- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$185
Fastest journey
6 h 8 m
Average duration
6 h 33 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
597 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Cologne will cost around $185 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
Of the 6 trains that leave Lyon for Cologne on Wed, Jun 03, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct trains cover the 597 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 8 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest trains will take 7 h 4 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 Lyon to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $214.
Distance: 370 miles (597 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$208 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $709 Average price | $185 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 35m Average total duration 11h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Cologne:
A bus is $128 (€104) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Cologne costing on average $208 (€168).
A bus is $629 (€509) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Cologne costing on average $709 (€573).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 50m.
Bus takes on average 11h 5m.
You'll arrive about 1h 57m sooner (5h 50m by train vs 7h 47m by car). Tickets start at around $208 (€168) compared to roughly $185 (€150) 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 Lyon to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6602+ 9423 | 6:04 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 8h19 | 2:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
6642+ 9423 | 6:38 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 7h45 | 2:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
6644+ 9423 | 6:52 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 7h31 | 2:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9583+ ICE 106 | On time 10:01 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 7h04 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9583+ ICE 516 | On time 10:01 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 8h09 | 6:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9583+ ICE 2298 · ICE 218 | On time 10:01 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 8h08 | 6:09 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
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 Lyon to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $100 (€81) but you can travel from only $48 (€38) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 370 miles (597 km) distance in 6h 8m.
Distance 370 miles (597 km) |
Average train duration 5h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $100 (€81) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 8m |
First train 12:50 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
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.

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