Paris to Heidelberg train with TGV

Trains from Paris to Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a scenic 4.5 hour train ride from Paris, with as many as 18 trains departing from Paris-Est train station on any given day. So, if you're looking to get out of Paris and enjoy the architectural delights of 14th century Germany and the picture-perfect Neckar River, there's a train seat to Heidelberg with your name on it.

Paris to Heidelberg train times: daily departures

There are, on average, 13 trains from Paris to Heidelberg per day, though there are no direct trains going straight through to Heidelberg - you'll usually have to board a connecting train from either Stuttgart, Mannheim, or Frankfurt. The first train from Paris to Heidelberg departs at around 6:40 a.m., while the last hour of departure for trains from Paris to Heidelberg is around 9:55 p.m.

How long is the journey by train from Paris to Heidelberg?

With a distance of 288 miles to cover and a border to cross, the average journey of a train from Paris to Heidelberg is 4.5 hours long, though the fastest journey by train can be as quick as 3 hours and 21 minutes.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Paris to Heidelberg?

Departure station: Also known as Gare de l'Est, Paris-Est is one of the premier trains stations along Rail Europe, as it's easy to navigate, wheelchair accessible, and great to look at. There are a number of food outlets, drink kiosks, and even supermarkets to keep you nourished while you wait for your train. You can take bus lines 65, 46, and 38 from Paris city centre to get into the train station, or you can hop on subway lines 4, 5 or 7. Paris-Est is a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Paris.

Arrival station: Heidelberg Hbf is the primary railway station for the city of Heidelberg, and the first place you will touch down in on your train trip from Paris to Heidelberg. To get into Heidelberg city centre, you can take the S-Bahn S1, S2, S5, or S51, all of which will take you to, or near, the famous Heidelberg Castle.

Which trains companies travel from Paris to Heidelberg?

Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express and TGV inOui operate trains servicing Paris to Heidelberg. Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express services trains every 40 minutes, while TGV inOui runs trains three to four times a day.

Paris to Heidelberg trains: services on board

DB trains offer first- and second-class services. In first class, seating is automatically reserved, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free trip. You can also travel with small pets (under 10 kg) on Deustche Bahn trains for free, so long as your pet is contained in a closed carrier. You cannot bring a bike onto the train with you, though you are allowed to board with hand luggage and one larger item of luggage, which you can stow under your seat or on the luggage rack above.

TGV inOui also offers first- and second-class services, with the major difference being that a meal service is offered in first class, as well as plusher seats. Domestic pets are allowed on board the TGV, but do require carriers and an extra ticket for travel. Smaller pets (less than 6 kg) can be carried in a bag or basket at no extra cost. You can bring your bike aboard TGV trains, but you must book your bike space at the same time as you book your train ticket. You are allowed hand luggage, which may be stowed in luggage areas onboard the train, and there is onboard WiFi access on inOui trains, specifically.

How to find cheap train tickets from Paris to Heidelberg

DB Intercity and TGV inOui release tickets around three to six months in advance, with tickets cheaper the earlier you book. Therefore, if you already know the dates you want to travel, you will find that the cheapest way to buy train tickets is by booking early. Moreover, if you have the option of being flexible with your travel times, avoid booking during "peak hours" (6:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on weekdays), as train companies raise prices during these times. Also be sure to choose a slower or connecting train, as, though your trip might take a little longer, you will find cheaper fares. As a bonus, you'll be able to enjoy more of the scenic views from the window of your seat!