ICE train at Berlin Hbf

A German ICE train.  More about ICEs.

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This page explains how to travel by train from Cologne or Düsseldorf to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Cologne & Düsseldorf to other destinations in Germany

Cologne to Berlin by ICE

ICE second class   High-speed ICE train from Cologne to Berlin

2nd class seats.  Larger photo.

 

An ICE2 at Berlin Hbf.  More about ICE trains.

ICE2 restaurant car   ICE2 bar car

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

 

Bar car.  Larger photo.

ICE2 at Berlin   ICE first class

Boarding an ICE2 at Berlin Hbf.

 

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to London & UK

Option 1, by Eurostar

Option 2, by ferry from Hoek van Holland - a useful alternative, cheaper than Eurostar at short notice

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Dublin & Ireland

Option 1, Düsseldorf or Cologne to Dublin via London & Holyhead - daily departures

Option 2, Düsseldorf or Cologne to Dublin via Paris & Cherbourg - several times a week

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats

Sail from Cherbourg to Dublin aboard Irish Ferries' WB YeatsWB Yeats photos courtesy of Irish Ferries.

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats club cabin   Irish Ferries' WB Yeats deluxe cabin

Club cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Paris from €35
A Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris

A Eurostar at Paris.  See panorama photos inside the trainMore about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).

1st class (Comfort & Premium) seating on Thalys   2nd class seats on a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam

1st class (Comfort & Premium) seats, 2+1 across the car.

 

2nd class (Standard) seats, 2+2 across.  Larger photo.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Strasbourg from €32.90

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Lyon, Marseille, Nice & other destinations in France

Option 1, using the once-a-day direct TGV from Germany to Lyon, Avignon, Aix en Provence & Marseille - easiest, usually cheapest

Frankfurt to Marseille TGV

The TGV Duplex from Frankfurt & Mannheim to Lyon & Marseille, seen here at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV Duplex at Frankfurt

1st class seats on the upper deck, with a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right. 360º photo.

 

The TGV to Marseille, boarding at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

Option 2, via Paris - means changing trains & stations in Paris by taxi or metro, but more choice

Option 3, changing in Brussels & by-passing Paris

Option 4, Cologne to Toulon, Cannes, Antibes & Nice, using the Paris-Nice overnight train

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Cologne or Dusseldorf to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp from €19.90
ICE3 second class ICE3 first class High-speed ICE3 train from Cologne to Brussels, at Brussels

ICE3 2nd class.

ICE3 1st class, with leather seats.

ICE at Brussels.  See ICE info.

Second class seats on board a 'Thalys' high-speed train to Cologne 1st class seats on Thalys A Thalys for Amsterdam about to leave Brussels Midi...

2nd class (Standard) seats.

1st class (Comfort or Premium).

Eurostar at Brussels.  See info.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Amsterdam from €19.90
ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

An ICE3M at Amsterdam Centraal.  More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

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Cologne or Dusseldorf to Luxembourg from €19.90
Double-deck train between Koblenz, Trier & Luxembourg

Koblenz to Luxembourg by double deck regional train.  This is a CFL double-decker at Luxembourg.

1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train   1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train

1st class on the upper deck. Larger photo.

 

2nd class on the upper deck.  Larger photo.

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side of the train going east from Luxembourg, left hand side going west from Koblenz.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Basel, Zurich, Geneva & Switzerland from €39.90

Option 1, Düsseldorf & Cologne to Basel & Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective overnight option

AB33 sleeping-car on the Amsterdam-Zurich Nightjet train

The sleeping-car on the Amsterdam-Cologne-Zurich sleeper train.  More about NightjetsWatch the video.

Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train   Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train

Single sleeper, washbasin behind door on right. Larger photo.

 

Breakfast next morning.  Larger photo.

Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train   Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train

4 or 6 berth couchettes, bedding supplied.  Larger photo.

 

Couchette car from Amsterdam arrived at Basel.

Option 2, by high-speed train - the fast daytime option

A high-speed ICE3 train at Cologne Hbf

An ICE3 at Cologne Hbf.  More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 3, by classic train along the Rhine Valley - the slower scenic option

EuroCity train from Zurich

EuroCity train at Zurich HB.

2nd class seats on Munich-Zurich EuroCity train   Restaurant car on EC9 Hamburg-Cologne-Zurich train

2nd class seating.  Larger photo.

 

The Swiss restaurant car:  Treat yourself!  Larger photo.

Swiss panorama car, Munich to Zurich train   1st class seats in panorama car, Munich to Zurich train

Panorama car with 1st class seats, available on train EC9, but not EC7.  Make sure you reserve a seat in car 263 as there is just one 1st class panorama car and two other regular 1st class cars.  See advice on booking it.

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle seen from the train

Pfalzgrafenstein castle on the Rhine.  See the Rails Down the Rhine page.

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Cologne to Venice from €60

Option 1, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Stuttgart to Venice - the most time-effective option!

A high-speed ICE3 train at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Munich or Stuttgart by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Cologne Hbf.  More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Venice at Munich Hbf

Step 2, Stuttgart or Munich to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train, seen here on platform 12 at Munich HbfMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe sleeper, 2-bed   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   4-berth couchette compartment from Cologne to Vienna

2-berth deluxe sleeper.  More info about Nightjet trains.

 

...en suite toilet & shower.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Sunrise as the sleeper train crosses the causeway into Venice

Sunrise as the Munich-Venice Nightjet crosses the causeway over the lagoon into Venice.  Courtesy of Andreas Wiedenhoff.

Option 2, by Nightjet sleeper train to Innsbruck & scenic daytime train to Venice - time-effective and great scenery next day.

