Travel Time: Cologne To London By Train

Travelling from London to Cologne by train is a simple, speedy and affordable journey. The fastest route takes around 3 hours and 56 minutes, with a distance of approximately 497 kilometres covered. The route involves taking the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels, and then changing to another Eurostar or an ICE train to Cologne. The Eurostar offers a seamless travel experience with no weight limits on luggage, free WiFi, power sockets and a café with hot and cold drinks and snacks on board. The journey from London to Brussels takes about 2 hours, and the second leg from Brussels to Cologne takes around 2 hours as well. The entire journey costs around $353, with the cheapest tickets priced at $35.

London to Cologne by Eurostar

Travelling from London to Cologne by train is very easy. The journey takes around 3 hours and 56 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 497 kilometres. The first train leaving London is scheduled to depart at around 06:04, and the last departure is usually at around 19:34. On weekends, trains leave London at 06:57, with the last train leaving at 20:03. There are up to nine high-speed trains from Brussels to Cologne each day, with the journey taking just under two hours.

Tickets

Single tickets between London and Cologne start from $35 (€30) or £57.00. Return fares are cheaper than two one-way tickets so always book round trips involving Eurostar as a return. For more control over the booking, book London-Brussels as a return journey, add to the basket, book Brussels to Cologne one way, add to the basket, then Germany to Brussels one-way, add to basket and check out.

Onboard Experience

Onboard the Eurostar, you can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks. If you are travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier, you will be served a three-course meal at your seat. Between Brussels and Cologne, if you are in Premium, you will be served a delicious meal at your seat. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge, and there are no weight limits.

Route

The Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi station takes a little over 1 hour and 50 minutes. At Brussels, you can transfer to a Thalys or German ICE train to Cologne. The first part of the journey from Brussels traverses the flat lands of Brabant to reach Liège-Guillemins station. East of Liège, the train joins a new high-speed line which cuts in tunnels through hilly country to reach the German border just before Aachen. Beyond Aachen, the train traverses flat terrain to reach the Rhineland city of Cologne, where you arrive at the city’s main station (the Hauptbahnhof), located on the west bank of the Rhine right by Cologne Cathedral.

Cologne to London by Eurostar

The Eurostar train from Cologne to London is a simple, smart, and speedy way to travel between these two vibrant cities. The journey takes you through the heart of Europe, covering a distance of approximately 496 km. Here's everything you need to know about this train journey.

The Journey

The train journey from Cologne to London on the Eurostar typically takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes. It involves one transfer at Brussels-Midi/Zuid station, where you can quickly change to the Eurostar train to London. The first leg of the journey, from Cologne to Brussels, takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes. After the transfer, the second leg of the trip, from Brussels to London, also takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes.

Tickets and Fares

Eurostar offers a range of ticket options, including Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. The cheapest tickets for this route can be found for around €59, with the average price being around €75. It's best to book your tickets in advance to find the lowest fares. Eurostar also offers various benefits, such as no additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance.

Onboard Experience

The Eurostar trains provide a comfortable and modern travel experience. You can bring two pieces of luggage and one item of hand luggage at no extra cost, and there are no weight limits. Onboard services include a range of hot and cold drinks, light snacks, and free Wi-Fi. If you're travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier, you'll be served a three-course meal during the first leg of the journey.

Departure Times

The Cologne to London route offers frequent departures throughout the day. The first train usually departs Cologne around 6:44 AM, and the last train leaves at around 6:43 PM. It's recommended that you arrive at the station 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Attractions in London

London, a city steeped in history and cultural diversity, offers a plethora of attractions to explore:

• The Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress has stood for over 1,000 years and houses the Crown Jewels.
• Buckingham Palace: Serving as the official residence of the British monarch, this grand structure is a symbol of royalty and hosts state occasions and ceremonies.
• The British Museum: Showcasing one of the world's most extensive collections of human history, art, and culture, spanning over two million years, with free entry.

So, whether you're travelling for business or leisure, the Eurostar train from Cologne to London provides a convenient, efficient, and enjoyable way to make your journey across borders.

London to Brussels by Eurostar

The fastest way to get from Cologne to London is by taking the Eurostar train from Cologne to Brussels and then changing to another Eurostar train to London. The journey from Cologne to Brussels takes 1 hour and 52 minutes, and the journey from Brussels to London takes 1 hour and 53 minutes, for a total travel time of just over 5 hours.

The Eurostar train from London to Brussels is a direct, high-speed train that takes 1 hour and 53 minutes. The journey begins at London St Pancras International, a historic 19th-century station located in the heart of London and easily accessible by underground lines and buses. Passengers are advised to arrive at the recommended time to allow for border controls and security.

