Travel Diaries: Cologne To Paris

Cologne and Paris are two of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and there are several ways to travel between the two cities. The distance between them is approximately 249 miles (402 km) or 300 miles (482 km) by road. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, there are also direct trains and buses that can take between 3 and 8 hours.

Travel options between Cologne and Paris

There are several ways to travel between Cologne and Paris. The best option depends on your budget and time constraints. Here are some options for travelling between the two cities:

By Train

Taking the train is a popular choice for this journey, with several high-speed train companies providing direct connections. The journey takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes on average and costs between $120 and $370. The Eurostar train offers a high-speed service with different ticket types, including Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany's main train provider, offering a range of fares and discount cards. The French high-speed train company TGV operates modern trains with various ticket and amenity options.

By Bus

Taking the bus is the most cost-effective option, with tickets averaging $40. However, the journey is lengthier, taking around 6 hours and 30 minutes. FlixBus is a popular low-cost bus company that offers standard tickets with basic amenities. BlaBlaCar Bus, a subsidiary of the French carpooling company, provides similar amenities and costs.

By Plane

Flying is the fastest way to get between the two cities, with an average travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Eurowings, Lufthansa, and Air France are some of the airlines offering flights between Cologne and Paris.

By Car

Driving is also an option, with a road distance of around 300 miles between the two cities. The drive will take approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Cologne's and Paris' attractions

Paris and Cologne Attractions

Paris and Cologne are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, offering a wealth of cultural, historical, and culinary delights. Here is a guide to some of the top attractions in both cities:

Paris

• Eiffel Tower: The iconic Eiffel Tower is a must-see for any visitor to Paris. This towering structure offers breathtaking views of the city and is best photographed from Place du Trocadéro.
• Louvre Museum: Home to the famous "Mona Lisa," the Louvre is one of the world's largest and most renowned art museums. It boasts a vast collection of art from different cultures and time periods.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: After a devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral has reopened its doors, offering visitors a glimpse of Gothic architectural masterpiece.
• Champs-Élysées: This famous boulevard is a shopper's paradise, lined with luxury stores and affordable options alike. It's a bustling hub of activity and a great place to people-watch.
• Arc de Triomphe: Commissioned by Napoléon, this towering arch is adorned with intricate sculptures and pays homage to the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of Paris.
• Latin Quarter: Known as the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is a charming neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets and a medieval ambiance. It's a haven for architecture lovers.
• Seine River: Flowing through the heart of Paris, the Seine River is a lifeline for the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers picturesque backdrops for photos and romantic river cruises.
• Musée d'Orsay: Housed in a former railway station, this museum boasts a rich collection of impressionist works by renowned artists like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.
• Luxembourg Gardens: These gardens offer a peaceful oasis in the heart of Paris, with lush green spaces, sculptures, and activities for both adults and children.
• Sacré-Coeur Basilica: Rising above Montmartre, this Roman-Byzantine basilica features ornate ivory domes and glittering mosaics. The panoramic views from its outdoor staircase are breathtaking.
• Centre Pompidou: This cultural hub is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, with works by artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Andy Warhol. Its unique inside-out design exposes its insides on the exterior.

Cologne

• Cologne Cathedral: This towering Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest in Europe. It boasts intricate stained glass, twin spires, and a rich collection of treasures, including the 12th-century Reliquary of the Three Kings.
• Old Town: Cologne's historic Old Town is a charming neighborhood with colorful buildings, cobblestone lanes, and a vibrant mix of boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
• Cologne City Hall: Built in 1573, this is the oldest public building in Germany and boasts a rich history dating back over 900 years. It reflects various architectural styles, including a Renaissance-style loggia and a 20th-century atrium.
• Rhine River Cruise: A river cruise offers unparalleled views of Cologne's landmarks, including the Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town. The evening panorama cruise is especially magical.
• Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums: These museums showcase European paintings, with works by Rembrandt, Manet, Renoir, and more. The Ludwig Museum also features modern and contemporary art.
• NS Documentation Centre: This memorial and museum provides a sobering account of life under the Nazi regime, with a focus on its impact on Cologne. The prison cells in the basement are particularly chilling.
• Cologne Zoological Gardens: One of Germany's oldest zoos, Cologne Zoo boasts a fine collection of 19th-century menageries, including a Moorish-style elephant house and a Russian church-style birdhouse.
• Cologne Cable Car: Offering panoramic views of the Old Town and Cologne Cathedral, the Cologne cable car has been a popular attraction since its establishment in 1957.
• Cologne Chocolate Museum: Tracing the history of chocolate making, this museum offers interactive displays, antique chocolate boxes, and even a working production line where you can watch chocolates being made.
• Flora and Botanical Garden: Covering 11.5 hectares, this botanical garden is home to over 10,000 species of plants. It features colorful flower beds, tropical greenhouses, and a historic building that hosts flower shows and concerts.
• Roman-Germanic Museum: Located near the Cologne Cathedral, this museum offers insights into the city's rich archaeological heritage, from the Paleolithic period to the Middle Ages. Exhibits include Roman glass, mosaics, and jewelry.
• St. Gereon's Basilica: This Romanesque basilica is one of Cologne's most unusual churches, featuring a unique 10-sided domed structure dating from Roman times. It boasts medieval murals, mosaics, and ancient relics.