The Nightjet sleeper to Vienna at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Düsseldorf or Cologne to Innsbruck by Nightjet.  Above, the Nightjet arrived at Innsbruck Hbf.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

  6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

Step 2, Innsbruck to Venice by Austrian EuroCity train.  This is a EuroCity train at Innsbruck.  More about the Brenner EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments..

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Option 3, by day trains via the Brenner Pass with overnight stop in Munich - if you prefer day trains & a hotel to sleepers

A high-speed ICE3 train at Munich Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Munich by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Munich HbfMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

Step 2, Munich to Venice by Austrian EuroCity train.  This is a EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about the Brenner EuroCity trains.

Austrian second class seats   Austrian second class seats   Austrian first class seats

Second class seats, mostly in 6-seat compartments with side-corridor like this, but some cars are open-plan saloons.

 

First class leather seats.  On a few trains you'll find 6-seat compartments too.

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Option 4, via Zurich & the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps - t

First class seats   Bernina Express panormaic cars

Bernina Express 1st class seats.

 

the Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages.

The train descends from the Bernina Pass

The Bernina Express descends from the Bernina Pass.

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Cologne to Florence, Rome, Milan, Verona or anywhere else Italy from €39.90

Option 1, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Milan, Bologna, Florence & Rome - the most time-effective option

A high-speed ICE3 train at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Munich by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Cologne Hbf.  More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Step 2, Munich to Florence or Rome by Nightjet sleeper train, seen here boarding at platform 11 at Munich HbfMore about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels & provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

Option 2, by Nightjet sleeper train to Innsbruck & scenic daytime train to Florence or Rome - time-effective and great scenery.

The Nightjet sleeper at Innsbruck

Step 1, Cologne to Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, a Comfortline sleeping-car on the Nightjet train at Innsbruck.  More about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

Step 2, Innsbruck to Verona, Bologna or Venice by Austrian EuroCity train.  This is a EuroCity train at Innsbruck.  More about the Brenner EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments..

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Option 2, by daytime trains through the Swiss Alps - Cologne to Italy in a single day with great Alpine scenery!

A high-speed ICE3 train at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Basel by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Cologne Hbf.  More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Astoro EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

Step 2, by EuroCity train from Basel to Milan through the Alps.  This is a Milan-Basel EuroCity train at Milan Centrale.  More about Switzerland-Milan EuroCity trains.

1st class on a Switzerland to Milan Astoro train   ETR610 restaurant car

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an ETR610 train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Maggiore, seen from a Milan to Basel train

You'll pass a lake or two.  This is Lake Maggiore, seen from the dining-car of a northbound Milan to Basel train over an excellent lunch of salmon tagliatelle & excellent (but expensive!) Swiss red wine.

Option 3, by day trains via the Brenner Pass with overnight stop in Munich - if you prefer day trains, scenery & a hotel to sleepers

A high-speed ICE3 train at Munich Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Munich by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Munich HbfMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

Step 2, Munich to Verona, Bologna or Venice by Austrian EuroCity train.  This is a EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about the Brenner EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Option 3, via Zurich & the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps - the ultimate scenic route

First class seats   Bernina Express panormaic cars

Bernina Express 1st class seats.

 

the Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages.

The train descends from the Bernina Pass

The Bernina Express descends from the Bernina Pass.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Barcelona & Spain from €74

Option 1, Cologne to Barcelona by high-speed train in a single day.  Overnight in Barcelona.  Onwards to Malaga, Seville, Alicante & so on next morning.

Option 2, Cologne to Spain by high-speed train with overnight stop in Paris

A Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris

Step 1, Cologne to Paris by Eurostar, seen at Paris Nord.  See virtual tour More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).

1st class (Comfort & Premium) seating on Thalys   2nd class seats on a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam

1st class (Comfort & Premium) seats, 2+1 across the car.

 

2nd class (Standard) seats, 2+2 across.  Larger photo.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

Step 2, Paris to  Barcelona by TGV Duplex, a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-decker.  Watch TGV Duplex video.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanigouMore photos of what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey.

Option 3, Cologne to Paris by Eurostar, Paris to the Spanish border by French sleeper train, then onward Spanish trains

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to San Sebastian
  • Step 2, travel from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Hendaye on the Spanish border by high-speed double-deck TGV Duplex Océane in around 4h40.

    The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

    Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Step 3, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes.

    Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt.  Buy a ticket for €2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes.  You can check Euskotren times at www.euskotren.es More about the journey from Paris to San Sebastian.

  • For example:

    Leave Cologne Hbf at 06:44 Mondays-Saturdays, change in Paris, arriving Hendaye 16:47.

    Leave Cologne Hbf at 08:44 Saturdays, change in Paris, arriving Hendaye 18:47.

    Leave Cologne Hbf at 08:44 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, change in Paris, arriving Hendaye 20:47.

  • How to buy tickets

    Book from Cologne or Düsseldorf to Hendaye at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

    Tip:  If you use www.raileurope.com you can click More options and enter Paris (any station) as a via station with a 1 hour stopover duration, to ensure a robust connection.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Ibiza & Mallorca

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Cologne or Dusseldorf to Lisbon, Porto & Portugal

Option 1, to Lisbon via Barcelona & Madrid

Option 2, via San Sebastian, Vigo & Porto - slightly slower, can be cheaper

  • Day 1, at Hendaye walk out of the station and turn right, walk across the forecourt to the Euskotren station (www.euskotren.eus).  Buy a ticket and hop on the half-hourly local train to San Sebastian.  Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station takes 37 minutes - Amara (Euskotren) station is 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station.

