The cheapest and fastest trains from Paris to Cologne
Cheapest price
€159
Average price
€165
Fastest journey
4 h 11 m
Average duration
4 h 40 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
403 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Paris to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paris to Cologne will cost around €165 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €159.
It's difficult to get from Paris to Cologne without transferring at least once.
TGV 9593+
ICE 2558 · ICE 518
TGV 9551+
ICE 610
9315+
15
9415+
15
9315+
15
9415+
15
TGV 9551+
ICE 610
TGV 9593+
ICE 2558 · ICE 518Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Paris to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paris to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €23, and a train costs an average of €69.
Distance: 403 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€150 Average price | €54 Average price Cheapest |
4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration 6h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Paris to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Paris to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, November 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9315+ 15 | 6:59 AM Paris Gare du Nord | 4h11 | 11:10 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 1 transfer | |
9415+ 15 | 6:59 AM Paris Gare du Nord | 4h11 | 11:10 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9551+ ICE 610 | On time 8:06 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h02 | 1:08 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9593+ ICE 2558 · ICE 518 | On time 9:54 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h14 | 3:08 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Paris to Cologne by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Nov 15
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Paris to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Paris to Cologne
Trains from Paris to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €69 but you can travel from only €23 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 403 km distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 403 km |
Average train duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €69 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 20m |
First train 00:02 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, TGV from Paris to Cologne trainsEurostar, Deutsche Bahn, TGV trains will get you between Paris and Cologne from €23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
TGV
Trains from Paris to Cologne
Two providers operate trains to Cologne from Paris with over a dozen daily departures seven days a week. There are four direct trains a day with journey times of around 3.5 hours. Other services involve transfers in German cities and travel times of up to 7 hours. Departures start in the early morning and continue until early evening. Trains leave from either Paris Gare de l'Est or Gare du Nord and arrive at Cologne Hbf.
Which train companies travel from Paris to Cologne?
Trains from Paris to Cologne are operated by either the French-Belgian high-speed train provider Thalys or by the German national rail carrier Deutsche Bahn (DB). Both train types are comfortable with luggage space, power outlets, wifi and onboard catering.
How long is the train from Paris to Cologne?
The journey time of trains to Cologne from Paris varies according to the route taken and the waiting times at transfer stations. Direct services take approximately 3.5 hours while connecting routes take from four to seven hours. Transfers are made at Mannheim Hbf, Karlsruhe Hbf or Frankfurt Main Hbf.
How many trains are there from Paris to Cologne?
There are around 14 departures a day on routes from Paris to Cologne. Sunday services are slightly reduced with the first train departing later in the morning. On weekdays and Saturdays, departures start at around 6:30 a.m. and continue until early evening.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Paris to Cologne?
Departure station:Trains on routes from Paris to Cologne depart from either Paris Gare de l'Est or Paris Gare du Nord. Both are large stations with good transport links to Paris by Metro and local buses. Facilities at both stations include car parking, taxi ranks, wifi, toilets, left luggage storage, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Arrival station:All trains to Cologne from Paris arrive at Cologne Hbf which is located in the heart of the city. Cologne's main historic and tourist attractions are within easy walking distance of the station. Transport links include taxis, S-Bahn trains and local buses. The station has left luggage lockers, ATMs, toilets, shops, food kiosks, cafes and restaurants.
Thalys Trains from Antwerp to Cologne
The Thalys is a high-speed railroad company in France connecting the France to the rest of Europe and beyond. Perfect for multi-city train journeys in Europe.
When planning trips to Thalys destinations, consider checking back for offers on train tickets. Speak to the Customer Care team at the Omio help centre for cancellations or changes to your ticket from Antwerp to Cologne.
FAQs: Trains from Paris to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paris to Cologne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Paris Gare du Nord, which is located around 2.9 miles (4.6 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Paris to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Luggage lockers are located on level -1, close to Platform 3 near the Rue de Maubeuge entrance.
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at 18 Rue de Dunkerque.
- Terminus Nord
- Chez Casimir
- Brasserie Terminus Nord
- McDonald’s
- Bonne Journeé
- Autogrill Grignotin
- Autogrill Chips & Snacks
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, tactile warning strips. Contact the Accès Plus Mobility Service Centre at +33 890640650 or [email protected].
- €0.70
- Hotel Whistler
- Mercure Paris Gare du Nord
- Ibis Paris Gare du Nord
- Le Matissia
- OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Mon - Sun: 04:45 - 01:30
- 1200 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-19 for train to Lille, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne
- Hall 2: Eurostar check-in for train to London
- Hall 3: Eastern side concourse served by platform 20-21 & 30-36 used by TER & suburban trains
- Hall 4: leading to RER platform
- Metro: Line 4, Line 5
- RER: Line B, Line D
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Fri: 06:45 - 20:30
- Sat: 09:00 - 20:00
- Sun: 09:00 - 20:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located on Level -1 towards the metro access next to PAUL. Open every day from 07:30 to 22:30.
- Le Perchoir de la Gare de l'Est
- La Consigne
- Starbucks
- Factory & Co
- La Place
- McDonald's
- Mon Chou
- Go Johnny Go
- Maison Pradier
- PAUL
- & many more
- The station is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets and orientation system for visually impaired travelers. There is disabled traveler assistance by Track 4.
- Hotel Whistler
- Hôtel LOCOMO
- Hôtel Parisianer
- Mon - Fri: 06:45 - 20:30
- Sat: 09:00 - 20:00
- Sun: 09:00 - 20:30
- Located between Tracks 15 and 18.
- Metro lines: 4, 5, 7
- Bus lines: 31, 32, 35, 38, 39, 46, 54, 56, 91
- Train lines: RER B, TGV, TGV/ICE, TER, Intercités, OUIGO, Transilien, Russian Railways
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- Café Lichtblick
- Gaststätte zum Krug
- Italienisches Eiscafé
- Steak- und Grillstube Richartz
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Da Dillon
- Bistro Mélange
- Imbiss Kreta Pizza
- Taverna Mythos
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Heinemann
- Mühlenhof
- Dalmatien
- Longericher Grillstation
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
- Brauhaus Eltzhof
- Cafe Wanda
- East Time
- Olymp
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