London, Greater London to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia from $49: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from London to Cologne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$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.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $43 | $43 | $43 | $30 | $49 | $51 | $46 |
| Fly | $112 | $109 | $88 | $88 | $110 | $79 | $106 |
Traveling From London to Cologne
Traveling from London to Cologne introduces you to a blend of iconic historical charm and vibrant modern culture, highlighting the bustling energy of the UK capital versus the relaxed ambiance of Germany's charming city.
Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne
Cologne offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.
Altstadt (Old Town)
• Home to stunning Gothic architecture.
• Lively atmosphere with pubs and shops.
Ehrenfeld
• Known for its creative arts scene.
• Great restaurants and street art abound.
Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)
• Trendy shops and cozy cafés line the streets.
• Vibrant nightlife and cultural events flourish.
Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions
Timing your visits to Cologne's highlights can significantly enhance your experience.
Cologne Cathedral
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter ambiance.
Museum Ludwig
Wednesdays in the late afternoon offer reduced crowds and a peaceful viewing experience.
Hohenzollern Bridge
Sunrise or sunset provides stunning views and fewer people on the bridge.
Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Cologne experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, as the pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Dining Recommendation in Cologne
Try the traditional Cologne dish Fachwerk, featuring savory chunks of pork in a rich, flavorful sauce, best enjoyed at the local favorite, Brauhaus Früh. Unlike London's vibrant food scene, dining in Cologne emphasizes hearty, authentic German flavors and a cozy atmosphere, often accompanied by a freshly brewed Kölsch beer.
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.
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Bus from London Victoria to Cologne Airport CGN
Average Duration
12hEstimated price
$50-75Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk
Bus from London Victoria to Cologne Airport
Average Duration
11h 35mEstimated price
$40-65Contact phone
+44 343 218 6186Website
https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en
Train from London St Pancras Intl to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi
Average Duration
2h 4mEstimated price
$120-350Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Koeln Hbf
Average Duration
1h 52mEstimated price
$48-54Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33Website
https://www.bahn.com/en
Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Koeln Hbf
Average Duration
1h 52mEstimated price
$48-54Contact phone
+32 70 66 77 88Website
https://www.thalys.com/fr/en
Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Koeln Hbf
Average Duration
1h 50mEstimated price
$60-130Website
http://britishairways.com
Plane from London Heathrow (LHR) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$60-490Website
https://www.eurowings.com
Plane from London Heathrow (LHR) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)
Average Duration
1h 20mEstimated price
$85-550Website
https://www.ryanair.com
Plane from London Stansted (STN) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)
Average Duration
1h 15mEstimated price
$28-350Contact phone
+44 (0) 8443 35 35 35Website
https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/
Other from Folkestone to Calais-Fréthun
Average Duration
35mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
01304 448866.Website
https://www.poferries.com
Other from Port of Dover to Calais
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
$55-75Contact phone
+353 818 300 400Website
https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/Travel-to-Ireland
Other from Port of Dover to Calais
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$35-50London 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 involves a journey of approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes, with a transfer in Brussels. The train services are operated by Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express.
🌍 There are multiple routes you can take to reach Cologne from London, each with varying durations and transfer points. The distances range from 598 km to 1,251 km, with different agencies operating the trains for each leg of the trip.
🎫 The prices for a train ticket between London and Cologne can vary from £130 to £373.
Departure Point
London St Pancras Intl station
Arrival Point
Koeln Hbf station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the Eurostar train from London to Cologne include a restaurant car offering a range of meals, snacks, and beverages. It's best to check the menu in advance on their website for any dietary options. Pre-ordering meals is possible on some services as well.
• The train service offers First Class (Standard Premier) and Standard class seating. First Class provides more spacious seats and complementary food and beverages, while Standard class offers comfortable seating with less legroom but at a more budget-friendly fare. Check the Eurostar website for the latest fares: eurostar.com
• Various operators run the London to Cologne route, including Eurostar and Thalys. You can book tickets directly from their websites: Eurostar (eurostar.com) and Thalys (thalys.com). Be sure to review the train schedules ahead of time for the best connection.