  • Stay overnight in San Sebastian.  The Pension Regil is close to the old town with great reviews, 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station, 7 minutes walk from the Amara Euskotren station.  If you want something in the old town itself, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda.  If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally, having stayed there) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, on the sea front.

  • Day 2, travel across Spain from San Sebastian to Vigo on one of these two possible departures:

    Morning departure, every day:  Travel from San Sebastian (Renfe station) to Madrid by Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian at 09:02 and arriving Madrid Chamartin at 13:56.  Then travel from Madrid to Vigo by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 16:00 and arriving Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12.  The comfortable high-speed Alvia trains have a cafe-bar, standard & comfort class.  Vigo Urzaiz station is a 1.1 km 15-minute walk from Vigo Guixar station, see walking map.

    Afternoon departure, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays only:  Spend the morning in San Sebastian.  An Intercity train leaves San Sebastian (Renfe station) at 11:58 arriving Vitoria/Gasteiz at 13:43.  This is a guaranteed connection into the Barcelona-Galicia Alvia train which leaves Vitoria/Gasteiz at 14:03 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar at 23:35.

    San Sebastian to Vigo starts at €23 each way.  The price varies, book ahead for the cheaper prices.

    Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.

    Tip:  If using the daily departure with a change in Madrid, you might need to treat San Sebastian-Madrid & Madrid-Vigo as separate bookings.

  • Stay overnight in Vigo. The NH Collection Vigo hotel & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near the station with great reviews.

  • Day 3, travel from Vigo to Porto by air-conditioned regional train, leaving Vigo at 08:58 arriving Porto Campanhã at 10:20.  If you'd like to spend some time in Vigo, there's a later train leaving Vigo at 19:56 arriving Porto 21:18.

    The fare is €14.95, fixed price.

    This can also be booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Booking normally opens 60 days ahead, but this can vary.

  • Day 3, take any suitable onward train from Porto to Lisbon, for example the 11:40 Alfa Pendular arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 14:30.  Fares start at €15.  Book this at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt (in €) or at Omio.com (in €, £ or $).

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Cologne or Dusseldorf to Andorra

Option 1, Cologne to Andorra in a day

  • Step 3, travel from Toulouse Matabiau to Andorra la Vella by bus, taking 4 hours, fare €33.

    There are several services every day run by Andbus, check times at www.andorrabybus.com or Omio.com.  I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse, just in case of delay.  There's normally a bus leaving Toulouse Matabiau at 21:45 arriving Andorra 01:45.

    The buses leave from bus stand 15 inside the Gare Routière (bus station) immediately outside Toulouse Matabiau station.  Simply walk out of the station onto the forecourt and look to your right.  The bus station is the modern building with the glass-and-blue-framework upper section, see the photos below.

    Book the bus ticket at www.andorrabybus.com or Omio.com.

TGV from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Hendaye, for the train to San Sebastian

Paris to Toulouse by TGV Duplex.  This is a TGV Duplex at Paris Montparnasse. Click the images below for larger photos.

TGV Océane cafe-bar   TGV Océane 2nd class seats

TGV Océane cafe-bar, upper deck car 4 (or 14)

 

TGV Océane 2nd class.

TGV Océane 1st class seats   TGV Océane 1st class seat   TGV Océane 1st class drop-down table

TGV Océane 1st class.  An innovation on TGV Océane, all 1st class seats (except the end ones) rotate to face direction of travel, or can be rotated to make a face-to-face group of 2 or 4 seats.  The drop-down tables open to reveal USB & 2-pin power sockets.

Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station   Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station

Travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus, seen at bus stand 15.  The bus station is right next to the rail station.

 

Bus station in Toulouse Matabiau forecourt.  Photos courtesy of Andrew McIntyre.

Option 2, using the Paris-Toulouse-l'Hospitalet overnight train

  • Step 2, travel from Paris to Toulouse by Intercité de Nuit, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 21:40 arriving Toulouse Matabiau at 06:30.

    This train has 1st class 4-berth couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes & 2nd class seats.  More about Intercité de Nuit.

    Fares start at €29 in a 2nd class couchette or €60 in a 1st class couchette.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    The Paris-Toulouse night train should run daily all year, but has an annoying habit of opening late for booking, less than the expected 4 months ahead, so don't be too impatient.

    Tip:  On arrival in Toulouse, I recommend the breakfast buffet at the nearby Pullman Hotel!

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can choose a mobile ticket.

  • Step 3, travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus.

    A bus run by Andbus (www.andorrabybus.com) typically leaves Toulouse at 09:45, arriving Andorra la Vella bus station at 14:00.  Check current times at www.andorrabybus.com, I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse in case of delay.

    The bus leaves from bus stand 15 inside the Gare Routière (bus station) immediately outside Toulouse Matabiau station.  Simply walk out of the station onto the forecourt and look to your right.  The bus station is the modern building with the glass-and-blue-framework upper section, see the photos below.

    Book the bus at www.andorrabybus.com.  The fare is around €36 one-way.

Intercite de nuit overnight train at Paris Austerlitz

Paris to Toulouse or l'Hospitalet by Intercité de Nuit More about Intercités de Nuit.

Intercite de Nuit 2nd class 6-berth couchette   Intercite de Nuit 2nd class couchette

2nd class 6-berth couchettes.

 

A cosy 2nd class couchette.

Intercite de Nuit 1st class couchette   Intercite de Nuit 1st class 4-berth couchette

1st class couchette, made up for the night.

 

1st class 4-berth couchettes.

Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station   Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station

Road transport to Andorra.  This is a Toulouse to Andorra bus at Toulouse bus stand 15.

