Trains from Barcelona to Cologne
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Taking the train from Barcelona to Cologne in 18 hours 46 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Barcelona to Cologne? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 21 hours 26 minutes to travel the 780 km from Barcelona to Cologne by train, although you can get there in as little as 18 hours 46 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 6 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 4 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either TGV, Frecciargento or SNCF. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
Train tickets from Barcelona to Cologne start from $185.98 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Cologne? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train schedule below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Barcelona to Cologne by train
It takes an average of 21h 26m to travel from Barcelona to Cologne by train, over a distance of around 485 miles (780 km). There are normally 6 trains per day traveling from Barcelona to Cologne and tickets for this journey start from $185.98 when you book in advance.
| First train | 10:33 |
|---|---|
| Last train | 15:50 |
| Departure station | Barcelona |
| Arrival station | Cologne |
| Journey time | 18h 46m |
| Distance | 780 miles (485 km) |
| Frequency | 6 trains per day |
| Changes | 4 changes |
| Price | From $185.98 |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, SNCF, Renfe-SNCF, Trenord, ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus |
Renfe-SNCF, Trenitalia, SNCF and TGV trains from Barcelona to Cologne
Renfe-SNCF
Trenitalia
SNCF
TGV
Renfe-SNCF trains are the result of a collaboration between France and Spain to bring the two countries together via a network of high-speed trains. There are two comfort classes – Turista (or Second Class) and Preferente (or First Class). Both classes have power sockets and comfortable seating. Luggage security checks are in force at all Spanish stations before boarding. It's also advisable to travel with your identity card for border control.
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Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
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Cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Cologne
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Barcelona to Cologne by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Barcelona to Cologne
How long does the train from Barcelona to Cologne take?
The average journey time by train between Barcelona and Cologne is 21 hours and 26 minutes, with around 6 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Barcelona and Cologne by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Barcelona to Cologne is 18 hours and 46 minutes.
How much does the train from Barcelona to Cologne cost?
Train tickets from Barcelona to Cologne can start from as little as $185.98 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Barcelona to Cologne?
No, there are no direct train services from Barcelona to Cologne. Travelling from Barcelona to Cologne by train will require a minimum of 4 changes.
What time does the first train from Barcelona to Cologne leave?
The first train from Barcelona to Cologne leaves at 10:33. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Barcelona to Cologne leave?
The last train from Barcelona to Cologne leaves at 15:50. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Barcelona and Cologne by train?
Trains travelling from Barcelona to Cologne cover a distance of around 485 miles (780 km) during the journey.