Whether you're exploring the charming streets of Paris or discovering the historical gems of Cologne, both cities offer a wealth of attractions that will leave lasting memories.

Food and drink

Paris and Cologne are both renowned for their food and drink offerings. Paris, in particular, is considered one of the food capitals of the world, with countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pâté, and macarons. Paris is also famous for its evening party scene, with world-renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive nightclubs to experience.

Cologne, on the other hand, is known for its beer halls and local beer, Kölsch. Some popular places for a night out include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss. The food scene in Cologne consists mostly of brewpubs, where you can find local cuisine. There are also many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes include Halve Hahn (an open-face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For those with a sweet tooth, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadent toppings.

Christmas markets

The distance between Cologne and Paris is around 249 miles (402 km) to 330 miles (302.2 miles road distance). There are many Christmas markets between these two cities, with Cologne alone boasting seven different themed markets. Here is a guide to the Christmas markets in Cologne, which can be easily reached by train, bus, plane, or car from Paris.

Cologne Christmas Markets

• Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market — Located right next to the Cologne Cathedral, this market offers a towering Christmas tree, live music, handcrafted ornaments, and traditional German sausages. It is open from November 18 to December 23, 2024, with hours varying between 11 am-9 pm and 11 am-10 pm on different days.
• Heinzels Wintermärchen (The Gnome Market) — Split between Alter Markt and Heumarkt, this market features Ferris wheels, ice skating rinks, and gnome figurines. It is open from November 25 to December 23, 2024 (with the ice rink open until January 5, 2025), from 11 am to 10 pm daily.
• Markt der Engel (The Angel Market) — Filled with artisan stalls and elegant decorations, this market offers unique, handmade gifts. It is open from November 18 to December 23, 2024, with hours varying between 11 am-9 pm and 11 am-10 pm on different days. Keep an eye out for angels on horseback!
• Cologne's Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt (The Harbour Market) — Set by the Chocolate Museum along the Rhine, this market has a nautical theme with stalls resembling boats and crafts with a seaside twist. It is open from November 15 to December 23, 2024, from 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.
• Cologne's Nikolausdorf (St. Nicholas Village) — A traditional market with wooden stalls selling German food and festive drinks. It is open from November 18 to December 23, 2024, from 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.
• Cologne's Stadtgarten Christmas Market — Tucked away in the Stadtgarten Park, this market offers a more intimate and local vibe. The stalls change weekly. It is open from November 15 to December 23, 2024, from 4 pm to 9:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 12 pm to 9:30 pm Saturday and Sunday.

A mini Christmas train connects the four main markets, offering a festive and convenient way to explore. The train departs every 15 minutes and is hop-on, hop-off style.

Transport costs

There are various transport options for travelling between Cologne and Paris, each with different associated costs. The most popular methods of transport are bus, train, or flight.

Bus

The cheapest way to travel between the two cities is by bus, with an average price of $40 (€35). The journey takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Train

The train is the best way to get from Cologne to Paris in terms of a balance between price and speed. Tickets start from $90 (€78) and the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes.

Flight

The fastest way to get to Paris from Cologne is by flight, with an average travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. This option is more expensive, with an average ticket price of $98 (€85).

Frequently asked questions