 

The bus station in Toulouse Matabiau forecourt.  Photo courtesy of Andrew McIntyre.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €39.90

Option 1, by comfortable daytime trains

  • For Vienna & Linz

    High-quality ICE-T trains link Düsseldorf & Cologne with Linz & Vienna:

    Düsseldorf depart 05:27, Cologne Hbf depart 05:53, Vienna Hbf arrive 14:47.

    Cologne Hbf depart 07:53, Vienna Hbf arrive 16:47.

    Düsseldorf depart 09:27, Cologne Hbf depart 09:53, Vienna Hbf arrive 18:47.

    Düsseldorf depart 11:27, Cologne Hbf depart 11:53, Vienna Hbf arrive 20:47.

    Cologne Hbf depart 13:53, Vienna Hbf arrive 23:05.

    These are all superb German ICE-T trains with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Note that not all of these trains run all year, see which ones run on your date of travel.

    it's a chill-out day with a good book and meals in the restaurant car with a weissbier or two.  All these trains take the scenic Rhine Valley route between Koblenz & Mainz - which just happens to be one of the most scenic main lines in Germany, twisting along the river past mountains, castles, vineyards and river boats and of course the famous legendary Lorelei Rock.  Sit on the left hand side of the train for the river scenery.  See the Rhine Valley scenery video here.

    Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • For Salzburg, Bischofshofen, St Johann, Klagenfurt

    A direct EuroCity train with bistro car links Düsseldorf & Cologne with Salzburg, Bischofshofen, St Johan & Klagenfurt every day, leaving Düsseldorf 07:49 & Cologne Hbf at 08:17 and arriving Salzburg Hbf at 15:59, with fares from €29.90.

    This train also takes the scenic Rhine Valley route via Koblenz, make sure you sit on the left hand side of the train as the river boats, castles, vineyards and legendary Lorelei Rock roll past.

  • For Innsbruck & St Anton there are various departures with 1 or 2 changes, check times at int.bahn.de.

  • To buy tickets or check train times from anywhere in Germany to anywhere in Austria use the German Railways website int.bahn.de

    I recommend registering when prompted, rather than booking as a guest, so you can always log in and check or re-print all your bookings.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  Check Austrian Railways www.oebb.at as well, as although fares also start from €29 I've often seen significantly cheaper fares on oebb.at than bahn.de on the same date & train.  You also get a print-at-home ticket.

An ICE train at Vienna Hbf

An ICE-T at Vienna Hbf.  These superb 7-car ICE-T trains run direct from Cologne to Vienna twice a day.

1st class table for two on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train   Lunch in the restaurant car on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train

Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.

 

Restaurant:  In 1st class you can choose to be served at your seat.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

ICE-T train, driving cab   ICE-T train, 2nd class

You can see into the cab at each end of the train.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the ICE-T to Vienna.

Scenery from the train

You'll glimpse the Inn and Danube rivers from the Frankfurt-Vienna ICE.

Option 2, by Nightjet sleeper train - the safe, comfortable, time-effective option that saves a hotel bill

  • A comfortable Nightjet sleeper train leaves Dusseldorf 21:15 & Cologne Messe-Deutz 21:45, arriving Wels 07:14, Linz 07:44, Vienna Meidling 09:05 & Vienna Hbf 09:17, with a portion for Innsbruck Hbf arriving 09:14.  For Salzburg, change at Wels onto a railjet train arriving Salzburg Hbf at 08:49.

    Check the departure time for your date, on some dates this train leaves from Cologne Hbf at 22:27.

    Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  • Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

The Nightjet sleeper to Vienna at Cologne Hbf

Düsseldorf or Cologne to Vienna by Nightjet.  Above, the Nightjet to Vienna & Innsbruck is about to leave Cologne Hbf.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels & provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet.

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Cologne & Düsseldorf to Copenhagen, Odense & Denmark from €39.90
  • Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  In the search results, look for options with 1 change, not 2 or 3.  Adjust the Transfer time if you'd like longer connections, or use the Stopovers feature if you'd like a stopover in Hamburg.

ICE4 at Hamburg Hbf

Step 1, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Hamburg by ICE4, with restaurant car, cafe counter, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about ICEs.

1st class on an ICE4 train   Restaurant car on an ICE4 train

1st class on an ICE4.

 

Restaurant car on an ICE4.  Sample menu.

Bar counter car on an ICE4 train   2nd class on an ICE4 train

Bar counter at the other end of the kitchen.

 

2nd class seats on an ICE4.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Step 2, Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

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Cologne & Düsseldorf to Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö

Option 1, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option

  • Step 1, travel from to Hamburg by ICE train, leaving Cologne Hbf at 15:10 or Düsseldorf at 15:34, arriving Hamburg Hbf 19:14.

    The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Later departures are possible, but I recommend an hour or two between trains in Hamburg when catching a sleeper train you don't want to miss.

    Fares start at €18.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

    Have dinner in Hamburg, see suggested restaurants near the station.

  • Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Stockholm by sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 22:03, arriving Stockholm Central 09:57 next morning.

    Procured by the Swedish government and run by SJ (Swedish Railways), the train has sleeping-cars with compact 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin, several 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, couchette cars with 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  The sleeping-cars are former Austrian Railways AB32s, refurbished.  More about the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train.

    Fares start at €44.90 with a couchette in 6-berth, €69.90 with a couchette in 4-berth, €79.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €164.90 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per bed, fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

    Book tickets at SJ's website www.sj.se.

    Booking opens several months ahead, You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Hamburg Altona   6-berth couchette on the Hamburg-Stockholm SJ night train

The inaugural Hamburg to Stockholm SJ EuroNight train in Hamburg on 1 September 2022. The author rode this first departure.  More about this sleeper train.

