Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia to Kassel, Hesse from €7.1: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard, you can enjoy catering services provided by the operators (Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain) which typically include a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Deutsche Bahn offers a 'Bordbistro' with a menu that includes coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, while FlixTrain has a selection of snacks and drinks available for purchase through their 'Bistro-Wagen'. Always bring cash or a card for onboard purchases.

• The train options for the route include First Class and Second Class seating. First Class seats on Deutsche Bahn offer more spacious seating with complimentary beverages and access to lounges at major stations. Second Class seats are comfortable and include reserved and unreserved options. The FlixTrain provides Economy seating, which is a budget-friendly choice, but lacks some of the amenities of Deutsche Bahn's services. Notable seating choices can be found at Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain.

• Upon arrival at Kassel's main station (Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe), you can find luggage lockers available for secure storage of your bags. Restrooms are available, but showers are not provided. To navigate easily, follow the signs to the 'Hauptbahnhof' exit, which leads to local transport options. For the fastest way to the city center, you can take the tram line 1 or bus line 10, both of which stop right outside the station. The tram will take you directly to the city center in about 15-20 minutes.