Lille to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE)

Sun, May 31
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Regionale
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lille to Cologne

Showing times and prices for May 31

Cheapest price

$134

Average price

$134

Fastest journey

4 h 12 m

Average duration

4 h 12 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

276 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lille to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Lille to Cologne will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Lille to Cologne without transferring at least once.

  • SNCF | TGV INOUI9890+Deutsche BahnICE 15
    9:10 AM4h12
    Lille-Europe
    1:22 PMCologne Hbf
    $1341One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Lille to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lille to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $67.

Distance: 171 miles (276 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$137

Average price

$35

Average price

Cheapest

$64

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 30m

Average total duration

5h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 56m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar Bus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Lille to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $35 (€28).

This is compared to other travel options from Lille to Cologne:

A bus is $102 (€82) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lille to Cologne costing on average $137 (€110).

The fastest way to travel from Lille to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 2h 41m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 0m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lille and Cologne including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lille to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 1h 15m sooner (2h 41m by train vs 3h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $137 (€110) compared to roughly $64 (€52) 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.

Live departures

Lille to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Lille to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
SNCF | TGV INOUI9890+Deutsche BahnICE 159:10 AM Lille-Europe
4h12
1:22 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lille to Cologne by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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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Why should you book Lille to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar or Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) offer trains services from Lille to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lille to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) to find the best option for your trip from Lille to Cologne.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lille to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) to find the best option for your trip from Lille to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Lille to Cologne.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Lille to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Lille to Cologne is 6 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Lille to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Lille to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Lille to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lille to Cologne

FranceFrance
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lille to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 (€54) but you can travel from only $17 (€13) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 01:40, the last at 22:09. The fastest train covers the 171 miles (276 km) distance in 2h 45m.

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
Bus from $17 (€13)
Distance
171 miles (276 km)
Average train duration
2h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
$67 (€54)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
2h 45m
First train
1:40 AM
Last train
10:09 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
63 days
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
Bus from $17 (€13)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Lille to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Lille and Cologne from $17 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 2m
Cheapest Price
$91 (€73)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

Eurostar

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Price
$96 (€77)
Eurostar frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone

Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Price
$165 (€133)
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
1 a day

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.

  • Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.

  • Recommended

Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud

One of Germany’s important fine art museums, with medieval painting, Baroque masters, and strong 19th-century holdings in the city center.

  • Recommended

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Key archaeological museum for Cologne’s Roman heritage. The main building has been under redevelopment, but the collection remains a city highlight.

Euro

Moderate for Germany: museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and dining in central areas cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or takeaway.
Mid-range
EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.

FAQs: Trains from Lille to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lille 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Lille to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $67 (€54), while the average price is around $137 (€110).
The train from Lille to Cologne takes 2h 45m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Lille to Cologne is 171 miles (276 km).
The first train from Lille to Cologne leaves at 1:40 AM.
The last train from Lille to Cologne leaves at 10:09 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lille to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lille to Cologne.
The train station in Lille that goes to Cologne is Lille-Europe, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Lille to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $17 (€13).
The train journey from Lille to Cologne offers a mix of scenic views, including the picturesque countryside of northern France and Belgium, with rolling fields and charming small towns, before entering the urban landscapes of Germany.
A day trip from Lille to Cologne is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 45m. The journey covers 171 miles (276 km), with a frequency of 1 trip per day for trains.
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
Yes, you can take the train from Lille to Cologne.
Since both Lille and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lille to Cologne among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Lille to Cologne

Lille
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Lille is Lille-Europe. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Lille-Europe for your trip from Lille to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 06:30 - 20:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Staffed luggage counter is open daily from 07:30 to 20:00 and is located in Hall 1.
Dining
Dining
  • Costa Coffee
  • Factory & Co.
  • PAUL
  • Selecta
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The station is fully accessible, including wheelchair ramps, a magnetic induction loop for people with hearing loss and a guidance system for people with visual impairments. Staff can provide additional assistance, and wheelchairs are available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
  • Hôtel Lille Europe - Euralille
  • Kyriad Lille Gare - Grand Palais
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 06:30 - 20:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in Hall 2 and Hall 3.
Public transit options for Lille-Europe
  • Metro lines: 2
  • Tram lines: R, T
  • Bus lines: 12, 16, 18, 35, 36, 51, 86, 88, L5, L90, L91, Charleroi Airport shuttle
  • Train lines: TGV, TGV INOUI, TER GV, Eurostar, Thalys
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Sat: 08:00 - 19:30
  • Sun: 09:00 - 19:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available after creating an account and connecting to "CONNECTION."
Dining
Dining
  • Chopsticks & Co
  • McDonald's
  • Subway
  • Black Coffee
  • Eric Kayser
  • So! Coffee
  • Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Accessibility available with elevator, ramp or step-free access, barrier-free toilets, services to assist disabled passengers.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Le Napoleon
  • Hotel Chopin
  • Ibis Styles Lille Centre Grand Place
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Sat: 08:00 - 19:30
  • Sun: 09:00 - 19:30
Public transit options for Lille Flandres
  • Metro lines: 1, 2
  • Bus lines: CIT1, CIT2, 86, 88, 12, L91, L91 Express, 51, 10, 50, 14, 56
  • Tram lines: R, T
  • Train lines: TGV, TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER Hauts-de-France, INTERCITED

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