6-berth couchettes.

Larger photo.

Standard sleeper, set up as a double   Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Padborg

2-bed sleeper.  Larger photo.

The inaugural train from Hamburg to Stockholm calls at Padborg, just after entering Denmark.

Scenery from the Hamburg to Stockholm train

Typical Swedish scenery on the morning run into Stockholm.

Option 2, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Stockholm, Gothenburg & Malmö in a single day

  • It's possible to travel from Cologne to Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmo in a single day.  You'll usually find two services per day, but see what journey options int.bahn.de gives you as times may vary:

    Leave Cologne Hbf at 08:11, change at Hamburg Hbf, Copenhagen & Malmö arriving Stockholm Central at 23:38.

    You travel by comfortable ICE train with restaurant car & free WiFi to Hamburg, EuroCity train to Copenhagen, Öresund train to Malmö then a 200 km/h Swedish X2000 high-speed train to Stockholm with bistro & free WiFi.  You cross from Denmark to Sweden on the impressive Öresund fixed link.

    Fares start at €56.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  Book from Cologne or Düsseldorf to Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm as one transaction.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Don't worry about connections by the way, you'll be using a through ticket so will be legally entitled to travel onwards by later trains (and if necessary, a hotel) if a delay means a missed connection, under the CIV international conditions of carriage.

Option 3, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Stockholm, Gothenburg & Malmö with overnight stop in Hamburg

  • It can be easier and sometimes more time-effective to break up the journey with an overnight hotel stop in Hamburg.  That way you can leave Cologne in the late afternoon or early evening, and travel from Hamburg to Sweden next day.  You can still benefit from the same cheap fares from €56.90.

  • To book, go to int.bahn.de, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 12 hours.  Adjust the departure time and length of stay until you get the trains you want either side of Hamburg.

    You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  • Suggested hotels in Hamburg across the road from Hamburg Hbf with good reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof (the one I'd pick), Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.

ICE4 at Hamburg Hbf

Step 1, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Hamburg by ICE4, with restaurant car, cafe counter, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about ICEs.

1st class on an ICE4 train   Restaurant car on an ICE4 train

1st class on an ICE4.

 

Restaurant car on an ICE4.  Sample menu.

Bar counter car on an ICE4 train   2nd class on an ICE4 train

Bar counter at the other end of the kitchen.

 

2nd class seats on an ICE4.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Step 2, Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Step 3, Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Öresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 4, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Gothenburg using Stena Line's Kiel-Gothenburg overnight ferry

  • Step 1, travel from Cologne or Düsseldorf to Kiel by train, leaving late morning.

    The journey takes around 5h25, you'll typically find a train leaving Cologne Hbf around 11:00 or Düsseldorf around 11:30 with 1 easy change at Hamburg Hbf.  However, you should book the ferry first and confirm ferry times, then book a train that arrives at Kiel Hbf around 2 hours before the ferry sails.

    Book the train at the German Railways site int.bahn.de.

    You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

    In Kiel, the ferry terminal is 750m from the station, a 9-minute walk, see walking map.

  • Step 2, sail overnight from Kiel to Gothenburg by Stena Line ferry.

    The ferry normally sails at 18:45 and arrives around 09:15, but times may vary so check online.

    The ferry is a floating hotel with restaurants & bars, all passengers travel in a cosy private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.  You can add dinner & breakfast to your ticket when you book.

    Fares vary, you might pay €39 per passenger as basic fare plus €75-€89 per cabin for a private 1 or 2 bed room.

    Book the ferry at www.stenaline.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.

    In Gothenburg, the ferry terminal is a short taxi ride (or 4.3 km 53-minute walk) from Goteborg Central station, see walking map.

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Cologne & Düsseldorf to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Oslo with overnight stop in Hamburg - by train all the way

  • Day 1, travel from Cologne Hbf or Düsseldorf to Hamburg Hbf by ICE in as little as 3h42.  There are regular departures until early evening.

    Fares start at €17.90 in 2nd class or €23.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

  • Stay overnight in Hamburg.  The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is top choice here, just across the road 100m from the station's Kirchenallee exit, with art deco-based design and great reviews.  Other hotels near Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.  If you're on a budget, cheap private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf can be booked at www.hostelworld.com.

  • Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Gothenburg by EuroCity train & Öresund train:

    Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:50, arriving Copenhagen 13:34.  Leave Copenhagen at 14:30, arriving Göteborg Central at 18:20.

    The EuroCity train from Hamburg to Copenhagen has power sockets at all seats & a refreshment trolley.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.  The Öresund train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg has power sockets & free WiFi, but bring your own food & drink.

    Have an early dinner in Gothenburg.

    Fares from Hamburg to Gothenburg start at €56.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy a ticket from Hamburg to Gothenburg at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

    Tip:  If you're clever, you may be able to book a through ticket all the way from Cologne to Gothenburg using int.bahn.de.  To get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a suitable length of stay, say 10 hours.  Adjust departure time and length of stay to get the departure from Brussels you want and the 08:50 departure from Hamburg next morning.

    Tip:  If you don't see any affordable fares (which may be the case if you want 1st class), split the booking:  First book Hamburg to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de.  Then buy a ticket from Copenhagen to Goteborg Central at www.oresundstag.se.

  • Day 2, travel from Gothenburg to Oslo by Norwegian train, leaving Göteborg Central at 20:10 and arriving Oslo Sentral at 23:47.

    The smart modern Norwegian train is run by Vy, it has power sockets & free WiFi, but bring your own food & drink.

