Cologne to Lille by Train

Q: Are there direct trains from Cologne to Lille?

No there are no direct trains running from Cologne to Lille, you’ll usually need to make around 3 changes during the journey.

Q: What's the distance between Cologne and Lille by train?

Trains traveling from Cologne to Lille cover a distance of around 471 miles (758 km) during the journey. You can get there in 10 hours and 58 minutes on the fastest services.

Q: Who runs the trains from Cologne to Lille?

Trains running from Cologne to Lille are operated by Frecciarossa, Trenitalia, Eurostar, and TGV Lyria. Find out more about the onboard services and classes available during the journey.

Q: Can you travel from Cologne to Lille without taking a flight?

Yes, you can travel flight-free from Cologne to Lille. Take the train - with around 18 trains per day on this route, you can get there comfortably without leaving the ground! The fastest train takes just 10 hours and 58 minutes.

Q: What is the best way to get to Lille from Cologne?

To get from Cologne to Lille, we believe that it's best to take the train! Trains are convenient and comfortable, offering a great way to get to Lille. Plus, the fastest trains can take just 10 hours and 58 minutes, leaving you with more time to explore.

Q: What time is the first train from Cologne to Lille?

The first train from Cologne to Lille departs around 00:20, but the time may vary by day and train operator. For exact times, check the schedule on your travel day using our Journey Planner .

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About the train journey from Cologne to Lille

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

The train from Cologne to Lille usually takes 15 hours 13 minutes on average to travel 758 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 10 hours 58 minutes. You can expect to find 18 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Cologne and Lille, you'll need to make 3 changes on your way to Lille. You can choose to travel with Eurostar, Frecciarossa or Trenitalia to get to Lille. 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 Lille 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 Lille, 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.

First train	12:20 am
Last train	9:40 pm
Departure station	Cologne
Arrival station	Lille
Journey time	From 10h 58m
Distance	471 miles (758 km)
Frequency	18 trains per day
Changes	3 changes
Train and bus operators	BlaBlaCar Bus, Eurostar, Flixbus, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria, Trenitalia, Trenord

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne to Lille?

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

How do you get to Lille from Cologne?

To travel to Lille from Cologne, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 15 hours and 13 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 10 hours and 58 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

How long is the train ride from Cologne to Lille?

Trains from Cologne to Lille take an average of 15 hours and 13 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 10 hours and 58 minutes. You'll usually find 18 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Cologne to Lille?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Cologne to Lille in as little as 10 hours and 58 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from Frecciarossa, Eurostar, and TGV Lyria offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Cologne and Lille by train?

The quickest journey time between Cologne and Lille by train is 10 hours and 58 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Cologne to Lille?

What's the distance between Cologne and Lille by train?

Who runs the trains from Cologne to Lille?

Can you travel from Cologne to Lille without taking a flight?

What is the best way to get to Lille from Cologne?

What time is the first train from Cologne to Lille?

What time is the last train from Cologne to Lille?

How often do trains go from Cologne to Lille?

Do you need to prebook train tickets from Cologne to Lille?

Is there a return trip from Cologne to Lille?

Departs	Arrives	Duration
5:01 am	5:07 pm	12h 6m, 4 changes
5:44 am	5:18 pm	11h 34m, 6 changes
6:59 am	6:48 pm	11h 49m, 5 changes
6:59 am	7:16 pm	12h 17m, 4 changes
7:40 am	7:16 pm	11h 36m, 5 changes
8:40 am	8:40 pm	12h 0m, 3 changes
9:40 am	6:12 am	20h 32m, 8 changes
12:40 pm	7:07 am	18h 27m, 3 changes
12:40 pm	7:58 am	19h 18m, 3 changes
2:40 pm	7:58 am	17h 18m, 5 changes

Search all times and prices for today

Frecciarossa
Trenitalia
Eurostar
TGV Lyria

Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and snacks served on arrival), Business (with drinks and snacks plus larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.

More information

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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Photo: Eurostar, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). Eurostar also runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Eurostar Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).

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Photo: Chabe01, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).

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What Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Cologne to Lille?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Cologne to Lille.

Eurostar
Frecciarossa
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity

Eurostar Standard

In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.

Free WiFi
Dining car
Baggage storage
Power outlets
Complimentary in-seat meal
Gourmet menu
Lounge access
In-seat meal service

Eurostar Plus

As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.

Free WiFi
Dining car
Baggage storage
Power outlets
Complimentary in-seat meal (1)
Gourmet menu
Lounge access
In-seat meal service

(1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains traveling to or from the United Kingdom.

Eurostar Premier

Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.

Free WiFi
Dining car
Baggage storage
Power outlets
Complimentary in-seat meal
Gourmet menu (1)
Lounge access
In-seat meal service

(1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.

Standard

With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price. You can order food and drink from the FRECCIABistrò car or using the Easy Bistrò at-seat meal service.

Entertainment pass
Leather seats
Free WiFi
USB ports
Dining car
In-seat meal service
More legroom
Welcome drink
Snack box
Quiet area
Conference room
Open Bar
Lounge access

Premium

Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a total of 4 food / beverage products including: sweet or savory snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.

Entertainment pass
Leather seats
Free WiFi
USB ports
Dining car
In-seat meal service
More legroom
Welcome drink
Snack box
Quiet area
Conference room
Open Bar
Lounge access

Business

If you’re traveling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day + Illy expresso coffee is also included.

Entertainment pass
Leather seats
Free WiFi
USB ports
Dining car
In-seat meal service
More legroom
Welcome drink
Snack box
Quiet area
Conference room
Open Bar
Lounge access

Executive

Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, unlimited drinks, and monthly menus (some of which were ideated by Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco).

Entertainment pass
Leather seats
Free WiFi
USB ports
Dining car
In-seat meal service
More legroom
Welcome drink
Snack box
Quiet area
Conference room
Open Bar
Lounge access

Second Class

Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat - just sit back and enjoy the views around you.

Baggage storage
Power outlets

First Class

You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your bags in the dedicated baggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.

Baggage storage
Power outlets

Second Class

From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.

Seat reservation
Power outlets
Hanger
Reading light
Baggage storage
Free WiFi
Dining car
More legroom

First Class

Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.

Seat reservation
Power outlets
Hanger
Reading light
Baggage storage
Free WiFi
Dining car
More legroom

What are the onboard services on Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity?

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

Eurostar
Frecciarossa
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity

What baggage limits are there?	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).
What food and drink is available?	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.
What onboard entertainment is available?	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.
What facilities are there for travel 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.
Can I bring a bike on board?	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.
Can I bring pets on board?	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.
What special assistance is available?	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.
What else do I need to know?	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.

What baggage limits are there?	You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge. In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
What food and drink is available?	You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks. You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff. If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe. Travelers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
What onboard entertainment is available?	You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts. You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
What facilities are there for travel with children?	Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare). Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off. Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
Can I bring a bike on board?	You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches). Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
Can I bring pets on board?	Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger). Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
What special assistance is available?	If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
What else do I need to know?	Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

What baggage limits are there?	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.
What food and drink is available?	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.
What onboard entertainment is available?	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.
What facilities are there for travel 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.
Can I bring a bike on board?	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.
Can I bring pets on board?	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.
What special assistance is available?	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.

What baggage limits are there?	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.
What food and drink is available?	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.
What onboard entertainment is available?	Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
What facilities are there for travel with children?	Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Can I bring a bike on board?	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.
Can I bring pets on board?	Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
What special assistance is available?	All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
What else do I need to know?	A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Lille?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Cologne to Lille starts at ^§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

^§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

* 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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