There are 7 ways to get from Paris to Cologne by train, bus, rideshare, car or plane
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Train • 3h 20m
110€ - 230€
Cheapest option
Bus • 9h 54m
30€ - 50€
5 alternative options
Rideshare • 5h 47m
34€
Drive • 4h 22m
50€ - 80€
Fly to Dusseldorf, train • 4h 57m
82€ - 293€
Fly to Cologne Bonn • 7h 3m
59€ - 235€
Fly to Frankfurt, train • 4h 56m
90€ - 278€
Paris to Cologne by train
The train journey time between Paris and Cologne is around 3h 21m and covers a distance of around 527 km. The fastest train normally takes 3h 20m. Operated by Thalys, the Paris to Cologne train service departs from Paris Nord and arrives in Koeln Hbf. Typically eight trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.
Paris to Cologne train schedules
Trains departing Monday, May 17, 2021
Trains departing Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Trains departing Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Trains departing Thursday, May 20, 2021
Trains departing Friday, May 21, 2021
Trains departing Saturday, May 22, 2021
Trains departing Sunday, May 23, 2021
Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into Germany from France
- Entry is restricted for citizens and permanent residents of France
Restricted for: Foreign nationals from outside Germany with the above exceptions
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Conditions of entry into Germany from France
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival for all travellers by air
- A negative result for COVID-19 is a condition to end the quarantine obligation earlier. It is tested in quarantine on day 5
- The exact quarantine requirements depend on the regulations in each federal state
- Pre-arrival health declaration
- Passenger Locator Form (PLF) required
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival and 10 day mandatory self quarantine
Show more details
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival for all travellers by air
- A negative result for COVID-19 is a condition to end the quarantine obligation earlier. It is tested in quarantine on day 5
- The exact quarantine requirements depend on the regulations in each federal state
- Pre-arrival health declaration
- Passenger Locator Form (PLF) required
Finland: Uusimaa, Varsinais-Suomi, Satakunta
France: Saint Barthélemy, French Guiana, Saint Martin, Mayotte, Réunion, Moselle, Guadeloupe
Norway: Agder, Oslo, Viken, Rogaland, Vestfold og Telemark
Spain: Extremadura, Islas Baleares
Portugal: Madeira, Azores
This applies to arrivals from all countries, with no exceptions
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival and 10 day mandatory self quarantine
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Rules to follow in Germany
1.5m
Mandatory
Considerations leaving from France
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
No, entry into Germany from France is currently restricted.
Explore options for future travelDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are mandatory
- There is a social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
- Domestic border crossings may be subject to approval, testing and quarantine
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Cologne is 116 117.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Cologne is mandatory.
The social distance requirement in Cologne is 1.5 metres.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 116 117.
No, but conditions apply when returning to France from Germany.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 15 May 2021
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Robert Koch Institute.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
The most affordable way to get from Paris to Cologne is to rideshare, which costs 34€ and takes 5h 47m.
The quickest way to get from Paris to Cologne is to train which costs 110€ - 230€ and takes 3h 20m.
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Paris Nord and arriving at Koeln Hbf. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 3h 20m.
The distance between Paris and Cologne is 402 km. The road distance is 479.4 km.
The best way to get from Paris to Cologne without a car is to train which takes 3h 20m and costs 110€ - 230€.
The train from Paris Nord to Koeln Hbf takes 3h 20m including transfers and departs twice daily.
Paris to Cologne train services, operated by Thalys, depart from Paris Nord station.
The best way to get from Paris to Cologne is to train which takes 3h 20m and costs 110€ - 230€. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs 30€ - 50€ and takes 9h 54m, you could also fly, which costs 55€ - 240€ and takes 7h 3m.
The quickest flight from Paris CDG Airport to Dusseldorf Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 15m.
Paris to Cologne train services, operated by Thalys, arrive at Koeln Hbf station.
- Distance: 402.1 km
- Duration: 3h 20m
What companies run services between Paris, France and Cologne, Germany?
Thalys operates a train from Paris Nord to Koeln Hbf twice daily. Tickets cost 110€ - 230€ and the journey takes 3h 20m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Paris to Cologne South 3 times a week. Tickets cost 27€ - 35€ and the journey takes 9h 40m.
