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Take the train from Calais to Cologne in 11 hours 34 minutes

If you want to travel from Calais to Cologne by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Calais to Cologne by train to take around 16 hours 30 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 11 hours 34 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 18 trains per day running on this route, which spans 845 km. You'll have to make 3 changes along the way on your journey to Cologne. TGV, Frecciarossa or SNCF are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Calais to Cologne start from $173.62 when you book in advance.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Calais to Cologne by train

It takes an average of 16h 30m to travel from Calais to Cologne by train, over a distance of around 525 miles (845 km). There are normally 18 trains per day traveling from Calais to Cologne and tickets for this journey start from $173.62 when you book in advance.

First train

7:05 am

Last train

8:32 pm

Departure station

Calais

Arrival station

Cologne

Journey time

From 11h 34m

Distance

525 miles (845 km)

Frequency

18 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Price

From $173.62

Train and bus operators

Trenitalia, SNCF, Trenord, TGV Lyria

FAQs about the train journey from Calais to Cologne

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

How do I travel from Calais to Cologne?

You can get from Calais to Cologne in 16 hours and 30 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 11 hours and 34 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Calais to Cologne take?

The average journey time by train between Calais and Cologne is 16 hours and 30 minutes, with around 18 trains per day running on this route. 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.

How much does the train from Calais to Cologne cost?

Train tickets from Calais to Cologne can start from as little as $173.62 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Calais to Cologne?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Calais to Cologne. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from TGV and TGV Lyria - take a look at theclasses and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 11 hours and 34 minutes.

Calais to Cologne train times

Check out the next trains departing from Calais to Cologne for Tuesday Jul 22nd 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
7:40 am9:39 pm13h 59m, 8 changes
9:10 am11:19 pm14h 9m, 3 changes
9:35 am11:19 pm13h 44m, 4 changes
10:33 am4:34 am18h 1m, 4 changes
11:30 am4:34 am17h 4m, 3 changes
1:34 pm7:19 am17h 45m, 7 changes
1:34 pm8:19 am18h 45m, 6 changes
1:34 pm11:19 am21h 45m, 4 changes
4:16 pm11:19 am19h 3m, 8 changes
4:16 pm11:39 am19h 23m, 7 changes

TGV, Trenitalia, SNCF and TGV Lyria trains from Calais to Cologne

You can travel from Calais 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, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Calais to Cologne

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

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

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

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

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.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

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.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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).

LuggageLuggageWhat 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat 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.
WiFiWiFiWhat 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.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat 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).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan 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.
PetPetCan 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat 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).

InfoInfoWhat 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.

LuggageLuggageWhat 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat 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.

WiFiWiFiWhat 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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan 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.
PetPetCan 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat 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.

LuggageLuggageWhat 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat 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.
WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan 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.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

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

Cheap train tickets from Calais to Cologne

The price of train tickets from Calais to Cologne starts at $173.62 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 Calais 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.

* 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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