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About the train journey from Cologne to Aachen

Want to travel from Cologne to Aachen by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Cologne to Aachen usually takes 15 hours 40 minutes on average to travel 645 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 11 hours 36 minutes. You can expect to find 17 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Cologne and Aachen, you'll need to make 3 changes on your way to Aachen. You can choose to travel with Eurostar, TGV or ICE to get to Aachen. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Cologne to Aachen in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Aachen, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

Cologne to Aachen by train

First train

12:20 am

Last train

9:40 pm

Departure station

Cologne

Arrival station

Aachen

Journey time

From 11h 36m

Distance

401 miles (645 km)

Frequency

17 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, Trenord, BlaBlaCar Bus, ÖBB, SNCF, Eurostar

FAQs about the train journey from Cologne to Aachen

Want to know more about your journey from Cologne to Aachen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I get from Cologne to Aachen?

You can travel from Cologne to Aachen by train in about 15 hours and 40 minutes. With around 17 trains available on this route each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more about times, tickets and prices using our Journey Planner.

How long is the train trip from Cologne to Aachen?

On average, the train trip from Cologne to Aachen takes around 15 hours and 40 minutes, with 17 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

What is the fastest train from Cologne to Aachen?

The fastest trains from Cologne to Aachen can cover the distance of 401 miles (645 km) in as little as 11 hours and 36 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Cologne to Aachen?

No you can’t travel from Cologne to Aachen on a direct train, you’ll need to make at least 3 changes during the journey.

Cologne to Aachen train times

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne to Aachen for Tuesday Jun 24th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
6:59 am7:07 pm12h 8m, 4 changes
7:40 am7:16 pm11h 36m, 5 changes
8:40 am10:07 pm13h 27m, 6 changes
11:40 am5:07 am17h 27m, 5 changes
2:40 pm6:07 am15h 27m, 3 changes
4:40 pm11:07 am18h 27m, 5 changes
4:40 pm11:16 am18h 36m, 4 changes
6:00 pm10:07 am16h 7m, 6 changes
6:00 pm11:16 am17h 16m, 5 changes
7:40 pm12:07 pm16h 27m, 8 changes

Trenitalia, ÖBB, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF trains from Cologne to Aachen

You can travel from Cologne to Aachen on Trenitalia, ÖBB, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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.

ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

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).

Eurostar, TGV INOUI, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Cologne to Aachen

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, TGV INOUI, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Cologne to Aachen.

Onboard services on Eurostar, TGV INOUI, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne to Aachen.

LuggageLuggageBaggage

Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
  • Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
  • If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
  • Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
  • 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
  • You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.

For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.

PetPetPets

The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

  • Pets are not permitted on board.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

Trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
  • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:

  • Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
  • If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
  • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
  • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
InfoInfoOther

Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

Liquids:

  • There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

 

Sports equipment:

  • You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
  • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
  • Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
  • Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
  • You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
LuggageLuggageBaggage

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.

All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

PetPetPets

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
  • You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
  • Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
  • If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
  • Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
  • Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Passengers with disabilities can:

  • Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
  • Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
  • Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)

To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
  • A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.

PetPetPets

Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

InfoInfoOther

A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Aachen

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 Cologne to Aachen 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.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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