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Travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Laon by train
Looking to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Laon by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 9 hours 27 minutes to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Laon by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 7 hours 18 minutes though. You'll usually find 14 trains per day running along the 175 miles (282 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 3 changes during the journey to Laon, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with Thalys, ICE or SNCF on your way to Laon, as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Cologne (Germany) to Laon.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Laon by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Cologne (Germany) to Laon by train
| First train | 03:56 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:20 | |
| Departure station | Cologne (Germany) | |
| Arrival station | Laon | |
| Journey time | From 7h 18m | |
| Distance | 175 miles (282 km) | |
| Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), SNCF and TER trains from Cologne (Germany) to Laon
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
SNCF
TER
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
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ICE and TER classes from Cologne (Germany) to Laon
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE and TER when travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Laon.
ICE
TER
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
Onboard services on ICE and TER
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne (Germany) to Laon.
ICE
TER
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Laon
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Laon by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Cologne (Germany) to Laon? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Cologne (Germany) to Laon take?
The average journey time by train between Cologne (Germany) and Laon is 9 hours and 27 minutes, with around 14 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Cologne (Germany) and Laon by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cologne (Germany) to Laon is 7 hours and 18 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Cologne (Germany) to Laon?
No, there are no direct train services from Cologne (Germany) to Laon. Travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Laon by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Cologne (Germany) to Laon leave?
The first train from Cologne (Germany) to Laon leaves at 03:56. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cologne (Germany) to Laon leave?
The last train from Cologne (Germany) to Laon leaves at 23:20. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Cologne (Germany) and Laon by train?
Trains travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Laon cover a distance of around 175 miles (282 km) during the journey.