Onboard the Eurostar train, passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat, and a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café. Standard Premier and Business Premier tickets include a three-course meal served at your seat. Passengers can also bring their own food and drinks, including liquids with no volume restrictions. Luggage allowance is generous, with two bags and one piece of hand luggage permitted at no extra charge and no weight limits.

The Eurostar train arrives at Brussels-Midi/Zuid station, which is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport. Passengers can also walk to some of the best shopping areas in about 20 minutes.

Eurostar tickets from London to Brussels start at $52, and there are no additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance. The high-speed line allows trains to reach a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h).

Brussels to London by Eurostar

The Eurostar train from Brussels to London is also a direct, high-speed train with a travel time of 2 hours and 1 minute. The journey begins at Brussels-Midi/Zuid station, which is easily accessible by public transport. Passengers should arrive at the recommended time to allow for border controls and security.

Onboard the train, passengers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat, and a range of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café. Standard Premier and Business Premier tickets include a three-course meal served at your seat. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks, including liquids with no volume restrictions, and there is a generous luggage allowance.

The Eurostar train arrives at London St Pancras International, a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The station offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and the longest champagne bar in Europe. It is also well-connected to the rest of London by underground lines and buses.

Eurostar tickets from Brussels to London start at $52, and there are no additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance. The high-speed line allows trains to reach a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h).

Brussels to Cologne by ICE train

The ICE train is one of the fastest ways to travel from Brussels to Cologne, taking approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes. This high-speed train offers a direct route between the two cities, with a stop in Liège and Aachen before arriving at Köln Hbf, Cologne's main train station. The journey is about 185 kilometres long, and tickets can be purchased for as low as $18.40 if booked in advance.

Onboard Amenities

In Standard class, passengers can enjoy comfortable seats, free WiFi, and a large selection of drinks and snacks available for purchase in the onboard bar car. ICE trains also offer a bistro carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks to enjoy in the dining area or take back to your seat.

Train Schedule

The first train from Brussels to Cologne usually departs around 6:23 am, with the last departure typically occurring around 7:55 pm. On weekends, the schedule may vary slightly, with the first train leaving at 6:23 am and the last train departing at 8:25 pm. There are about 16 trains travelling between Brussels and Cologne each day, with a frequency of approximately one train per hour.

Ticket Booking

Tickets for the Brussels to Cologne route can be booked up to 12 months in advance, and it is recommended to book early to take advantage of the cheapest fares. The price of tickets can vary depending on the time of booking, with last-minute bookings typically being more expensive.

Cologne to London by ICE train

The ICE train is a high-speed, international service that connects London to Cologne and beyond. The journey is simple, smart, and speedy, taking just over 5 hours in total. Here's everything you need to know about travelling from Cologne to London by ICE train.

The Journey

The journey from Cologne to London by ICE train involves two legs. The first leg is from Cologne to Brussels, which takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The second leg is from Brussels to London, which takes around 2 hours. The entire journey usually takes between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the waiting time for the connection in Brussels.

Tickets and Fares

The train ticket price from Cologne to London can vary depending on the day of travel and class. On average, the ticket price is around €300, but the cheapest tickets can be found for as low as €59. It's best to book your journey in advance to find the cheapest fares.

Onboard Services

The ICE trains offer a range of modern amenities to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some of the services available:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Power sockets at each seat
• Ample luggage space
• Hot and cold drinks, as well as sweet and savoury snacks available for purchase
• Restaurant car on certain routes
• Quiet carriages and family zones on some trains

Train Providers

There are a few train providers that operate the Cologne to London route, including Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn. Eurostar offers three travel classes: Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, and Eurostar Premier. Deutsche Bahn, on the other hand, offers various ticket types, such as Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares.

Train Stations

The journey begins at Cologne's central station and ends at London's St Pancras International station. Both stations offer convenient connections to other forms of transportation, making it easy to continue your travels once you arrive.

Things to Keep in Mind

When travelling from Cologne to London by ICE train, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Arrive at the station early to allow enough time for security and border controls, especially when travelling from London to Brussels.
• There is no weight limit for luggage, but ensure you can carry all your items safely.
• You can bring liquids on board, including toiletries and alcoholic beverages.
• The train journey is not direct, and you will need to make a transfer in Brussels.
• The volume on the train can sometimes be high, making it difficult to relax.
• There may be a need to change trains more than once, depending on the specific route.
• Punctuality may vary, and delays can occur.

Overall, the Cologne to London ICE train journey is a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two vibrant cities. With comfortable amenities, high speeds, and frequent departures, it is a great option for both business travellers and tourists alike.

Frequently asked questions