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Paris, Ile-de-France to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia from $37: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Paris, France
to
Cologne, Germany

How to Get from Paris 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.

$37 - OtherBest price
404.33 kmDistance
3h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Paris 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
various
Train
Average Duration
3h  21m
Estimated price
$95-240
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
5h  47m
Estimated price
$37-37
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 404.33 km
Duration: 3h 21m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  42m
Estimated price
$40-60
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  22m
Estimated price
$81-356
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
4h  28m
Estimated price
$85-130
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  47m
Estimated price
$115-400
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  24m
Estimated price
$148-364

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $19 $19 $19 $19 $22 $22 $29
Train $98 $83 $81 $82 $117 $111 $130
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Paris to Cologne

Journeying from Paris to Cologne offers you a fascinating juxtaposition of Parisian elegance and Cologne's vibrant, laid-back charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm and attractions.

Old Town (Altstadt)
• Historic architecture and cobblestone streets abound.
• Vibrant cafes and shops create a lively atmosphere.
Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
• Trendy boutiques and art galleries line the streets.
• A thriving nightlife scene with bars and clubs.
Deutz
• Home to stunning views of the Cologne Cathedral.
• Offers riverside parks and festival spaces.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Cologne's top attractions.

Cologne Cathedral
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Weekdays are best for a quieter, more enjoyable tour.
Rheinauhafen Waterfront
Early evenings offer stunning sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, featuring mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining in Cologne: A Local Flavor

Try the traditional dish of Himmel un Ääd, a delicious combination of black pudding, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce, often enjoyed at local eateries like Brauhaus Putz. This hearty, rustic meal embodies Cologne’s warm, convivial atmosphere, showcasing local ingredients and flavors that contrast sharply with the refined culinary experiences found in Paris.

Paris - Cologne operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+33 1 84 94 36 35
Website
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Train from Paris Nord to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
3h 21m
Estimated price
$95-210

Train from D-Flughafen Bf to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$10-21
Contact phone
+32 70 66 77 88
Website
https://www.thalys.com/fr/en

Train from Paris Nord to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$120-240

Train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$28-65
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Paris City Centre - Bercy Seine to Köln Heumarkt

Average Duration
6h 40m
Estimated price
$40-60

Bus from Paris City Centre - Bercy Seine to Leverkusen

Average Duration
7h 42m
Estimated price
$40-60
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.airfrance.com

Plane from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
4h 15m
Estimated price
$110-500
Website
https://www.lufthansa.com

Plane from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$130-650

Plane from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Frankfurt (FRA)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$100-440
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Paris to Cologne

Average Duration
5h 47m
Estimated price
$37-37

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

Traveling between Paris 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Paris to Cologne, covering a distance of 302 miles. The journey takes around 4 hours and 28 minutes, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way. 💰 Prices for the car trip from Paris to Cologne range from €78 to €120, providing flexibility for travelers with different budgets. Consider carpooling with Blablacar to save money and connect with fellow travelers on this route.
Average price
€78 - €120
🚄 Traveling from Paris to Cologne by train is a convenient and efficient way to explore these European cities. The direct train departs from Paris Nord and arrives at Köln Hbf, operating every day with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes. 🌍 The distance between Paris and Cologne is 536 km, and the train route offers a scenic journey through picturesque landscapes. SNCF operates the services, ensuring a comfortable and reliable travel experience for passengers seeking to move between these iconic destinations. 💰 Ticket prices for the Paris to Cologne train vary from €87 to €221, providing travelers with flexibility in choosing the class and amenities they prefer onboard. Whether for business or leisure, this high-speed train route offers a seamless connection between two vibrant European cities.
Departure Point
Paris Nord station
Arrival Point
Köln Hbf station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: The Thalys and ICE trains operating on the Paris to Cologne route offer a variety of catering services. Thalys provides a 'Le Train Restaurant' service where you can order meals and drinks, including local and seasonal specialties. There’s also a light snack service in Standard class. ICE trains, on the other hand, feature a bistro car where you can purchase refreshments, and they offer complimentary drinks in First Class.
Seating Options: For your journey, Thalys offers three classes: Standard (Economy), Comfort (Business Class), and Premium (First Class). In Standard class, seating is comfortable with ample legroom, while Comfort offers more spacious seating and extra amenities like complimentary snacks. ICE trains also provide three classes: Standard (Economy), First Class, and a special Family area. It's advisable to book in advance, especially for First Class, to ensure availability.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Cologne's main station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), you’ll find extensive facilities. You can leave your luggage at left luggage services located near the station’s entrance. The station also has restrooms and shower facilities available. To navigate easily, look for signage indicating 'Gepäckaufbewahrung' for luggage services and 'WC' for restrooms.
🛫 Flying from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Dusseldorf Airport is convenient with direct flights taking only 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airlines such as KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France operate this route. 👜 Once you land in Dusseldorf, it's a smooth 2-hour journey to reach Cologne. The total travel time from Paris to Cologne by plane is approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes. 💰 Flight prices between Cologne and Paris can range from €75 to €328, offering options for different budgets and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Arrival Point
Dusseldorf Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Paris to Cologne, travelers can take a route with transfers that lasts approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes. The journey starts at Paris City Centre - Bercy Seine and ends at Köln Heumarkt via Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf. 🌍 FlixBus operates the bus services between Paris and Cologne, offering a convenient and affordable travel option. Passengers can expect to arrive at Leverkusen station after a comfortable journey across the France-Germany border. The prices for this bus trip range from €37 to €55, making it a budget-friendly choice for exploring multiple European destinations.
Departure Point
Paris City Centre - Bercy Seine station
Arrival Point
Leverkusen station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your ticket in advance with FlixBus or BlaBlaBus to ensure you have your preferred departure time; check their websites at FlixBus and BlaBlaBus for schedule options and competitive pricing.
• Make sure to plan for the bus transfer at Leverkusen; you’ll need to get from the bus stop to Köln Heumarkt via public transport, which usually involves taking the S-Bahn or a local bus—check the local transport schedules at KVB for seamless navigation.
• Upon arriving at Köln Heumarkt, familiarize yourself with the station layout using the station map available at Cologne Central Station Map, as you’ll find convenient access to trams and buses for onward journeys, and a variety of shops and dining options nearby to refuel.