- Must visit
Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie de Valence
Valence's main museum, housed in the former episcopal palace, with fine arts, archaeology, and strong Rhône Valley collections.
Cheapest price
$177
Average price
$276
Fastest journey
7 h 9 m
Average duration
7 h 12 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
684 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Valence is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Valence will cost around $276 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $177.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne for Valence on Sun, Jun 07, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct trains cover the 684 km distance in an average of 7 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 9 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest trains will take 7 h 14 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Valence among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, and a flight costs an average of $247.
Distance: 425 miles (684 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$224 Average price | $76 Average price Cheapest | $495 Average price | $159 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 57m Average total duration 7h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 25m Average total duration 14h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration Fastest 5h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Valence:
A bus is $148 (€120) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Valence costing on average $224 (€182).
A bus is $419 (€341) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Valence costing on average $495 (€403).
Other travel options to Valence take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 27m.
Bus takes on average 14h 55m.
You'll arrive about 1h 32m sooner (7h 27m by train vs 8h 59m by car). Tickets start at around $224 (€182) compared to roughly $159 (€129) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Valence trains for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:42 PM Cologne | 7h28 | 8:10 PM Valence | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Cologne to Valence run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $142 (€116) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:55, the last at 19:50. The fastest train covers the 425 miles (684 km) distance in 7h 9m.
Distance 425 miles (684 km) |
Average train duration 7h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $142 (€116) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 7h 9m |
First train 12:55 AM |
Last train 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Valence — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Valence trip today.
Valence's main museum, housed in the former episcopal palace, with fine arts, archaeology, and strong Rhône Valley collections.
A thoughtful museum and cultural center exploring Armenian history, memory, migration, and human rights through permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Tiny museum space dedicated to the famous romantic cartoon couple by Raymond Peynet, beside one of Valence's best-known landmarks.
Valence's signature promenade and square with broad views toward the Rhône and Vercors, popular for walking and photos.
Elegant city park next to the center, loved for mature trees, flower beds, and relaxed strolling near the Rhône.
The historic old town with lanes, small squares, and heritage buildings, ideal for slow walking and architecture lovers.
Delicate small pasta squares filled with Comté or Emmental, fromage blanc, parsley, and eggs. A signature specialty of the Drôme and nearby Romans-sur-Isère, commonly served gratinéed or with cream.
Traditional Ardèche and Drôme pork pâté made with meat, chard, spinach, and herbs, baked in a small round shape. It is a classic local charcuterie item in the Valence area.
A buttery shortcrust biscuit shaped like a little figure and flavored with orange blossom and candied orange peel. It is one of Valence’s most emblematic sweet specialties.
Iconic Michelin-starred restaurant by Anne-Sophie Pic, known for refined haute cuisine and one of Valence’s most prestigious dining experiences.
Modern restaurant associated with Maison Pic, offering polished contemporary cuisine in a more accessible setting than the flagship fine-dining restaurant.
Well-known brasserie in central Valence with a classic French menu, seafood, and a lively traditional atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are moderate by French standards. Lunch deals and bakeries are affordable, while dinner and hotels cost more in peak periods.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated, not required. Round up for taxis; small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud -> Gare de Valence Ville, Valence
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Valence 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 Valence, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need