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Taking the train from Cologne to Marseille in 11 hours 41 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Cologne to Marseille? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 16 hours 29 minutes to travel the 442 km from Cologne to Marseille by train, although you can get there in as little as 11 hours 41 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 13 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either TGV, Frecciarossa 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 Cologne to Marseille are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to 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 Marseille? 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.

Cologne to Marseille by train

First train

12:20 am

Last train

9:40 pm

Departure station

Cologne

Arrival station

Marseille

Journey time

From 11h 41m

Distance

275 miles (442 km)

Frequency

13 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

Trenitalia, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, Trenord, TGV Lyria, OUIGO

FAQs about the train journey from Cologne to Marseille

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

How do you get to Marseille from Cologne?

To travel to Marseille from Cologne, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 16 hours and 29 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 11 hours and 41 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

How long is the train ride from Cologne to Marseille?

Trains from Cologne to Marseille take an average of 16 hours and 29 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 11 hours and 41 minutes. You'll usually find 13 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 Marseille?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Cologne to Marseille in as little as 11 hours and 41 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from Frecciarossa 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 Marseille by train?

The quickest journey time between Cologne and Marseille by train is 11 hours and 41 minutes.

Cologne to Marseille train times

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne to Marseille for Tuesday Dec 17th 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
5:01 am4:42 pm11h 41m, 4 changes
5:44 am6:45 pm13h 1m, 6 changes
6:59 am8:46 pm13h 47m, 5 changes
7:40 am8:46 pm13h 6m, 6 changes
8:40 am10:48 pm14h 8m, 6 changes
10:00 am7:14 am21h 14m, 4 changes
11:40 am7:14 am19h 34m, 6 changes
3:40 pm9:04 am17h 24m, 3 changes
4:40 pm11:24 am18h 44m, 6 changes
6:40 pm12:24 pm17h 44m, 6 changes

Frecciarossa, Trenitalia, SNCF and TGV Lyria trains from Cologne to Marseille

You can travel from Cologne to Marseille on Frecciarossa, Trenitalia, SNCF and TGV Lyria 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.

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 welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and 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.

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.

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).

PhotoChabe01, 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).

TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, OUIGO and TER classes from Cologne to Marseille

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, OUIGO and TER when traveling from Cologne to Marseille.

Onboard services on TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, OUIGO and TER

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

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 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • 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 favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage 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 half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant cars.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageBaggage

One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.​

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in car 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 for all journeys.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.

PetPetPets

Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)

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

There are no size limits for the baggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any baggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated baggage storage spaces on the train.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.

PetPetPets

Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.

Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Marseille

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 Marseille 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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