The cheapest and fastest trains from Paris to Cologne
Cheapest price
€99
Average price
€136
Fastest journey
4 h 41 m
Average duration
4 h 51 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 €136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €99.
Of the 4 trains that leave Paris for Cologne on Wed, Jul 29, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 29 the direct trains cover the 403 km distance in an average of 4 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 41 m .
On Wed, Jul 29 the slowest trains will take 4 h 58 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
94593:55 PM4h41Paris Gare du Nord8:36 PMCologne Hbf€991One-way0 transfers
94117:55 AM4h52Paris Gare du Nord12:47 PMCologne Hbf€1191One-way0 transfers
ICE 9591 · ICE 51811:07 AM4h58Paris Gare de l'Est4:05 PMCologne Hbf€1591One-way1 transfer
94239:55 AM4h52Paris Gare du Nord2:47 PMCologne Hbf€1651One-way0 transfers
94593:55 PM4h41Paris Gare du Nord8:36 PMCologne Hbf€991One-way0 transfers
94117:55 AM4h52Paris Gare du Nord12:47 PMCologne Hbf€1191One-way0 transfers
94239:55 AM4h52Paris Gare du Nord2:47 PMCologne Hbf€1651One-way0 transfers
ICE 9591 · ICE 51811:07 AM4h58Paris Gare de l'Est4:05 PMCologne Hbf€1591One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 €22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 23m. 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 €22, and a flight costs an average of €148.
Distance: 403 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€156 Average price | €47 Average price Cheapest | €535 Average price |
5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | 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 today, Tuesday, July 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 9591 · ICE 518 | On time 11:07 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 4h58 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9591 · ICE 916 | On time 11:07 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h22 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9591 · ICE 122 | On time 11:07 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h36 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9591 · ICE 2012 | On time 11:07 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h59 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9553 · ICE 516 | On time 1:10 PM Paris Gare de l'Est | 4h55 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9553 · IC 2041 | On time 1:10 PM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h56 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 104+ TGV 9575 | Delayed 2:59 PM 1:52 PMParis Gare de l'Est | 5h13 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9459 | 3:55 PM Paris Gare du Nord | 4h41 | 8:36 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 9555 · ICE 512 | On time 5:10 PM Paris Gare de l'Est | 4h55 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9555 · IC 2347 · 10448 | On time 5:10 PM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h02 | 11:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 9579 · ICE 100 | On time 5:53 PM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h17 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9557 · ICE 920 | On time 7:06 PM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h59 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9557 · ICE 510 | On time 7:06 PM Paris Gare de l'Est | 5h04 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 29 | |||||
9411 | 7:55 AM Paris Gare du Nord | 4h52 | 12:47 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9423 | 9:55 AM Paris Gare du Nord | 4h52 | 2:47 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Paris to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Jul 29
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Why should you book Paris to Cologne trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Eurostar, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn, TGV or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Paris to Cologne.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Paris to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn, TGV or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Paris to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Paris to Cologne.
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 4h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €85 but you can travel from only €22 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 403 km distance in 3h 23m.
Distance 403 km |
Average train duration 4h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price €85 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 23m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, TGV, Regional-Express from Paris to Cologne trainsEurostar, Deutsche Bahn, TGV, Regional-Express trains will get you between Paris and Cologne from €22. 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
Regional-Express
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Paris to Cologne
Most Paris to Cologne trains use the Paris Gare du Nord to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Paris and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Paris station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Paris Gare du Nord from Paris city centre
Paris Gare du Nord is 3 km from Paris city centre. Public transport options include:
Paris Gare du Nord train station facilities and services
Paris Gare du Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Terminus Nord, Chez Casimir, Brasserie Terminus Nord, McDonald’s, Bonne Journeé, Autogrill Grignotin, Autogrill Chips & Snacks
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 04:45 - 01:30. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on level -1, close to Platform 3 near the Rue de Maubeuge entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Paris Gare du Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Paris Gare du Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Paris Gare du Nord: Elevators, tactile warning strips. Contact the Accès Plus Mobility Service Centre at +33 890640650 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Whistler, Mercure Paris Gare du Nord, Ibis Paris Gare du Nord, Le Matissia, OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est.
Getting to Paris Gare de l'Est from Paris city centre
Paris Gare de l'Est is 2 km from Paris city centre. Public transport options include:
Paris Gare de l'Est train station facilities and services
Paris Gare de l'Est has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: 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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 06:45 - 20:30, Sat: 09:00 - 20:00, Sun: 09:00 - 20:30. Information desks are located between Tracks 15 and 18.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level -1 towards the metro access next to PAUL. Open every day from 07:30 to 22:30.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Paris Gare de l'Est: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Paris Gare de l'Est: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Paris Gare de l'Est: The station is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets and orientation system for visually impaired travelers. There is disabled traveler assistance by Track 4. .
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Whistler, Hôtel LOCOMO, Hôtel Parisianer.
Which Cologne station do trains from Paris arrive at?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln-Ehrenfeld from Cologne city centre
Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Ehrenfeld train station facilities and services
Köln-Ehrenfeld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.
More options for your journey from Paris to Cologne
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