French winter train tickets are now live! Find travel dates and carriers here… Book me in

Business

No tickets in your basket.

Why not plan a trip?

My Bookings
Loading...
Loading...

TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets

Looking for the cheapest date to travel?

Within 7 days

Outbound from

Within 1 month

Outbound from

Within 3 months

Outbound from
Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

What customers say about Trainline

Read real reviews from real users

Taking the train from Paris to Cologne

On 1st October 2023, Thalys became Eurostar. Thalys' red trains will stay the same, including the classes and services available on board, but every Thalys train now displays the Eurostar name and logo. 

➡️ Head to our dedicated Eurostar page for more information.

Forget about driving and take the train from Paris to Cologne instead – you'll be travelling from France to Germany in a little over three hours. There are about 18 trains connecting Paris to Cologne every day, 5 of which are direct Eurostar services.

Getting off at Cologne’s main train station (or Koln Hbf), you’ll be treated to views of the Rhine River and iconic Cologne Cathedral - both quite literally on the doorstep of the train station. As if that wasn’t reason enough to take the train, it’s also an hour quicker than travelling by car.

Want to travel in style? Upgrade to Premium Class on a Eurostar train and you’ll enjoy more spacious seats and a catering service among other amenities. If that’s whet your appetite, or you’re keen to learn more, please refer to our handy section below, which covers all the essential FAQs.

Paris to Köln Hbf by train

It takes an average of 4h 55m to travel from Paris to Köln Hbf by train, over a distance of around 251 miles (404 km). There are normally 17 trains per day travelling from Paris to Köln Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £25.45 when you book in advance.

First train

06:21

Last train

21:25

Departure station

Paris

Arrival station

Köln Hbf

Journey time

From 3h 20m

Distance

251 miles (404 km)

Frequency

17 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £25.45

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, ÖBB, Eurostar

Paris to Köln Hbf train times

Check out the next trains departing from Paris to Köln Hbf for Tuesday 19th November 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:55 12:15 3h 20m, direct
09:24 13:15 3h 51m, 1 change
10:55 14:15 3h 20m, direct
11:54 15:15 3h 21m, 1 change
13:19 17:15 3h 56m, 1 change
14:54 18:15 3h 21m, direct
15:55 19:15 3h 20m, 1 change
16:54 20:15 3h 21m, direct
17:25 22:44 5h 19m, 3 changes
18:06 23:54 5h 48m, 1 change

SNCF, Eurostar and ÖBB trains from Paris to Köln Hbf

You can travel from Paris to Köln Hbf on SNCF, Eurostar and ÖBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

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).

PhotoSmiley.toerist, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage carriage. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On 1st October, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red colour scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).

ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.

Eurostar classes from Paris to Köln Hbf

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar when travelling from Paris to Köln Hbf.

Onboard services on Eurostar

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Köln Hbf.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.

Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.

You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.

For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.

PetPetPets

The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

  • Pets are not permitted on board.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

Trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
  • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:

  • Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
  • If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
  • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
  • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
InfoInfoOther

Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

Liquids:

  • There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

Sports equipment:

  • You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
  • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
  • Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
  • Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
  • You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.

Cheap train tickets from Paris to Köln Hbf

The price of train tickets from Paris to Köln Hbf starts at £25.45 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Paris to Köln Hbf 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.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Köln Hbf? 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 Paris to Köln Hbf take?

The average journey time by train between Paris and Köln Hbf is 4 hours and 55 minutes, with around 17 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 Paris and Köln Hbf by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Köln Hbf is 3 hours and 20 minutes.

How much does the train from Paris to Köln Hbf cost?

Train ticket prices from Paris to Köln Hbf can start from as little as £25.45 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Paris to Köln Hbf?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Köln Hbf without having to change trains. There are 5 direct trains from Paris to Köln Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Paris to Köln Hbf leave?

The first train from Paris to Köln Hbf leaves at 06:21. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Paris to Köln Hbf leave?

The last train from Paris to Köln Hbf leaves at 21:25. 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 Paris and Köln Hbf by train?

Trains travelling from Paris to Köln Hbf cover a distance of around 251 miles (404 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Köln Hbf to Paris.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.