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London to Cologne from $49: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
London, United Kingdom
to
Cologne, Germany

How to Get from London to Cologne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$49 by busBest price
500 kmDistance
3h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from London to Cologne with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Train
Average Duration
4h  28m
Estimated price
$165-473
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
12h  23m
Estimated price
$49-97
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 500 km
Duration: 3h 57m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Ryanair
Plane
Average Duration
4h  25m
Estimated price
$49-338
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
5h  52m
Estimated price
$85-210
Company
British Airways, Eurowings
Plane
Average Duration
3h  57m
Estimated price
$90-424
Company
British Airways, Deutsche Bahn
Plane
Average Duration
4h  37m
Estimated price
$99-418
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  10m
Estimated price
$116-473
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
7h  4m
Estimated price
$131-197

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $43 $43 $44 $30 $49 $52 $47
Fly $113 $110 $89 $89 $111 $80 $107

Traveling From London to Cologne

Traveling from London to Cologne opens doors to contrasting experiences, where London's vibrant urban buzz meets Cologne's charming historical ambiance.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne's neighborhoods offer varied atmospheres, enriching your travel experience.

Old Town (Altstadt)
• Home to stunning Gothic architecture
• Bustling with cafes and local shops
Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
• Trendy area known for boutiques
• Lively nightlife with bars and restaurants
Lindenthal
• Residential vibe with leafy streets
• Great parks and family-friendly facilities

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

To make the most of your visit, timing is key at Cologne's attractions.

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Visit early in the morning to enjoy quieter views and fewer tourists.
Museum Ludwig
Late afternoons on weekdays often see smaller crowds and a relaxed atmosphere.
Hohenzollern Bridge
Evenings at sunset provide a stunning backdrop and a more peaceful experience.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early autumn the best times for comfortable exploration. Weather can influence travel plans, with occasional rain prompting visitors to plan indoor activities or flexible itineraries.

Dining in Cologne

Don't miss trying Himmel un Ääd, a delightful dish featuring black pudding and apple sauce, which showcases Cologne's rich culinary tradition. This local specialty offers a heartwarming contrast to London's diverse food scene, inviting you to savor authentic flavors and experience the city's inviting tavern atmosphere.

London - Cologne operators

Explore transport companies operating between London and Cologne, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from London Victoria to Cologne Airport CGN

Average Duration
12h
Estimated price
$50-75
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Bus from London Victoria to Cologne Airport

Average Duration
11h 35m
Estimated price
$40-65
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 343 218 6186
Website
https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi

Average Duration
2h 4m
Estimated price
$120-350

Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
1h 52m
Estimated price
$48-54
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
1h 52m
Estimated price
$48-54
Contact phone
+32 70 66 77 88
Website
https://www.thalys.com/fr/en

Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$60-130
Plane Show flights
Website
http://britishairways.com

Plane from London Heathrow (LHR) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$60-490
Website
https://www.eurowings.com

Plane from London Heathrow (LHR) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$85-550
Website
https://www.ryanair.com

Plane from London Stansted (STN) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$28-350
all-pages.other Show other routes
Website
https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/

Other from Folkestone to Calais-Fréthun

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
01304 448866.
Website
https://www.poferries.com

Other from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$55-75
Contact phone
+353 818 300 400
Website
https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/Travel-to-Ireland

