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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Cologne to Paris. Traveling by train from Cologne to Paris usually takes 5 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest DB Intercity-Express train can make the trip in 4 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 250 mi (403 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 49m |
| Lowest price | $54.02 |
| Most frequent service | DB Intercity-Express |
| Train lines | 4 |
Price trends for trains from Cologne to Paris
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Cologne to Paris?
There are 4 train lines with service from Cologne to Paris. 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 | $129.69 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 1 | 8h 55m | $94.41 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 1 | 5h 13m | $111.98 |
| FlixTrain | 1 | 11h 12m | $91.21 |
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 Cologne to Paris start from $87, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Paris. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Cologne leaves from Central Station and one other station. And in Paris trains arrive at Paris Est .
From Cologne to Paris train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 5 hours and 13 minutes. If you are looking to get to Paris faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 49 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Paris 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 Cologne.
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 1 daily trips to Paris from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Gare de Bercy Seine in Paris after about 11 hours and 12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The distance between Cologne and Paris is approximately 250 miles, or 403 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 49 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.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cologne to Paris. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Cologne twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Paris to Cologne.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Cologne Central Station
Where is the train station in Paris?
Image credit: Unsplash
Main arrival 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
Gare de Bercy Seine
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