Travel Distance Between London And Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is approximately 356 miles or 573 kilometres away from London, UK by road. The distance between the two cities is shorter as the crow flies, at around 308 to 310 miles (495 to 499 kilometres). The distance between London Heathrow Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport is 333 miles or 536 kilometres. The distance between the two cities can also be travelled by train or bus, or a combination of train and plane.

Travel by train

Taking the train from London to Cologne is a convenient and scenic option. The total journey time, including transfers, can vary depending on the route and the train company, but it typically takes between 5 and 7 hours. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your train journey:

## Step 1: London to Brussels

The first part of your journey will be from London to Brussels, and there are a few train operators that service this route. One option is to take the Eurostar, which departs from London St. Pancras International Station and arrives at Brussels Midi Station. This high-speed train can cover the distance in as little as 2 hours, and it offers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Alternatively, you can consider taking the Thalys train, which also provides a direct connection between these two cities.

Step 2: Brussels to Cologne

Upon arriving in Brussels, you will need to make your way to the Brussels-South Railway Station, also known as "Bruxelles-Midi" in French or "Brussel-Zuid" in Dutch. From here, you can board a high-speed train operated by Deutsche Bahn or ICE International. These trains will take you directly to Cologne Central Station ("Köln Hauptbahnhof" in German). The journey time for this leg of the trip is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, and along the way, you'll pass through beautiful Belgian and German countryside.

Tickets and Reservations

It is recommended that you book your train tickets in advance, as this can often secure you the best available fares. You can purchase tickets for each leg of the journey separately or look for combination tickets that cover the entire route. Keep in mind that for the Eurostar, seat reservations are mandatory, so be sure to book early to ensure availability. As for the Brussels to Cologne segment, reservations are not always necessary, but they are recommended during peak travel times or if you want to guarantee a seat on a specific train.

Onboard Experience

When traveling by train, you can expect a comfortable and relaxing journey. On the Eurostar, for example, you'll find spacious seats, ample legroom, and a variety of onboard services, including a café-bar and free Wi-Fi. Similar amenities are available on the high-speed trains from Brussels to Cologne, ensuring that your journey is enjoyable and stress-free. These trains typically offer a choice of first and second class carriages, power outlets for your electronic devices, and luggage storage areas.

Travel by bus

The distance from London, UK, to Cologne, Germany, is approximately 307 to 369 miles (494 to 573 kilometres) by road. The bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel from London to Cologne, with tickets costing between $29 and $70. Flixbus is one bus company that operates this route. The journey takes between 10 hours 20 minutes and 13 hours 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

There are 10 coach stations in London where you can board a bus to Cologne:

• London Bridge
• London Edmonton (Angel Corner)
• London Finchley Road (Stop CL)
• London Hammersmith Bridge Road
• London Hammersmith Bus Station (Bay D)
• London Marble Arch
• London Paddington Train Station
• London Stratford- Montifichet Road Stop U
• London Victoria Coach Station
• North Greenwich- Millenium Way Stop F

There are 3 coach stations in Cologne where you can disembark:

• Cologne Airport CGN (Terminal 2)
• Cologne East (Bergisch Gladbach, Refrath)
• Leverkusen Mitte station

The first bus from London to Cologne departs at 7:00 or 8:30, depending on the day and the route. The last bus leaves at 22:00 or 23:59. It is recommended that you arrive at the coach station at least 10 minutes before departure and that you have your passport and all necessary travel documents with you if you are travelling to mainland Europe.

Flixbus coaches have power sockets, free Wi-Fi (on most routes), air-conditioning, and toilets. Only a few Flixbus coaches are wheelchair accessible, so it is recommended that you contact the company directly to arrange assistance if needed. Each passenger is allowed to bring one suitcase (maximum dimensions: 80 x 50 x 30 cm; maximum weight: 20 kg) and one piece of hand luggage (maximum dimensions: 42 x 30 x 18 cm; maximum weight: 7 kg) at no extra charge. Additional luggage will incur a fee. You can also bring your bike on board, subject to availability, for an extra charge.

