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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Cologne
Showing times and prices for May 14
Cheapest price
$355
Average price
$402
Fastest journey
3 h 59 m
Average duration
4 h 47 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
497 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Cologne will cost around $402 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $355.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from London to Cologne without transferring at least once.
9140 · 94773:04 PM6h18London St Pancras International (STP)10:22 PMCologne Hbf$3551One-way1 transfer- 9148 · 94775:04 PM4h18London St Pancras International (STP)10:22 PMCologne Hbf$3901One-way1 transfer
- 9140 · 94713:04 PM5h11London St Pancras International (STP)9:15 PMCologne Hbf$3951One-way1 transfer
- 9114 · 94238:16 AM3h59London St Pancras International (STP)1:15 PMCologne Hbf$3951One-way1 transfer
- 9114 · 94358:16 AM5h58London St Pancras International (STP)3:14 PMCologne Hbf$4081One-way1 transfer
- 9114 · 94238:16 AM3h59London St Pancras International (STP)1:15 PMCologne Hbf$3951One-way1 transfer
- 9148 · 94775:04 PM4h18London St Pancras International (STP)10:22 PMCologne Hbf$3901One-way1 transfer
- 9140 · 94713:04 PM5h11London St Pancras International (STP)9:15 PMCologne Hbf$3951One-way1 transfer
- 9116 · 94359:01 AM5h13London St Pancras International (STP)3:14 PMCologne Hbf$4431One-way1 transfer
- 9132 · 94591:01 PM5h14London St Pancras International (STP)7:15 PMCologne Hbf$4301One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for London to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $61. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, and a train costs an average of $82.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$363 Average price | $167 Average price | $101 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 17m Average total duration 14h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $101 (€81).
This is compared to other travel options from London to Cologne:
A bus is $65 (€53) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Cologne costing on average $167 (€134).
A bus is $262 (€210) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Cologne costing on average $363 (€291).
The fastest way to travel from London to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 55m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 55m.
Bus takes on average 14h 47m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 3h 33m sooner (3h 55m by train vs 7h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $363 (€291) compared to roughly $45 (€36) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
London to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9114 · 9423 | 8:16 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h59 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 9114 · 9435 | 8:16 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 5h58 | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 9116 · 9435 | 9:01 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 5h13 | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 9132 · 9459 | 1:01 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 5h14 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 9140 · 9477 | 3:04 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 6h18 | 10:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 9140 · 9471 | 3:04 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 5h11 | 9:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book London to Cologne trains with Omio?
Eurostar as well as Deutsche Bahn or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from London to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Eurostar, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from London to Cologne.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from London to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Cologne?
The best time to book your train from London to Cologne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from London to Cologne.
Trains
from $66Buses
from $70Flights
from $114ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from London to Cologne
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
ServiceHygieneSeatsPriceDisadvantages
wifi connectionVolumeNeed to changeHello everyone. A short time ago I travelled with DB from Cologne to London. The price was very cheap and acceptable compared to air tickets to London. The staff was very friendly and served their customers well. The seats were very comfortable and clean and well maintained. The toilets were also very clean, which of course I was pleased about. What didn't go well was mainly the wifi connection. It was very poor. The volume in the train was so high and I couldn't relax at all. I also had to change trains several times, which I didn't really like. All in all, it was a good train journey with Deutsche Bahn.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Cologne
United Kingdom
Germany
Trains from London to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $82 (€66) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 02:09, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (497 km) distance in 3h 59m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $30 (€24)
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average train duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $82 (€66) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 59m |
First train 2:09 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $30 (€24)
Train companies: Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from London to Cologne trainsEurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between London and Cologne from $30 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Price
$82 (€66)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 11m
Cheapest Price
$304 (€244)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 59m
Cheapest Price
$264 (€212)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
3 a day
FAQs: Trains from London to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Cologne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from London to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $82 (€66), while the average price is around $363 (€291).
The train from London to Cologne takes 3h 59m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from London to Cologne is 308 miles (497 km).
The first train from London to Cologne leaves at 2:09 AM.
The last train from London to Cologne leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from London to Cologne.
There is no direct train service currently available from London to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London to Cologne.
The train station in London that goes to Cologne is London St Pancras International (STP), which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from London to Cologne is by flight, with a cost of around $30 (€24).
The train journey from London to Cologne offers diverse scenery, including the picturesque English countryside, the charming landscapes of Kent, and glimpses of the rolling hills of the Ardennes in Belgium before reaching the urban landscapes of Cologne.
No, a day trip from London to Cologne is not feasible. The journey takes 3h 59m each way, covering a distance of 308 miles (497 km). Trains run 2 times per day.
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Cologne.
Cologne is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Cologne among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from London to Cologne
London
Cologne
The major train station for departures in London is London St Pancras International. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London St Pancras International for your trip from London to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00
- Sat: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:15
Wifi
- Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
- The Betjeman Arms
- AMT Coffee
- The Booking Office
- Carluccio’s
- Chop’d
- Greggs
Taxis
- Taxi: Midland Road: Currently the taxi pick up is located next to Thameslink station entrance. Soon a large covered queuing area will be available halfway along the lower concourse where passengers can wait for marshalled taxis. Pancras Road: There are two taxi drop off areas in Pancras Road. One is situated halfway along the old Victorian brick built Barlow shed and is convenient for Eurostar passengers. The second is situated close to the main entrance in the new part of the station and is suitable for passengers travelling within the UK.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be located on Midland Road and Pancras Road
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
WC
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: There are two accessible toilets in this station that are operated by a radar key. One is next to Eurostar arrivals. Toilet attendants are available too.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- The Standard
- Kimpton Fitzroy London
- Alhambra Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00
- Sat: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:15
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Within car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Located on the lower level in the main hall.
Public transit options for London St Pancras International
- Subway lines: Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line, Metropolitan Line, Northern Line, Piccadilly Line, Victoria Line
- Train lines: Overground line, High Speed 1, Eurostar
- Bus lines: 326, 139
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from London.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
More options for your journey from London to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and London
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