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Travelling from London to Cologne by train
There's no city that can’t be made better by train journey (at least, that’s what we think). And when we say there’s a train that can take you from London to Cologne, starting with the impressively sleek Eurostar and calling on the awesome services of Italo and Deutsche Bahn trains, we’re sure you’ll agree that this London adventure suddenly became an awesome adventure.
The journey of a little over 12 hours covers just over 600 miles, a pretty epic way to take in the continent as you travel across the channel, through France and over Switzerland to reach Germany. Once you’ve reached Cologne, start your exploring at the city’s icon, the Cologne Cathedral. Enjoy a drink in its shadow before heading to Museum Ludwig, home to an impressive collection of artworks from masters such as Picasso. Another iconic structure is the Hohenzollern Bridge, so take a walk across the river and to KölnTriangle where you can take in panoramic views from over 100 metres up. Take a grand tour of Europe by train with this amazing route, see our FAQs below!
London to Cologne (Germany) by train
It takes an average of 6h 28m to travel from London to Cologne (Germany) by train, over a distance of around 307 miles (494 km). There are normally 12 trains per day travelling from London to Cologne (Germany) and tickets for this journey start from £76.23 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:01 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Cologne (Germany) | |
| Journey time | From 3h 59m | |
| Distance | 307 miles (494 km) | |
| Frequency | 12 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £76.23 | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from London to Cologne (Germany)
Want to know more about your journey from London to Cologne (Germany)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from London to Cologne (Germany)?
How far is the train ride from London to Cologne (Germany)?
Can I take a flight-free trip from London to Cologne (Germany)?
What is the best way to travel to Cologne (Germany) from London?
What time does the first train run from London to Cologne (Germany)?
How late does the train from London to Cologne (Germany) run?
How many trains go from London to Cologne (Germany) per day?
When do tickets from London to Cologne (Germany) go on sale?
Planning a round trip from London to Cologne (Germany)?
Cheap train tickets from London to Cologne (Germany)
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 London to Cologne (Germany) 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.