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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Paris to Cologne. Traveling by train from Paris to Cologne usually takes around 5 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest DB Intercity-Express train can make the trip in 4 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 250 mi (403 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 42m |
| Lowest price | MX$1,822.82 |
| Most frequent service | DB Intercity-Express |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Paris to Cologne?
There are 3 train lines with service from Paris to Cologne. DB Intercity-Express is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity-Express | 2 | 5h 17m | MX$2,887.22 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 1 | 5h 23m | MX$3,273.72 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 1 | 6h 56m | MX$2,647.50 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Paris to Cologne start from MX$2,647, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Paris leaves from Paris Est . And in Cologne trains arrive at Central Station .
From Paris to Cologne train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 6 hours and 56 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cologne faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 42 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Cologne on a weekend there is typically one Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Paris and Cologne is approximately 250 miles, or 403 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 42 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Paris to Cologne are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Paris at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cologne to Paris.
City Information
Paris
Paris, the famous City of Lights, is the premier destination of choice for people visiting France. Boasting a rich cultural heritage and world-famous culinary traditions, Paris will certainly amaze visitors with everything it has to offer. The city’s star attraction is the famous Eiffel Tower, which was constructed in 1889. An architectural marvel that has stood the test of time, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most iconic landmark of Paris, and visitors can take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Another must-see iconic landmark is the Musée du Louvre, one of the best art museums in the world. At the Louvre, visitors can marvel at more than 35,000 works of art, including the world-famous Mona Lisa. If you wish to stay away from the deafening crowd, Pere-Lachaise Cemetery, the largest green space in the city, will have what you need.
Paris’ food scene is rich and vibrant, brimming with both traditional bistros and chic new restaurants. For those who enjoy a rustic French vibe, the 2ème arrondissement offers some great selections. If you feel like splurging a little bit, head over to Guy Savoy, one of the best restaurants in town.
Paris is a central hub of transportation in France and Europe, in general. Visitors can catch trains to other cities at one of the six central stations: Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Saint-Lazare. The main bus station is Paris Bercy Bourgogne - Pays d'Auvergne located not too far from Gare d'Austerlitz. The principal airports in the city are Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Paris–Orly, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport.
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Paris?
Image credit: Unsplash
Main departure station: Paris Est
Paris Gare de l'Est, or Paris East Railway Station, is in the city's tenth arrondissement. It mainly operates rail services to eastern France, but also into other countries. Gare de l'Est was the departure point for the legendary Orient Express, and the columned facade is just as opulent as you would expect. Its 1840s structure is divided into several halls containing top brands and food outlets. The station is linked to Lines 4 and 7 of the Paris Métro and just a short walk from the Gare du Nord.
All train stations in Paris:
Paris Est
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Central Station
Cologne Central Station is, unsurprisingly, the central station and main transport hub of Cologne. Multiple nationwide and regional trains stop here and connect to other routes. Thalys and Deutsche Bahn ICE provide service to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and many more. Inside the station, you can kill some time perusing souvenir shops and grab a meal at one of the restaurants- or skip straight to desert at one of the multiple bakeries available. There's even a shop for clothes and a bank in the building. Once outside, you'll be in the center of Cologne, so there are plenty of attractions and restaurants nearby.
Train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
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Need a return trip from Cologne to Paris?
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