Other from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$35-50

London to Cologne: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between London and Cologne offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚆 Traveling from London to Cologne by train is a convenient option, although there isn't a direct route available. The journey involves transfers and takes approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes, with services operated by Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express. 🌍 The route from London to Cologne covers a distance of 598 km and typically requires a transfer at Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi. Passengers will first board a Eurostar train to Brussels South/Midi Train Station and then switch to a high-speed train operated by DB Fernverkehr AG towards Cologne Central Station. 💰 Prices for the train between London and Cologne can range from £130 to £374, offering travelers a relatively quick and efficient way to travel between these two vibrant cities in Europe.
Departure Point
London St Pancras Intl station
Arrival Point
Koeln Hbf station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train trip from London to Cologne include catering options offered by Eurostar, the primary operator. You can expect a selection of light meals, sandwiches, beverages, and snacks available for purchase. They provide a range of dietary options, including vegetarian and gluten-free, with service in both Standard and Standard Premier classes.
• For your journey, the train operates with various seating options. Eurostar offers Standard (Economy), Standard Premier (Business Class), and Business Premier (First Class). Standard has comfortable seating with ample legroom, while Standard Premier features wider seats and complimentary meals. Business Premier allows for even more spacious seating with an exclusive lounge access and priority boarding.
• The primary operators for your route from London to Cologne are Eurostar and Thalys. Check their websites for more information on schedules and ticketing: Eurostar: ">">eurostar.com Thalys: ">">thalys.com Additionally, for local transport options in Cologne, you can visit KVB for schedules and maps.
🛫 Flying from London Heathrow Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport is a convenient option for travelers, with a quick direct flight lasting just 1 hour and 20 minutes. 🌍 The journey from London to Cologne by plane takes approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes, allowing visitors to reach their destination efficiently and comfortably. Flight prices can range from £71 to £335, providing options for different budgets.
Departure Point
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Point
Cologne Bonn Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When booking your flight from London Heathrow to Cologne Bonn, be sure to check both Eurowings and British Airways, as they often have competitive fares; consider visiting their websites at eurowings.com and britishairways.com for the best deals.
• Arriving at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), expect to navigate through the terminal quickly since it's relatively compact; follow the signs for baggage claim, where you can also find helpful information desks if you have questions about local transport options.
• A taxi from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city center typically costs around €30-€40 and takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic; for budget alternatives, consider using the airport's bus service, which is more economical and well-connected—check schedules at cgn.de
🚌 The trip from London to Cologne by bus takes approximately 12 hours and 23 minutes, offering a convenient way to travel between the two cities at a reasonable cost. 🌍 Route 1 covers a distance of 598 km and includes a transfer along the way. Passengers will take a train towards Amsterdam Centraal, followed by a high-speed train towards FrankfurtHbf before arriving at Cologne Central Station. 💰 The prices for bus tickets between Cologne and London range from £39 to £77, providing travelers with flexibility in their budget while enjoying a scenic journey through different European destinations.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to pre-book your bus tickets in advance through companies like FlixBus (flixbus.co.uk) or Eurolines (eurolines.co.uk) to secure the best prices, as fares can range from £37 to £74.
• Prepare for your transfer in Brussels by allowing for enough time between the bus and train connections; the Brussels South/Midi Station has a clear layout, but it can be busy, so aim for at least 30 minutes to navigate through security and find your next platform.
• Upon arrival at Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), use the station's free Wi-Fi to download the local transport app, which can help you easily navigate to your next destination, whether that be attractions, restaurants, or hotels, giving you access to real-time schedules and directions.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from London to Cologne.

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The distance between London and Cologne is approximately 498.9 km. The typical travel time by train is 4 hours and 33 minutes. If you choose to take a night bus and then a night train, the travel time is around 12 hours and 3 minutes. If you prefer to fly, the travel time is approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. Lastly, taking a bus from London to Cologne typically takes around 12 hours and 40 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from London to Cologne is by bus, with tickets ranging from £43 to £78. While it takes the longest time, typically around 12 hours and 40 minutes, it offers the lowest fares. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes, though ticket prices can range from £67 to £361.
The prices for traveling from London to Cologne vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For a train journey, the prices range from £111 to £365. On the other hand, taking a bus from Cologne to London can cost between £45 to £78.
The best way to travel from London to Cologne without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes and costs between £110-£369. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes 12 hours and 40 minutes and costs between £43-£78. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 54 minutes, with prices ranging from £67-£361.
There is no direct train from London to Cologne. However, there are train services that require transfers in Brussels-Midi. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes. The train services are operated by Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express.
The flight from London Heathrow Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between £39 to £298, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are many options for accommodation near Cologne. With over 1145 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices start at £35 per night for basic accommodations, but there are also luxury hotels available for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

Trips from London