Travel Guide: Cologne To Paris By Train

Trains from Cologne, Germany, to Paris, France, are a convenient way to travel between the two cities. The journey usually takes around 7 hours, but high-speed trains can cover the distance in as little as 3 hours. There are multiple train companies offering this route, including Eurostar, Thalys, Deutsche Bahn, and SNCF, with comfortable seating and ample luggage space. The departure station in Cologne is located in the heart of the city, and the arrival station in Paris, Gare du Nord, is also centrally located. With up to 23 trains per day and tickets starting at $35 when booked in advance, taking the train from Cologne to Paris is a popular option for travellers.

Cologne to Paris by Eurostar

Overview

Eurostar now operates the Cologne-Paris train route, which used to be run by Thalys. The journey is direct and takes around 3 hours 20 minutes. The route departs from Cologne Hbf and arrives at Paris Gare du Nord.

Cologne Hbf

Cologne Hbf is located in the heart of the city, next to the cathedral and the Rhine river. It is well-connected by local and high-speed trains, metros, and buses. Passengers are advised to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before departure. The station has various shops and culinary options, including German sausages and salads.

Onboard Experience

The Eurostar trains offer free wi-fi, at-seat plug sockets, food, and a generous luggage allowance. There are different travel classes available, including Standard, Comfort, and Premium. The exact amenities vary depending on the class, but generally, passengers can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage with no weight limits.

Paris Gare du Nord

Paris Gare du Nord is located in the heart of Paris, in the 10th arrondissement. It is connected to the rest of the city by the metro, RER trains, and local buses. The station has a neoclassical 19th-century façade and various shops and restaurants. Passengers are advised to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure.

Cologne Central Station

The station boasts modern facilities, including luggage handling services, parking and eateries. Passengers can find plenty of shops and culinary options, ranging from typical German sausages to healthy salads, while waiting for their train.

Eurostar trains from Paris to Cologne now depart from Paris Gare du Nord, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from top attractions such as Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur. This historic station features a neoclassical 19th-century façade and connections to the metro, RER trains and local buses.

Travelling from Cologne Central Station to Paris Gare du Nord typically takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes on a direct high-speed train. There are also other train options with one or two transfers along the way, which can increase the journey time to around 5-9 hours.

Paris Gare du Nord

Gare du Nord is the busiest railway station in Europe by total passenger numbers and the busiest in the world outside of Japan. In 2015, the station saw more than 700,000 passengers per day, with most of these being commuters from the northern suburbs and outlying towns. The station offers connections with several urban transport lines, including the Paris Métro, RER trains, and local buses.

The current Gare du Nord was designed by French architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff and constructed between 1861 and 1864. It replaced an earlier and much smaller terminal with the same name, which operated between 1846 and 1860. The station features a neoclassical 19th-century façade, with the building taking on the typical U-shape of a terminus station. The main support beam is made of cast iron, and the support pillars were made at Alston & Gourley's ironworks in Glasgow, UK.

The Gare du Nord has been undergoing refurbishment since the late 2010s, with plans to expand the station's footprint and increase its ability to handle passengers. The redevelopment will also expand onsite amenities and establish a new departure terminal in preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics. As a result, the Gare du Nord will become the largest railway station in Europe.

The station has served as a backdrop in several films, including "The Bourne Identity," "The Bourne Ultimatum," "Ocean's Twelve," and "Mr Bean's Holiday." It also features in the Nancy Mitford novel "The Pursuit of Love."

High-speed trains

Thalys is a French-Belgian high-speed train company that connects the main capital cities. Thalys trains offer various classes and onboard services. You'll be able to get there in around 3 hours and 20 minutes on the fastest services.

TGV is a high-speed train company based in France with trains from Paris to Cologne. It operates a fleet of modern, high-speed trains that can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. The TGV offers a variety of train types, including the TGV Duplex, TGV Lyria, TGV InOui, and TGV Ouigo. Each train type offers different amenities, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating.

Frecciarossa is Trenitalia's flagship high-speed train, capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design, and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, free Wi-Fi, and four levels of service: Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks, snacks, a morning newspaper, and larger seats), and Executive (with fast track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in select train stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat).

Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi available for all travelers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances": Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding, and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges, and personal entertainment screens at your seat).

ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, with several subsidiaries responsible for long-distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses, and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Italy.

Onboard services

When travelling from Paris to Cologne, there are a variety of onboard services to make your journey more enjoyable. Here are some of the services you can expect:

Eurostar

Eurostar, the exclusive high-speed train service, offers a range of amenities to make your trip comfortable and convenient. Here are some of the onboard services provided by Eurostar:

• Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your journey with complimentary Wi-Fi access.
• Power Sockets: Keep your devices charged with power sockets available at every seat.
• Luggage Allowance: Eurostar allows you to bring two pieces of luggage and one item of hand luggage at no extra charge, with no weight restrictions.
• Eurostar Café: Enjoy a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as sweet and savoury snacks during your journey. If you're travelling in Premium, you'll be served delicious meals at your seat.
• Travel Classes: Eurostar offers different travel classes to suit your needs, including Standard, Comfort, and Premium, each providing varying levels of comfort and amenities.

Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn, Germany's main train operator, offers a range of onboard services to enhance your journey:

• Comfortable Seating: Relax in comfortable seats with ample space during your trip.
• Power Outlets: Keep your devices charged with power outlets available for your convenience.
• Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi access during your journey.
• Luggage Storage: Store your luggage safely and conveniently with luggage storage facilities onboard.
• Food and Beverage: Enjoy a variety of tasty food and beverage options during your trip.

TGV

TGV, a high-speed train company based in France, provides modern and comfortable trains with the following onboard services:

• Wi-Fi: Stay connected with Wi-Fi access during your journey.
• Power Outlets: Keep your devices charged with power outlets available onboard.
• Comfortable Seating: Relax in comfortable seats and enjoy your journey.
• Bar and Restaurant: TGV offers a bar and restaurant service, allowing you to enjoy a variety of food and beverage options during your trip.
• Luggage Storage: Store your luggage safely and conveniently with luggage storage facilities.

Frequently asked questions