    Fares start at 249 Krone (€24) if you book a few weeks ahead.

    Book this at the Vy website www.vy.no or at www.entur.no.

Option 2, Cologne to Oslo with overnight stop in Copenhagen - by train all the way

Option 3, Cologne & Dusseldorf to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo Color Line cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Oslo

  • Day 1, travel from Cologne or Dusseldorf to Kiel by direct ICE train, leaving Cologne Hbf at 06:09 or Düsseldorf 06:33, arriving Kiel Hbf 11:23.

    Fares start at €18.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  • In Kiel it's a 7 minute 450m walk from Kiel Hbf to the Color Line ferry terminal, see walking map.  But always allow several hours between trains and ferry for the ferry check-in and in case of any delay.

  • Day 1, sail from Kiel to Oslo by luxurious overnight Color Line ferry, with a full range of en suite cabins, suites, bars, restaurants and lounges.  The m/v Magic or m/v Fantasy normally sails at 14:00 arriving Oslo at 10:00 next morning (day 2).

    Check times & buy tickets using the Direct Ferries website or www.colorline.com.  You print your own ticket.

    Money-saving tip:  It's considerably cheaper to book on Color Line's Norwegian website www.colorline.no in Norwegian Krone, for example a €274 fare becomes the equivalent of €164.  You'll need to use Google Chrome translation to translate the Norwegian.  You are still able to enter a UK or other European address and contact details.  Feedback appreciated.

    Make sure you're on deck next morning as the ship sails through spectacular scenery up Oslo Fjord.  The ship docks at the modern Color Line terminal about 2 km from the city centre.  Color Line provide transfer buses to Oslo Sentral station costing 55 krone, or there are plenty of taxis.  If you have little luggage it's possible to walk.  See map of Oslo showing ferry terminal.

Germany to Oslo Color Line ferry at Kiel

This photo is taken from the exit of Kiel station, so you can see how close the ferry is.  It's a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour, with a street lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you have reserved one of what Color Line call their "5 star suites", check in at the desk rather than the machines and you'll be directed to a special lounge to wait with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi.  You'll also have priority boarding of the ship.  Photos courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel.

Kiel to Oslo ferry, Color Class suite   Kiel to Oslo ferry, restaurant

A 5 Star Suite on the ferry.

 

More cruise liner than ferry!  The restaurant.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to this...

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Cologne & Düsseldorf to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, by direct ferry from Germany to Helsinki - the easiest option

  • Day 1, travel from Cologne or Düsseldorf to Hamburg, taking any train you like arriving in Hamburg before about 18:00, for example leaving Cologne Hbf at 14:09 or Düsseldorf at 14:33 by ICE, arriving Hamburg Hbf 17:51, but by all means travel earlier.

    The ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €17.90 in 2nd class or €26.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  You should book from Cologne or Düsseldorf to Skandinavienkai Terminal, Lübeck as one transaction as this gets you a through ticket to the ferry terminal covering the train to Hamburg, the regional train to Lübeck and the bus to the Skandinavienkai Terminal.  If you'd like time for dinner in Lübeck (see suggested restaurant here), click Stopovers and enter Lübeck Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 2 hours.

  • Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi.

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemünde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, travel to Stockholm and take a ferry from there

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Prague from €29.90

Option 1, by daytime train - the leisurely same-day option

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  It's a good idea to click Stopovers and enter Berlin Hbf as stopover with length of stay 30 minutes, then it'll show this route via Berlin with high-quality trains and a robust connection, look for options with just 1 change.  See suggested hotels in Prague.

    Tip:  Stopover in Berlin?   Even an hour between trains in Berlin is enough to stroll past the Reichstag building to the Brandenburg Gate, just 17 minutes walk from the station.  But you can build in a longer stopover if you want, either a few hours or an overnight stop.  Simply click Stopovers and enter Berlin Hbf with a suitable length of stay.  For a few hours stop, select an early departure time from Cologne or Düsseldorf.

ICE second class   High-speed ICE train from Cologne to Berlin

Step 1, Dusseldorf or Cologne to Berlin by ICE2.  These are 2nd class seats. Larger photo.

ICE2 restaurant car   ICE2 bar car

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

 

Bar car.  Larger photo.

ICE2 at Berlin   ICE first class

Boarding an ICE2 at Berlin Hbf.

 

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

EuroCity train to Prague about to leave Berlin

Step 2, Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train, seen here boarding in Berlin.

First class on Prague to Budapest traiin   2nd class compartment on Prague to Budapest traiin

1st class seats.

 

2nd class seats in a compartment car.

Czech restaurant car on a Berlin to Prague train   Lunch in the restaurant car between Berlin & Prague

So civilised!  A meal in the Czech restaurant car as the Berlin-Prague express snakes along the beautiful Elbe river south of Dresden.  Most Berlin-Prague trains use Czech carriages like this, a few use Hungarian air-conditioned carriages.  More about the Berlin to Prague train ridePhoto courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry.

More cliffs along the river Elbe

Scenery along the Elbe river between Dresden & Prague.

Option 2, by daytime trains with overnight stop in Berlin from €39 - a time-effective option with an evening in Berlin

  • Day 1, take a comfortable high-speed ICE train from Cologne Hbf to Berlin Hbf in just over 4 hours.

    Trains leave every hour, you can usually leave Cologne as late as 19:27 arriving Berlin after midnight, but by all means book an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Berlin.

  • Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class, with overnight stop included.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de like this:

    Enter Cologne or Dusseldorf to Prague, then click Stopovers and enter Berlin Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 10 hours.  Adjust the departure time and length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Berlin.

