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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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Travelling from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne by train

Looking to travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 11 hours 21 minutes to travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 7 hours 50 minutes though. You'll usually find 18 trains per day running along the 420 miles (677 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Cologne, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with TGV, Frecciarossa or SNCF on your way to Cologne, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne start from £126.65 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Cologne by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne by train

It takes an average of 11h 21m to travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne by train, over a distance of around 420 miles (677 km). There are normally 18 trains per day travelling from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne and tickets for this journey start from £126.65 when you book in advance.

First train

06:45

Last train

20:19

Departure station

Paris Gare de Lyon

Arrival station

Cologne

Journey time

From 7h 50m

Distance

420 miles (677 km)

Frequency

18 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £126.65

Train and bus operators

TGV Lyria, Trenitalia, Trenord, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF

FAQs about the train journey from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne

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

How do I get from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne?

You can travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne by train in about 11 hours and 21 minutes. With around 18 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne?

On average, the train journey from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne takes around 11 hours and 21 minutes, with 18 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.

How much is the train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne?

Train tickets from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne start from as little as £126.65, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

Can you take a high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne?

Yes, you can travel on a high-speed train between Paris Gare de Lyon and Cologne. The fastest journeys can take 7 hours and 50 minutes on TGV and TGV Lyria trains. High-speed trains often offer more comfort, different classes and services on board: check out the classes and onboard services available!

Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne train times

Check out the next trains departing from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne for Tuesday 6th May 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:4517:599h 14m, 2 changes
08:4517:198h 34m, 3 changes
08:4518:199h 34m, 2 changes
09:0619:1910h 13m, 5 changes
09:0619:3910h 33m, 4 changes
09:1820:1911h 1m, 5 changes
11:2221:3910h 17m, 4 changes
13:4723:199h 32m, 2 changes
14:1804:3414h 16m, 2 changes
16:5407:1914h 25m, 5 changes

TGV, Trenitalia, SNCF and TGV Lyria trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne

You can travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne on TGV, 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.

PhotoErmell, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

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.

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, TGV Lyria and Trenord classes from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, TGV Lyria and Trenord when travelling from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne.

Onboard services on TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, TGV Lyria and Trenord

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm 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 carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.

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 luggage, 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 lead. 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).

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage 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 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.
  • Travellers 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.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • 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.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Children 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 children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling 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.
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetPets
  • 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.
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 sockets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:

Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a Standard or Première TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a Première Signature TGV Lyria ticket.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Families can reserve two different areas on the train:

The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.

You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, and the lower deck of carriages 1 and 11.

 

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).

PetPetPets

Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7.

Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.

InfoInfoOther

You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm.
  • You’ll need to make sure that your luggage 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 sockets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Children 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 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 coaches 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 or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re travelling. They also 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 07:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
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 08:15 to 19:45) at least 48 hours before departure.

Cheap train tickets from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne

The price of train tickets from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cologne starts at £126.65 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Paris Gare de Lyon 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.

§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.

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