Travel Guide: London To Cologne By Train

Travelling from London to Cologne by train is simple, smart, and speedy. The journey takes a little over 12 hours and covers more than 600 miles, making it a great way to take in the continent as you travel across the channel, through France, and over Switzerland to reach Germany. The route involves taking the Eurostar from London to Brussels, and then changing to another train to get to Cologne. The first leg of the journey takes about 2 hours, and the second leg takes about 2 hours as well. The whole journey will cost you anywhere from $83 to $349, depending on when you book your tickets.

London to Brussels by Eurostar

The Eurostar train from London to Brussels is a direct, high-speed route that takes between 1 hour 53 minutes and 1 hour 56 minutes. The journey begins at London St. Pancras International Station and arrives at Brussels-Midi/Zuid station. The Eurostar train travels at a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h) and offers passengers a range of amenities, including spacious seating, large windows, ample luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The train also has an onboard cafe/bar serving drinks, snacks, and light meals.

The Eurostar train from London to Brussels is a convenient and comfortable option for travellers. The journey is direct, with no need to transfer trains, and the departure and arrival points are centrally located in London and Brussels. Passengers can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage with no weight limits, and there are no additional fees for seat selection or luggage allowance. The train offers breathtaking scenery along the route, passing through charming countryside and small villages before entering the Channel Tunnel.

The Eurostar train from London to Brussels is also a flexible option. There are approximately 22 trains departing from London to Brussels on an average day, with a frequency of about one train every 15 minutes. The earliest weekday train departs at 06:04, while the latest weekday departure is at 19:34. On weekends, the earliest train departs at 06:57, and the latest departure is at 20:03. The ticket prices vary depending on factors such as how far in advance you book and whether you can travel during off-peak periods. The cheapest tickets start at around $52, while the average cost for booking 7 days or 30 days in advance is $108 and $127, respectively.

The boarding process for the Eurostar train from London to Brussels is well-organised and efficient. Passengers are advised to arrive at the recommended time to allow for border controls and security checks. Luggage checks and security screenings are similar to those at airports, with dedicated security personnel and scanning equipment. Passengers can expect to place their carry-on items on a conveyor belt for x-ray examination and to pass through security scanners with their baggage. It is important to listen carefully for announcements and pay attention to platform information and boarding instructions.

Overall, the Eurostar train from London to Brussels offers a fast, convenient, and comfortable travel option for those looking to travel between the two cities. With its direct route, central departure and arrival points, flexible scheduling, and range of amenities, it is a great choice for those seeking a seamless travel experience.

Brussels to Cologne by ICE train

The fastest trains from Brussels to Cologne take around 1 hour and 48 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 185 kilometres. There are normally 12 direct trains per day travelling from Brussels to Cologne. The first train leaving Brussels is scheduled to depart at around 06:23, and the last departure is usually at around 19:25. On Saturdays and Sundays, trains leave Brussels at around 06:23, with the last train leaving at around 20:25. Tickets for this journey start from $18.40 when you book in advance.

The ICE train from Brussels to Cologne has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. In first class, food and drink orders are taken and served at your seat. 50 minutes after leaving Brussels, the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava. As you approach Cologne Hbf, you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral next to the station.

London to Cologne by train

The best way to get from London to Cologne is via Brussels. Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi, then change to a high-speed ICE train to Cologne. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes. Tickets start from $130.

Cologne to London by Eurostar

Travelling from Cologne to London by Eurostar is simple, smart, and speedy. The journey usually involves one change of train at Brussels-Midi/Zuid, taking approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes in total. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:

Departing from Cologne

Cologne's main station is located in the heart of the city, next to the famous cathedral and the Rhine river. It is well connected by local and high-speed trains, metros, and buses. Make sure to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before your train departure time. The station offers a variety of shops and culinary options, from typical German sausages to healthy salads.

Onboard Eurostar Trains

Travelling between Cologne and London, with a quick change in Brussels, is comfortable and relaxing. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage at no extra charge, and there are no weight limits. A range of hot and cold drinks, as well as sweet and savoury snacks, are available on the train. If you're travelling in Premium, you'll be served a delicious meal at your seat.

Connecting from Brussels to London

The journey from Cologne to Brussels takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. In Brussels, you'll change to the Brussels-London train for the remainder of the journey. Make sure to arrive at Brussels at the recommended time to allow for border controls and security checks.

Arriving at London St Pancras

Eurostar trains arrive at St Pancras International station, one of the most elegant stations in the world. Built in 1868, it boasts Victorian Gothic architecture. The station offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and the longest champagne bar in Europe. Underground lines and buses can whisk you to London's top museums and galleries.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the London to Cologne route can be purchased through Eurostar's website or other online platforms. The cheapest tickets start at around $53, but prices vary depending on availability and the time of booking. Booking in advance can help secure lower fares.

Additional Information

The first train from London to Cologne usually departs around 6:00 AM, with the last departure around 7:00 PM. There are typically fewer trains on weekends. Remember to factor in the 30-minute baggage check and security scan before boarding the Eurostar train.

London to Cologne journey duration and cost

The duration of the train journey from London to Cologne varies depending on the route and the number of transfers. The fastest journey time is 4 hours and 11 minutes, while the average journey time is 7 hours and 16 minutes. The journey includes at least one change, usually at Brussels-Midi/Zuid station, and can include additional transfers in other cities such as Aachen or Liège. The distance covered by the journey is approximately 307 to 497 miles (494 to 800 kilometres).

The price of a train ticket from London to Cologne varies depending on the class, route, and time of booking. The cheapest tickets start from $53.00, $83.67, or €18.99 for a single journey in standard class. First-class tickets are available for a higher price. Booking in advance, usually 7 to 30 days before the travel date, can result in lower prices. The cost of tickets is typically higher if purchased on the day of travel.

Cologne to London by Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) offers a high-speed train service from Cologne to London, with a transfer in Brussels. The journey is simple, affordable, and relaxing, taking approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:

Step 1: Departing from Cologne

The journey begins at Cologne's main station, conveniently located in the heart of the city, next to the famous Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine River. The station is well-connected by local and high-speed trains, metros, and buses. Make sure to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before your train's departure. The station offers a variety of shops and culinary options, from typical German sausages to healthy salads.

Step 2: Onboard the Train

Onboard the train, you can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage at no extra charge, with no weight limits. A range of hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks, are available on the Eurostar Café. If you're travelling in Premium class, you'll be served a delicious meal at your seat.

Step 3: Transfer in Brussels

The first leg of the journey, from Cologne to Brussels, takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Once you arrive in Brussels, you'll need to transfer to the Brussels to London train. Make sure to arrive at the recommended time to allow for border controls and security checks.

Step 4: Arriving in London

The train arrives at London St. Pancras International station, a magnificent Victorian Gothic structure that is one of the most elegant stations in the world. The station offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and even the longest champagne bar in Europe. Underground lines and buses are readily available to take you to London's top museums and galleries.

Tickets and Fares

Tickets for the Cologne to London journey can be purchased through various websites, such as Eurostar, Omio, and Trainline. The cheapest tickets start at €30, while the average price is around €75. It's recommended to book in advance to secure the best fares.

Other Travel Options

While the train is a popular choice, there are alternative ways to travel between Cologne and London. These include bus services, car, car train, plane, and car ferry. The fastest way to travel is by plane, taking approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes, while the cheapest option is by bus, with fares starting at $30.

Frequently asked questions