distance between Cologne and Strasbourg is approximately 251 miles, or 268 kilometres. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by car, which takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes. However, if you're looking for a more scenic and comfortable option, you can also take the night train.

• Train Route and Duration: The night train from Cologne to Strasbourg typically involves a transfer at Offenburg. The total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the specific train schedule.
• Timings and Frequency: Night trains usually depart in the evening and arrive at their destination early in the morning. They often run less frequently than daytime trains, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
• Booking Tickets: You can book your night train tickets online through various websites, such as Rome2rio, Rail Europe, or the official websites of the train operators. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred travel date and fare.
• Amenities and Comfort: Night trains offer a comfortable way to travel, with reclining seats or sleeper compartments available on some routes. They also provide basic amenities like toilets, and some trains may offer additional services like dining cars or Wi-Fi.
• Luggage: Night trains typically offer more generous luggage allowances than other forms of transport. You can usually store your luggage in overhead racks or designated storage areas within the train car.
• Scenery: Travelling by night train allows you to pass through the German and French countryside while you sleep. You can wake up refreshed and ready to explore Strasbourg, or enjoy the views along the way if you're having trouble sleeping.
• Cost: The cost of night train tickets can vary depending on the operator, class of service, and how far in advance you book. Generally, booking earlier can help you secure lower fares.
• Flexibility: Night trains offer a convenient way to travel between Cologne and Strasbourg while also saving on a night of accommodation. You can sleep on the train and arrive at your destination well-rested and ready to start your day.
• Operator Information: The night train from Cologne to Offenburg is operated by Deutsche Bahn, and you can find more information on their website or through online travel planners.
• Alternative Options: If the night train doesn't align with your travel plans, there are other transport options available, including daytime trains, buses, driving, or even flying between the two cities.

Frequently asked questions