How to take the rail journey from Cologne/Köln to Paris

Share this journey with a friend...

Köln / Cologne / Koeln to Paris by train

These Thalys high speed services are the only direct trains from north-west Germany to the capital of France

Routes you can take to go from Köln / Cologne / Koeln to Paris

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Travel Time (approx)

3hr 20min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

Monday to Friday = 5 x trains per day
Sat/Sun = 4 x trains per day


Is the journey from Köln / Cologne to Paris direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly


What other tourist locations are along the route from Köln / Cologne to Paris?
Aachen and Bruxelles


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Paris Gare du Nord from Köln bf?

  • Before 10:10 on Monday to Saturday
  • Before 12:10 on Sunday

How easy is it to travel on from the station in Paris?
The Gare Du Nord is served by two Metro lines - line 4 serves also serves Gare Montparnasse and line 5 also serves Paris Austerlitz.
The station also has direct rail links to the Gare de Lyon and CDG Airport.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Nord.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Köln Hbf to Paris Gare du Nord?
Before 18:45 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel to the station in Köln / Cologne?
Köln hbf has city centre location, see the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Köln / CologneCentraal.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the Köln / Cologne to Paris trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Köln / Cologne to Paris trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for the Köln / Cologne to Paris trains?
Children under the age of 12 travel at a flat rate price of €15 in Standard, €20 in Comfort and €30 in Premium Class.
Source = Eurostar


Does the ticket for the Köln / Cologne to Paris train include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for the Köln / Cologne to Paris trains?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.


Is catering available on the Köln / Cologne to Paris trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a vending machine
A complimentary at-seat meal service is available in Premier Class
Source = Eurostar


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

Take the stress out of your journey Everything planned to your specification, so sit back and relax… Try Concierge
hand-money

Please support ShowMeTheJourney

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

Donate

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

See if there’s a unique journey guide for your trip, featuring info on the trains, tickets & stations.
Leaving From
Going To
ShowMeTheJourney

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.