🛫 Flying from London Heathrow Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport is a convenient and quick way to travel, with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 20 minutes.
💸 The cost of a flight between London and Cologne can range from £71 to £335, depending on factors such as the airline, booking time, and seat availability.
Departure Point
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Point
Cologne Bonn Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight early between London Heathrow and Cologne Bonn as fares can range from £68 to £319; the earlier you book, the better your chances of snagging a lower fare.
• Upon arrival at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), follow the 'Bahn' (train) signs to the station located directly below the terminal; take a direct train to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), which takes about 15 minutes.
• Expect to pay approximately €30-€35 for a taxi from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city center of Cologne, and consider checking the fare before you leave at Taxi fare calculator for accurate pricing.
🚌 The journey from London to Cologne by bus takes approximately 12 hours and 23 minutes. Prices for the bus between these two cities can range from £39 to £77, offering a budget-friendly travel option.
🛤️ Route 1 to reach Cologne covers a distance of 598 km and involves a transfer. The first step includes a train ride towards Amsterdam Centraal, lasting around 1 hour and 54 minutes. From there, travelers will board a high-speed train towards FrankfurtHbf, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes to arrive at Cologne Central Station.
📞 For the train services involved in this route, passengers can contact NS International at 011 31 30 230 0023 or visit their website at http://www.nsinternational.nl/. Additionally, the high-speed train service is provided by DB Fernverkehr AG, and further details can be found on their website https://www.bahn.de/. This itinerary offers a scenic and comfortable way to travel from London to Cologne by bus and train.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to book your train from London St. Pancras to Brussels South/Midi in advance; both NS International (nsinternational.nl) and Eurostar (eurostar.com) often have special fares that can help you save on the £37 - £74 fare for the bus segment.
• Use the MyTrain app or the DB Navigator app to check real-time schedules and platform changes while traveling through the Brussels South/Midi station; this will make it easier to navigate between your connections when catching the high-speed train to Cologne.
• Upon arriving at Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), grab a city map from the tourist information desk located on the ground floor to help you orient yourself; the station is a major hub, and having a map will be invaluable for navigating the surrounding area, including accessing local trams and buses.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from London to Cologne.
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The distance between London and Cologne is 310 miles. The typical travel time by train is 4 hours and 33 minutes, by plane it is 4 hours and 24 minutes, by bus it is 12 hours and 40 minutes, and by taking a night bus and then a night train it is 12 hours and 3 minutes. These travel times may vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific route taken.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from London to Cologne is by taking a bus, which costs around £44-£79. However, this option takes a longer travel time of approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes. If time-efficiency is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 54 minutes and costs between £67-£365. Flying may be more expensive but it offers a significantly shorter travel time.
The prices for a train journey from London to Cologne vary between £113 and £369. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey from Cologne to London range from £45 to £79. It's advisable to book tickets in advance to secure the best prices and compare different options to find the most suitable and affordable mode of transportation for your journey.
To travel from London to Cologne without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes and costs around £111-£372. Another option is to take a bus, which takes longer at 12 hours and 40 minutes but is cheaper, costing around £44-£79. Alternatively, you can also choose to fly, which is the fastest option at 3 hours and 54 minutes but usually more expensive, costing around £67-£365.
No, there is no direct train link between London and Cologne. However, there are train services available that involve transfers. The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes, with transfers at stations like Brussel-Zuid/Bruxelles-Midi. These services are operated by Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn.
The flight between London and Cologne typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The prices for a flight between the two cities can vary, ranging from £40 to £301. It is recommended to check with different airlines and book in advance to get the best prices for your desired travel dates.
There are more than 1145 hotels available in Cologne. Prices for accommodation start at £36 per night. Some popular options include the Hyatt Regency Cologne and Hilton Cologne. It is advisable to book in advance as availability may vary depending on the time of year.
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Trips to Cologne
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