    In the search results, look for journeys with just 1 change marked ICE,EC

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Cesky Krumlov & other Czech destinations

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Bratislava & Slovakia from €39.90

Option 1, by daytime train

An ICE train at Vienna Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Vienna by ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

1st class table for two on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train   Lunch in the restaurant car on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train

Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.

 

Lunch in the restaurant.  In 1st class you can choose to be served at your seat.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

ICE-T train, driving cab   ICE-T train, 2nd class

You can see into the cab at each end of the train.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the ICE-T to Vienna.

Scenery from the train

You'll glimpse the Inn and Danube rivers from the Frankfurt-Vienna ICE.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 2, Vienna to Bratislava by hourly regional express train.  More about these Vienna-Bratislava trains.

Option 2, by sleeper train - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper to Vienna at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Düsseldorf or Cologne to Vienna by Nightjet.  Above, the Nightjet about to leave Cologne Hbf.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on a Nightjet.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 2, Vienna to Bratislava by hourly regional express train.  More about these Vienna-Bratislava trains.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Budapest from €39.90

Option 1, using the Munich-Budapest sleeper train - the most time-effective option

A high-speed ICE3 train at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Stuttgart or Munich by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Cologne HbfMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

The sleeper train Kalman Imre from Munich to  Budapest

Step 2, Stuttgart or Munich to Budapest by sleeper train.  This is the Kalman Imre at Munich Hbf.  More about this sleeper train.

The sleeper train from Zurich to Budapest   4-berth couchettes on train to Budapest   6-berth couchettes on train to Budapest

2 bed sleeper, can also be set up as 1 or 3 bed.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

6-berth couchettes.

Option 2, by daytime trains - the leisurely daytime option

An ICE train at Vienna Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Vienna by ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

1st class table for two on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train   Lunch in the restaurant car on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train

Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st class you can choose to be served at your seat.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

ICE-T train, driving cab   ICE-T train, 2nd class

You can see into the cab at each end of the train.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the ICE-T to Vienna.

Scenery from the train

You'll glimpse the Inn and Danube rivers from the Frankfurt-Vienna ICE.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 2, Vienna to Budapest by railjet, seen about to leave Vienna Hbf.  More about railjets.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

First class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Option 2, by sleeper train via Vienna - another time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper to Vienna at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Düsseldorf or Cologne to Vienna by Nightjet, seen here at Cologne Hbf.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on a Nightjet.

EuroCity train from Vienna to Budapest, at Budapest Keleti

Step 2, Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train   2nd class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train

1st class is usually in 6-seat compartments.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class, open-plan saloon type, modernised.  Larger photo.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Bucharest & Romania from €99

Option 1, via Vienna - the fastest & most comfortable option

An ICE train at Vienna Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Vienna by ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

1st class table for two on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train   Lunch in the restaurant car on the Berlin to Vienna ICE train

Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st class you can choose to be served at your seat.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

ICE-T train, driving cab   ICE-T train, 2nd class

You can see into the cab at each end of the train.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the ICE-T to Vienna.

Scenery from the train

You'll glimpse the Inn and Danube rivers from the Frankfurt-Vienna ICE.

Dacia Express sleeper at Vienna   Dacia Express sleeper at Vienna

Step 2, Vienna to Romania on the Dacia Express.  The Dacia has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car of their most modern type.  Each compartment can be sold as a single, double or triple.  Most have a washbasin, two compartments have a shower & toilet.  Beds fold away to form a private sitting room for day use.  Sleeper photo courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.  Larger photo.

Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest   Dacia Express couchette car

The Dacia Express couchette car, boarding at Vienna Hbf.  There is one Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6-berth compartments, bedding provided.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Transylvania

Transylvania:  The Dacia Express crosses rural Transylvania.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Dacia Express Carpathian mountains

The Carpathian mountains:  Almost Alpine scenery between Brasov & Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Option 2, via Budapest

2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

Option 3, with overnight stop in Budapest - if you prefer daytime trains & hotel to sleepers

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest has modern air-conditioned Romanian carriages.  Three cars travel all the way, additional cars are attached whilst in Hungary, and additional cars and a bar car are attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest.

The 'Transylvania' train to Brasov about to leave Budapest   2nd class on the Budapest to Bucharest train

On the left, the daytime train to Bucharest is about to leave Budapest Keleti.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the Budapest to Bucharest train.  There are power outlets under the tables.  Larger photo.

Bar stools on the Budapest to Bucharest train   Bar car on the Budapest to Bucharest train

A bar car is attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest.  Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Ljubljana & Zagreb from €37.90

Option 1, by daytime trains in a single day

Option 2, by sleeper train from Stuttgart or Munch to Ljubljana & Zagreb - the most time-effective option

A high-speed ICE3 train at Cologne Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Stuttgart or Munich by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Cologne HbfMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Munic to Zagreb, boarding in Munich

Step 2, Stuttgart or Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb by sleeper train.  Above, the air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car to Zagreb is boarding at Munich Hbf.  It has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as 1, 2 or 3 berth, with toilets at the end of the corridor.  Compartments convert to a private sitting room for evening or morning use.  A light breakfast is included in the sleeper fare.  The Croatian couchette car is the next vehicle to the right, also modern & air-conditioned with 4 & 6 bunk compartments, ideal for families.  Couchettes convert from bunks to seats for evening or morning use.

Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   4 or 6-berth couchettes on train from Munich to Zagreb

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper.

 

Set up as a single-berth.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes. 360º photo.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Wake up to scenery like this between Ljubljana & Zagreb, along the river Sava.

