- Recommended
Museo del Vino
Wine and rural culture displays linked to Franciacorta, offering context on the landscape and historic work of the region.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lyon to Cologne
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£273
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£273
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
7 h 26 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
7 h 26 m
Trains on 17 Sept
1
Distance
396 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Cologne will cost around £273 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £273.
Fast trains
To travel from Lyon to Cologne you need to make at least 2 changes.
5:497h26Lyon13:15Köln Hbf£2731One-way2 changes
- 5:497h26Lyon13:15Köln Hbf£2731One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Lyon to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a flight costs an average of £170.
Distance: 396 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£144 Average Price | £170 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £103 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 6h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 0m Average total duration 7h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Lyon to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £25.
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Cologne:
A coach is £119 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Cologne costing on average £144.
A coach is £145 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Cologne costing on average £170.
The fastest way to travel from Lyon to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 6h 5m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 50m.
Coach takes on average 7h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lyon and Cologne including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £144 compared to roughly £103 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-40.99. The journey takes 6h 5m versus 5h 48m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Lyon to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:49 Lyon | 7h26 | 13:15 Köln Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lyon to Cologne by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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17 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Lyon to Cologne
France
Italy
Trains from Lyon to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £144 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 396 km distance in 6h 5m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance 396 km |
Average train duration 6h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £144 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 5m |
First train 0:20 |
Last train 16:10 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Train companies: SNCF | TGV INOUI from Lyon to Cologne trainsSNCF | TGV INOUI trains will get you between Lyon and Cologne from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SNCF | TGV INOUI
About
SNCF's TGV INOUI is a premium high-speed train service operating across France and to other European cities. Launched in 2017, it aims to provide an enhanced travel experience with greater comfort, connectivity, and services compared to traditional TGV services. TGV INOUI trains offer features like adjustable seats, electrical outlets, fold-down tables, and dedicated luggage spaces. Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and access to the TGV INOUI portal for entertainment and journey information. The service also includes a \Bistro TGV INOUI\" for dining, with options for online ordering. SNCF is also introducing a new generation of TGV INOUI trains from 2026, which will be more modular, energy-efficient, and 97% recyclable."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV INOUI Duration
6h 15m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV INOUI Price
£255
SNCF | TGV INOUI frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 hand luggage + 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (not all trains), at-seat service in 1st class, snack bar/cafe
Seat reservation
Second class: Optional, additional fee. First class: Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers: Free. Large dogs: Paid ticket required. Guide dogs: Free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Museo Comunale
Local museum presenting the area’s history, traditions and everyday life. A useful introduction to Cologne and nearby Franciacorta.
Galleria d'Arte
Small art space with temporary exhibitions by local and regional artists, suited to visitors seeking a quieter cultural stop.
- Recommended
Piazza Garibaldi
The main square is the social heart of Cologne, lined with civic buildings and ideal for a short walk and people-watching.
- Recommended
Centro Storico di Cologne
Historic central streets with churches, shops and everyday town life, best explored on foot for a sense of local character.
Parco Comunale
Green area for an easy stroll and a quieter pause from the centre, popular with locals for relaxation and short walks.
Canederli
Canederli are bread dumplings from Alpine northern Italy, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic regional comfort food.
- Gluten-free
Speck Alto Adige
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from Alto Adige. It is prized for its balance of mountain smoking and Mediterranean air-drying traditions.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled traditionally with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of South Tyrolean home cooking.
Wirtshaus Vögele
Traditional South Tyrolean restaurant known for dumplings, schnitzel and local wine in a warm, rustic setting.
Restaurant Zur Kaiserkron
Historic venue serving regional dishes and seasonal specialities with a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Batzenhäusl
Long-established local favourite for South Tyrolean classics, pasta and hearty mains in a casual traditional dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: hotels and dining in the centre cost more than smaller cities, but public transport and casual meals stay manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple cafés.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafés.
FAQs: Lyon to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Cologne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Lyon to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £144, while the average price tends to be around £144.
The train journey from Lyon to Cologne covers a distance of 396 km and takes approximately 6h 5m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Lyon to Cologne is 396 km.
The first train from Lyon to Cologne leaves at 0:20.
The last train from Lyon to Cologne departs at 16:10.
Trains from Lyon to Cologne run approximately 4 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Lyon to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Lyon to Cologne.
To get from Lyon to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Lyon to Cologne.
The train station in Lyon that goes to Cologne is Lyon Part Dieu, and it arrives at Milan Porta Garibaldi.
The cheapest way to get from Lyon to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Lyon to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Lyon to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of the French countryside, including the rolling hills and vineyards of the Burgundy region, and crosses into the scenic Rhine Valley in Germany.
A day trip from Lyon to Cologne is not feasible, as the travel duration is 6h 5m. However, there are 4 trains per day covering the distance of 396 km.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Cologne is typically sufficient to explore major attractions like the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Museum Ludwig, while also allowing time to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Lyon to Cologne.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Lyon and Cologne
Most Lyon to Cologne trains use the Lyon Part Dieu to Cologne station pair. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Lyon
Arrival train stations in Cologne
Which Lyon station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Trains from Lyon to Cologne leave from Lyon Part Dieu. The station is 2 km from Lyon city centre at 5 Place Charles Béraudier, 69003 Lyon, France.
Lyon Part Dieu5 Place Charles Béraudier, 69003 Lyon, France+33 184943635 
City-centre transport
Getting to Lyon Part Dieu from Lyon city centre
Lyon Part Dieu is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX75 · 25m · £3 · every ~1 min
Lyon Part Dieu train station facilities and services
Lyon Part Dieu has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Alto Café, Paul, Paul The Café, Starbucks, Exki, Sushi Shop, Carrefour
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free unlimited WiFi. ATMs are located in the station's main hall.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Wed: 05:00 - 20:45, Thu - Sat: 05:00 - 21:45, Sun: 06:45 - 21:45. Information desks are located in the station's main hall. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are available daily from 06:15 to 23:15. They are located near the station's reception desk. .
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon Part Dieu: Complimentary personalized care is available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon, Mercure Lyon Center, ibis Styles Lyon Center.
Which Cologne station do trains from Lyon arrive at?
Trains from Lyon to Cologne arrive at Cologne. Cologne is 1 km from Cologne city centre.
Cologne25033 Cologne, Province of Brescia, Italy
City-centre transport
Getting to Cologne from Cologne city centre
TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £4
Cologne train station facilities and services
Cologne has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cologne.
Most popular train connections from Lyon
More options for your journey from Lyon to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Lyon
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