Exploring The Distance: Paris To Cologne

Paris, France, and Cologne, Germany, are two of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. The distance between these two cities is approximately 250 miles (404 km) by air and 300 miles (486 km) by road. The two cities are easily accessible by train, plane, bus, or car.

Cologne to Paris by train

The distance between Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France, is around 250 miles (404 km) by train. The average journey time by train is 5 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest train will get you there in 3 hours and 20 minutes. There are 15 trains per day, and tickets start from $36.90 when you book in advance.

The train from Cologne to Paris is operated by Eurostar, Thalys, or SNCF. Thalys trains depart from Köln Hbf station in Cologne and arrive at Paris Nord station in Paris. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes, and there are five direct trains per day.

Alternatively, you can travel by Deutsche Bahn (DB) train, which makes one or two stopovers in Frankfurt and Mannheim. DB offers at least one departure per hour, with more during peak travel times. The average journey time is just under five hours.

Both Thalys and DB trains offer spacious and comfortable seating, with plenty of space for luggage. Thalys trains also offer onboard meals, and both companies allow foldable bikes on board.

Tips for Finding Cheap Train Tickets

• Book your tickets in advance.
• Be flexible with connections – avoid travelling during rush hour if possible.
• Book slow trains that involve multiple transfers.

Cologne to Paris by plane

The distance from Paris, France, to Cologne, Germany is 251 miles or 404 kilometres "as the crow flies". The flight distance is slightly longer at 420 miles (678 km).

There are no direct flights from Cologne to Paris, but there are several one-stop options. For example, you can fly from Cologne Bonn (CGN) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) via Munich, Zurich, London Heathrow, or other European cities. The average flight time is 3 hours and 10 minutes, but individual flights can be as short as 1 hour and 25 minutes.

The price of flights from Cologne to Paris varies, but you can find tickets for as little as £29 or $24 (€20). The average price of plane tickets is $57 (€49).

Cologne to Paris by bus

Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France, are separated by a distance of about 250 miles (403 km) or 302 miles/486 km if you're driving. The bus is a great way to travel between the two cities, with several companies offering affordable tickets. Here's what you need to know about taking the bus from Cologne to Paris.

Bus Companies

There are a couple of bus companies that operate between Cologne and Paris, including:

• FlixBus: FlixBus is a well-known European bus company with easy-to-spot lime green buses. They offer comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets on board. FlixBus usually has multiple daily departures and provides affordable tickets.
• BlaBlaBus: BlaBlaBus is another option for travelling between Cologne and Paris. They also offer comfortable seats and amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets. Their ticket prices are generally affordable, with some trips starting as low as $24.

Trip Duration

The bus trip from Cologne to Paris takes between 5 hours 40 minutes and 14 hours 25 minutes, depending on the route and the number of stops. The average travel time is around 8 hours.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for the bus from Cologne to Paris can vary depending on the company, the time of booking, and the date of travel. Generally, tickets can range from as low as $24 to around $161. It's recommended to book in advance to secure cheaper tickets.

Departure and Arrival Points

The main departure points in Cologne are usually the Cologne Airport (CGN) and the bus stations in the city. In Paris, buses typically arrive at the Bercy Seine station, but they may also go to Paris - Orly Airport (ORY) or other locations.

Booking Tips

• Book in advance: To get the best prices, it's advisable to book your bus tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to increase closer to the departure date.
• Compare prices: Compare prices between different bus companies and on different dates to find the best deal. Prices can vary, and you may be able to save money by being flexible with your travel dates.
• Bring entertainment: While some buses offer Wi-Fi and entertainment systems, it's always a good idea to bring your own entertainment, such as books, music, or downloaded movies or shows, to make the trip more enjoyable.

Cologne to Paris by car

The driving distance from Cologne, Germany, to Paris, France, is approximately 300 miles or 486 kilometres. The trip is just over 400 miles return.

If you're planning to drive non-stop, the trip will take you around 5 hours and 5 minutes. However, it's a good idea to add some time for rest stops, food, and gas.

If you're looking to make a road trip out of it, you could spread the journey over two days. On the first day, you could drive for about 52 minutes and then stop in Aachen for an hour. Then, drive for another 42 minutes and stop in Liege for an hour. After that, you can drive for 42 minutes and stop in Namur for an hour, before driving for 55 minutes and stopping in Mons for the night. On the second day, you can drive for about 54 minutes to Cambrai and stay for an hour, then drive for an hour to Noyon and stay for an hour. Finally, drive for 52 minutes to Parc Asterix, stay for an hour, and then it's just a 36-minute drive to Paris!

Cologne to Paris by rideshare

The distance between Cologne, Germany and Paris, France is around 300 miles by road and 250 miles in a straight line.

Ridesharing is the cheapest way to get from Cologne to Paris, with prices starting at $35. The journey takes around 5 hours and 49 minutes.

You can check out Blablacar's carpooling service for ridesharing options between the two cities. This is a great option if you don't have a driver's license or want to avoid public transport.

Frequently asked questions