Exploring Europe By Train: Paris To Cologne Duration

The journey from Paris to Cologne by train takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes on average, covering a distance of approximately 400 kilometres. The first train from Paris to Cologne usually leaves around 6:00 a.m. and the last one around 7:00 p.m. There are about 20 trains per day running on this route, with tickets starting from $37 for a single trip.

Fastest and slowest train times

The fastest train from Paris to Cologne takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes. This route is direct and is serviced by Thalys and Eurostar trains. The first train from Paris to Cologne usually leaves at around 6:00 a.m. and the last one is at around 7:00 p.m.

The slowest train from Paris to Cologne can take up to 13 hours and 14 minutes. This route requires a minimum of 2 changes and is serviced by TGV, Frecciarossa, or ICE trains. The first train on this route leaves at 7:22 a.m. and the last one leaves at 9:00 p.m.

Departure and arrival stations

When departing from Paris, travellers will leave from either the Paris Gare du Nord station or the Paris Gare de l'Est station. Paris Gare du Nord station is located almost three miles from the city centre and can be reached by subway in 27 minutes. Paris Gare de l'Est station is less than half a mile away from the city centre and can be accessed by subway in three minutes or on foot in ten minutes. Both train stations are equipped with public bathrooms, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

When arriving in Cologne, passengers will either get off at Cologne Hbf station or Cologne Messe/Deutz station. Cologne Hbf station is located around one mile away from the city centre and can be accessed in 15 minutes on the tram. The Cologne Messe/Deutz station is located about two miles away from the city centre and may be reached in 17 minutes with the tram. Both train stations have cafes, restaurants, public bathrooms, and shops.

Train companies

The train journey from Paris to Cologne can be undertaken with several different train companies, offering a range of ticket prices, journey times and onboard services. Here is some information about the main train companies operating on this route.

Thalys

Thalys is a French-Belgian high-speed train company that connects major European cities. Thalys offers five daily direct trains from Paris to Cologne, with journey times as quick as three hours and 20 minutes. Thalys trains depart from Paris Gare du Nord station and arrive at Cologne Hbf or Cologne Messe/Deutz stations. Thalys trains offer first and second class tickets, with spacious and comfortable seating, onboard dining and WiFi. Thalys allows passengers to bring one small bag and two suitcases, and small pets weighing up to 6kg can travel for free. Bikes are allowed onboard if they are folded or disassembled. Thalys trains usually depart in the morning and evening, with around 15 trains per day.

Deutsche Bahn (DB)

Deutsche Bahn is the main railway company of Germany and offers commuter train services from Paris to Cologne, with around 15 trains per day. The journey time is just over five hours, with one or two stopovers in Frankfurt and Mannheim. Deutsche Bahn trains depart from Paris Gare de l'Est station and arrive at Cologne Hbf station. Deutsche Bahn offers first and second class tickets, with comfortable seating, more legroom and extra space for luggage storage in first class. Deutsche Bahn allows dogs on board, with small dogs travelling for free and bigger dogs requiring a ticket. Bikes are allowed onboard if they are folded or disassembled.

TGV

TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company, connecting major cities in France at speeds of up to 200 mph. TGV trains offer two comfort classes: First and Second Class, with flexible fare options and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations. Onboard services include a food carriage, free WiFi, power sockets and fold-down tables. TGV trains depart from Paris Gare de l'Est station and arrive at Cologne Hbf station.

Trenitalia

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet of high-speed, intercity and regional trains. On this route, Trenitalia offers high-speed Frecciarossa trains, with three classes of service: Standard, Premium and Business. Standard class offers reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price. Premium class offers more legroom, baggage space and a complimentary snack and drink. Business class provides additional privacy, more legroom and a private compartment. Trenitalia trains depart from Paris Gare de l'Est station and arrive at Cologne Hbf station.

OUIGO

OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company, SNCF. OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, with tickets only available for purchase online. OUIGO trains depart from Paris Gare du Nord station and arrive at Cologne Hbf station. Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and there is an additional fee for bringing a suitcase, having a seat with a power socket, and travelling with a stroller.

Onboard services

When travelling from Paris to Cologne, there are a few different train companies you can choose from. Each company has different onboard services, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Here are some of the onboard services offered by the different train companies:

Thalys/Eurostar

• High-speed trains with a journey time of around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
• Free and fast onboard Wi-Fi.
• Power sockets at your seat.
• Café with a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks.
• Meals served at your seat if you are travelling in Premium.
• Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage allowed without any extra charge.
• Pet-friendly – small pets (up to 6 kg for Thalys and up to 14 pounds for Eurostar) can travel for free if they are transported in a bag with specific dimensions.
• Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility – a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat.
• Standard, Comfort, and Premium travel classes are available.

TGV

• High-speed trains with speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
• Two comfort classes are offered: First and Second Class.
• Access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
• Food carriage, free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and fold-down tables.

Trenitalia

• High-speed trains with two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
• Frecciarossa Standard offers eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables, and free Wi-Fi at a reasonable price.
• EasyBistro paid service available for in-seat meal orders.
• Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service with complimentary snacks and drinks.
• Frecciarossa Business offers even more legroom, glass dividers for privacy, EasyBistro meal service, and a private compartment.
• Frecciarossa Executive offers leather seats, an exclusive open bar, and a Michelin-starred menu.

OUIGO

• Low-cost, high-speed trains operated by the French national train company, SNCF.
• Equivalent to TGV's Second Class, with the same level of comfort.
• Tickets are only available for purchase online.
• Additional fee for bringing a suitcase, having a seat with a power socket, or travelling with a stroller/buggy.

These are just some of the onboard services offered by the different train companies operating between Paris and Cologne. Each company has its own unique features and amenities, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Booking tips

When booking your train journey from Paris to Cologne, it's good to keep the following in mind:

• Booking in advance is a great way to secure the best rates. Tickets from Paris to Cologne can start from as little as $37.00, but prices vary depending on the date and time of travel, the train company, and the class of travel.
• If you know your travel dates, you can set up a low price alert to be notified of the best offers.
• The Paris to Cologne route is served by both direct trains and trains with connections. When booking, you can compare prices between direct trains and trips with connections.
• The first train from Paris to Cologne usually departs around 6:00 a.m., and the last train around 7:00 p.m. There are around 20 trains per day, with Thalys and Deutsche Bahn being the main operators on this route.
• The average journey time is around 3 hours and 20 minutes for direct trains, and 13 hours and 14 minutes for trains with connections.
• If you're looking to save money, consider travelling outside of peak hours or choosing a slower or connecting train. You can also look out for special deals and discounts, such as the SNCF discount cards and passes.
• When booking, remember that you'll need to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your train's scheduled departure time.
• Both Thalys and Deutsche Bahn offer first and second class tickets. Thalys allows one small bag and two suitcases, while Deutsche Bahn has no restrictions on luggage.
• If you're travelling with a pet, Thalys allows pets under 6 kg for free (to be transported in a 45x30x25 cm bag). For pets over 6 kg, you can purchase a "Dogs" fare ticket.

Frequently asked questions