- Website
- lufthansa.com
Flights from Paris CDG to Dusseldorf via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 20m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 170€ - 380€
Flights from Paris CDG to Cologne Bonn via Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 15m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 70€ - 330€
Flights from Paris CDG to Cologne Bonn via Frankfurt, Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 30m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- 75€ - 330€
Flights from Paris CDG to Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 13m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 55€ - 270€
Flights from Paris CDG to Frankfurt via Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 15m
- When
- Monday to Saturday
- Estimated price
- 55€ - 270€
- Website
- airfrance.com
Flights from Paris CDG to Dusseldorf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 80€ - 270€
Flights from Paris CDG to Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 80€ - 330€
- Website
- klm.com
Flights from Paris CDG to Dusseldorf via Amsterdam Schiphol
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 10m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 95€ - 390€
Flights from Paris CDG to Frankfurt via Amsterdam Schiphol
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 15m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 130€ - 390€
- Website
- eurowings.com
Flights from Paris CDG to Dusseldorf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- 65€ - 110€
Flights from Paris CDG to Cologne Bonn via Hamburg
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 55m
- When
- Sunday
- Estimated price
- 50€ - 210€
- Website
- austrian.com
Flights from Paris CDG to Cologne Bonn via Vienna
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 30m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- 80€ - 350€
- Website
- swiss.com
Flights from Paris CDG to Cologne Bonn via Zurich
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 22m
- When
- Monday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- 60€ - 240€
- Website
- gulfair.com
Flights from Paris CDG to Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- 95€ - 140€
- Phone
- +32 70 66 77 88
- Website
- thalys.com
Train from Paris Nord to Koeln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 20m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- 110€ - 230€
- Website
- Thalys
- Standard
- 110€ - 150€
- Comfort
- 120€ - 160€
- Premium
- 160€ - 230€
Train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 35 min
- Frequency
- 6 times a week
- Estimated price
- 40€ - 75€
- Website
- Thalys
- Standard
- 40€ - 55€
- Comfort
- 50€ - 70€
- Premium
- 50€ - 75€
- Phone
- 0221 13 999 444
- Website
- nationalexpress.de
Train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 39 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- 11€ - 14€
- Website
- National Express Rail
- Phone
- 0800 223 5546
- Website
- abellio.de
Train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 44 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Website
- Abellio
- Phone
- 0800 2235546
- Website
- abellio.de
Train from Düsseldorf Flughafen to Köln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 44 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Website
- ABELLIO Rail
- Phone
- 0800 223 5546
- Website
- abellio.de
Train from D-Flughafen Bf to Köln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 40 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Website
- Abellio NRW
Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed InterCity (IC) trains connect cities within Germany. They’re a popular way to travel as they’re faster than Deutsche Bahn’s regional trains and offer a frequent, fast service. All IC trains have first and second class carriages, power sockets and toilets, and most have a bistro cafe or restaurant. Tickets can be booked up to 180 days in advance of travel.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 2970
- Website
- bahn.com
Train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 34 min
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- 35€ - 50€
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
Train from Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 23m
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- 50€ - 70€
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
German rail company Deutsche Bahn is known for its efficient and comfortable service. It offers many different types of rail transportation, including ICE or Intercity-Express for high-speed services between major cities and regions, IC (InterCity) for long-distance trains, RE (Regional Express) trains that connect regions and cities, and the S-Bahn rapid transit service. There are two main tickets on offer: the Flexpreis that has full flexibility, and the Sparpreis which is the cheaper, advanced fare (bookings usually open 6 months in advance for domestic tickets).
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 0180 6 99 66 33
- Website
- bahn.com
Train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 31 min
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- 17€ - 24€
- Website
- Deutsche Bahn
Train from Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
- Ave. Duration
- 46 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- 35€ - 50€
- Website
- Deutsche Bahn
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Austria's national railway system is not only punctual, reliable and efficient, but offers free wifi to boot. Choose from high-speed intercity Railjet trains, overnight Nightjet trains and regional services such as Cityjet. ÖBB also operates international routes that connect cities in Austria with adjacent European countries including Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Slovenia. If you're planning to be in Austria for a while, consider the ÖBB Vorteilscard, an annual railcard that offers discounts on routes within Austria and in neighbouring countries.
Contact Details
Train from Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 12m
- Frequency
- Twice a week
- Estimated price
- 29€ - 40€
- Website
- Austrian Railways
- Book at
- Austria Rail Pass
One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 1807 123 99 123
- info@flixbus.de
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from Paris to Cologne South
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 40m
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- 27€ - 35€
- Website
- flixbus.co.uk
Blablacar is a popular ridesharing platform with 70 million users over 22 (mostly European) countries. The basic idea is that you carpool with locals who are already planning to drive your route and have space in their car. With some flexibility, you’ll get to your destination often faster and cheaper than other means. On the website or app, enter your departure and arrival points and your date of travel, sift through the profiles of drivers who’ve posted pre-planned drives and find one whose timing and preferences match yours. Request to join the ride, wait to be accepted, and pay your share of the set price.
Rome2rio's guide to BlaBlaCar
Contact Details
- Website
- blablacar.com
Rideshare from Paris to Cologne
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 47m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- 34€
- Book at
- blablacar.co.uk
Want to know more about travelling around Germany
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Read the travel guideMore Questions & Answers
Yes, the driving distance between Paris to Cologne is 479 km. It takes approximately 4h 22m to drive from Paris to Cologne.
Eurowings, Air France, Lufthansa and KLM offer flights from Paris CDG Airport to Dusseldorf Airport.
Book your Paris to Cologne train tickets online with Omio.
There are 420+ hotels available in Cologne. Prices start at 75€ per night.
The best way to get from Paris to Paris CDG Airport is to train which takes 38 min and costs 5€ - 9€.