- Must visit
Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie de Valence
Valence’s main art and archaeology museum in the old bishopric. It combines regional history, fine arts, and an excellent panoramic terrace.
Cheapest price
$238
Average price
$238
Fastest journey
7 h 14 m
Average duration
7 h 14 m
Trains per day
1
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 $238 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $238.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cologne for Valence on Wed, Jul 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 684 km distance in an average of 7 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 14 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 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 $53. 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 $53, and a flight costs an average of $245.
Distance: 425 miles (684 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$222 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $490 Average price | $157 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 $146 (€120) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Valence costing on average $222 (€182).
A bus is $415 (€341) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Valence costing on average $490 (€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 $222 (€182) compared to roughly $157 (€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 tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:39 AM Cologne | 7h14 | 6:53 PM Valence | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 $141 (€116) but you can travel from only $53 (€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 $141 (€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 art and archaeology museum in the old bishopric. It combines regional history, fine arts, and an excellent panoramic terrace.
Center dedicated to Armenia’s history, culture, and memory. It reflects the strong Armenian heritage present in Valence and the wider region.
Contemporary art venue presenting rotating exhibitions. It is valued for accessible programming and a fresh local perspective on visual culture.
Valence’s signature hilltop park with fountains, statues, and sweeping Rhône views. It is the city’s essential promenade and viewpoint.
Historic center area of narrow lanes, heritage facades, and small plazas. It is best explored on foot for architecture and local character.
Central square beside major heritage sites. It is a natural starting point for exploring old Valence and taking in the historic atmosphere.
Ravioles du Dauphiné are tiny cheese-filled pasta squares, usually served gratinéed. They are a signature specialty of the Drôme and nearby Valence area.
Caillette is a rustic Drôme pork pâté with herbs and greens, baked in caul fat. It is a beloved local charcuterie found in markets and traditional eateries.
Suisse de Valence is an orange blossom shortbread biscuit shaped like a little figure. It is a classic Valence pastry linked to Easter and local baking traditions.
Michelin-starred destination by Anne-Sophie Pic, known for refined creative cuisine and elegant service in a luxurious setting.
Historic brasserie near the station serving classic French and Lyonnais dishes in a grand Belle Époque dining room.
Well-known traditional restaurant focused on regional cuisine, including ravioles and local produce, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Moderate for France. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Paris, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Small change is fine for cafes and taxis, but not required.
Official public transport app
Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud -> Valence Ville Station
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.

Most Cologne to Valence trains use the Köln Hbf to Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud station pair, with some services arriving at Valence Ville. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Valence train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud is 4 km from Valence city centre. Public transport options include:
Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: PAUL, Selecta
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near the restrooms.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 09:45 - 17:00. Information desks are located in the center of the passenger building.
Available at Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud: Accessible facilities such as toilets, train platforms, and ramps and additional assistance as needed.
Nearby hotels include ibis Styles Romans Valence Gare TGV, Hôtel Première Classe Valence Nord, Bed & Breakfast À la Belle Histoire.
Valence Ville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Café Victor Hugo, La Table de Jeanne
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Valence Ville. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Valence Ville. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Valence Ville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Valence Ville: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Valence Ville: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel de France, Ibis Valence Sud, Atrium Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need