Travel by plane

The fastest way to get from London to Cologne is by air. There are multiple direct flights connecting the two cities every day, with a flight time of just under an hour and a half.

London has several airports to choose from when planning your trip to Cologne. These include London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY), London Stansted (STN), and London Luton (LTN). On the other hand, Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the international airport serving Cologne and is located about 15 kilometers southeast of the city center.

Several airlines offer direct flights between London and Cologne, including British Airways, Eurowings, and Lufthansa. The flight schedule varies depending on the day of the week and the time of year, but you can typically find multiple daily departures from each of London's airports. For example, on a given day in July, there might be three direct flights from London Heathrow to Cologne, departing in the morning, afternoon, and evening, respectively.

When booking your flight, consider the airport location and your preferred means of transportation to and from the airport. London Heathrow, for instance, has excellent connections to central London via the Heathrow Express train, while London Gatwick is conveniently connected to the Gatwick Express. Whichever option you choose, make sure to plan your journey to the airport in advance to avoid any last-minute rushes.

Travel by car

The distance from London to Cologne is approximately 530 kilometres via the fastest route, which usually equates to a drive time of around 5 hours, excluding stops. The route takes you through some stunning scenery, from the rolling hills of southern England to the lush Belgian and German countryside.

The most direct route would be to take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, France. This is a quick and efficient way to cross the English Channel, with a drive-on, drive-off service. From Calais, you will head northeast towards Brussels, passing through the historic Belgian towns of Ypres and Kortrijk. This leg of the journey is around 250 kilometres and will take approximately 2.5 hours.

From Brussels, you will continue east towards Cologne, crossing the border into Germany. This part of the journey is around 280 kilometres and will take about 2.5 hours. You will pass through the beautiful Belgian countryside and the dense Ardennes Forest before reaching the German border. Once in Germany, you will be on the famous Autobahn, where there are no general speed limits. However, do keep in mind that there are recommended speeds and speed limits in certain areas, especially near exits and in busier sections.

As you approach Cologne, you will be driving through a more urban landscape, and the famous Cologne Cathedral will likely be visible from a distance, marking your arrival in this historic German city.

Travel by Eurostar

The distance between London and Cologne is approximately 310 miles or 499 kilometres. The best way to travel between the two cities is by taking the Eurostar train from London to Brussels, and then changing to another Eurostar train to Cologne. Here is a detailed guide on how to travel from London to Cologne by Eurostar:

Departing from London St Pancras

To begin your journey, make your way to London St Pancras International, a historic 19th-century station located in the heart of London. It is recommended that you arrive at the station at the suggested time to allow for border controls and security checks. At St Pancras, you can enjoy boutique shopping, fine dining, or a glass of champagne at the longest champagne bar in Europe before boarding your train.

Onboard the Eurostar trains

Travelling between London and Cologne via Brussels is simple, affordable, and relaxing. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage with no weight limits, but ensure you can carry them safely. A range of drinks and snacks are available on the Eurostar Café. If you are travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier between London and Brussels, you will be served a three-course meal at your seat.

Connecting from Brussels to Cologne

The journey from London to Brussels takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes. Once you arrive in Brussels, make your way to the departure area under platforms 1 and 2 for your connecting Eurostar train to Cologne. The journey from Brussels to Cologne will take you to the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, with its famous cathedral being the first thing you see upon exiting the station.

Arriving at Cologne Station

Cologne's main station is located next to its iconic cathedral and the Rhine River. The station offers various culinary options, from German sausages to healthy salads. The city's important museums, breweries, and main shopping street are just a short walk away. For those seeking something different, the vibrant Südstadt area and the trendy "Belgisches Viertel" neighbourhood are a short tram ride away. Cologne also provides excellent train connections to other major German cities.

Frequently asked questions