Option 3, by daytime train with overnight stop in Munich

A railjet train about to leave Munich Hbf

The 08:17 departure from Munich is a smart Austrian railjet across Austria to Villach on the Austrian-Slovenian border.  This is a railjet about to leave Munich Hbf.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

First class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

  Premium class seats on the Munich-Vienna RailJet train   Railjet restaurant car

Railjet first class, with black leather seats.

 

Business class.

 

The restaurant.

Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

Through the Austrian Alps.  Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the railjet snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful.,,

If you use the morning train from Munich, there's a quick & simple cross-platform change of train at Villach onto a Slovenian & Croatian train called the Sava.

  2nd class seats on the Munich-Zagreb train

...along the Sava river in Slovenia.  Now across the border in Slovenia, the EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava all the way to Ljubljana & Zagreb.

 

Comfortable seats:  The 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are arranged 2+1 abreast, the same as 1st class!

The EuroCity train 'Sava' from Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb  

The EuroCity train Sava, arrived at Zagreb.

 

More scenery along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

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Cologne or Dusseldorf to Belgrade & Montenegro

Option 1, to Belgrade & beyond using the Munich-Zagreb sleeper

A high-speed ICE3 train at Munich Hbf

Step 1, Cologne to Munich by ICE.  This is an ICE3 at Munich HbfMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Munic to Zagreb, boarding in Munich

Step 2, Munich to Zagreb by sleeper train.  Above, the air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb is boarding on platform 12 at Munich Hbf.  It has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as 1, 2 or 3 berth, with toilets at the end of the corridor.  Compartments convert to a private sitting room for evening or morning use.  A light breakfast is included in the sleeper fare.  The Croatian couchette car is the next vehicle to the right, also modern & air-conditioned with 4 & 6 bunk compartments, ideal for families.  Couchettes convert from bunks to seats for evening or morning use.

Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   4 or 6-berth couchettes on train from Munich to Zagreb

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper.

 

Set up as a single-berth.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes. 360º photo.

Scenery between Ljubljana, Zagreb & Belgrade

Wake up to scenery like this between Ljubljana & Zagreb, along the river Sava.

2nd class seats in a Serbian air-conditioned train   The train from Belgrade to Zagreb & Zurich, about to leave Belgrade

Step 3, Zagreb to Belgrade on the daily train.  Above, Serbian air-conditioned cars.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Sofia

Option 1, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Sofia via Bucharest

Option 2, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Sofia via Belgrade

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Warsaw from €37.90

Option 1, Cologne to Warsaw in a single day from €37.90 - the leisurely daytime option

Option 2, Cologne to Warsaw with overnight stop in Berlin - time-effective & a chance to see Berlin

ICE second class   High-speed ICE train from Cologne to Berlin

Step 1, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Berlin by ICE2 with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  This is 2nd class.  Larger photo.

ICE2 restaurant car   ICE2 bar car

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

 

Bar car.  Larger photo.

ICE2 at Berlin   ICE first class

An ICE2 at Berlin Hbf.

 

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 2, Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train, seen here at Berlin Hbf.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class.  Some seats are in compartments.

Bistro-restaurant car on the Berlin-Warsaw Express

The restaurant car on a Berlin-Warsaw express.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.  Photos below courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.comLarger photo.

 

The bar.

 

Decent food, served on proper china.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Wroclaw, Katowice & Krakow from €37.90

Option 1, Cologne to Krakow by daytime trains a single day

  • Step 2, travel from Berlin to Krakow by EuroCity train Oder leaving Berlin Hbf at 16:52 every day, arriving Wroclaw 20:56, Katowice 23:05 & Krakow Glowny 23:54.  The Oder is comfortable & air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.

  • Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Tip:  Click Stopovers and enter Berlin Hbf with a length of stay of 40 minutes.  This gets you the recommended robust connection in Berlin.

    Booking to Poland normally opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

ICE second class   High-speed ICE train from Cologne to Berlin

Step 1, Cologne or Düsseldorf to Berlin by ICE2 with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  This is 2nd class.  Larger photo

ICE2 restaurant car   ICE2 bar car

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

 

Bar car.  Larger photo.

ICE2 at Berlin   ICE first class

An ICE2 at Berlin Hbf.

 

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin Hbf

Step 2, Berlin to Krakow by EuroCity train This is a EuroCity on platform 11 at Berlin Hbf.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class.  Some seats are in compartments.

 

1st class.

Bistro-restaurant car on the Berlin-Warsaw Express

The restaurant car on a Berlin-Krakow EuroCity train.  You don't need to reserve, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.  Larger photo.

Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter.

 

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.

Option 2, Cologne to Krakow with overnight stop in Berlin - time-effective & a chance to see Berlin

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Cologne or Dusseldorf to Vilnius. Riga, Tallinn

Cologne to Lithuania with overnight stop in Warsaw

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Kyiv & Ukraine

Option 1, using the Warsaw-Kyiv sleeper

The Warsaw to Kiev train at Warsaw Centralna

A Ukrainian sleeping-car on the Kyiv Express at Warsaw CentralnaCourtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment   Each compartment has a washbasin   The Kiev Express

1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper.

 

Washbasin.

 

Kyiv Express.

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Cologne or Düsseldorf to Moscow, St Petersburg & Russia

Option 1, using the daily Warsaw-Moscow sleeper train - suspended due to sanctions

The train from Warsaw to Moscow uses Russian air-conditioned sleeping-cars, pictured below, with compartments which can be used as 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth (shown below right), with a shower & toilets at the end of the corridor.  See panorama photo inside one of the new Russian sleepers.

A modern Russian sleeping-car of the sort used on the Polonez   A 2-berth or 4-berth compartment in daytime mode

Option 2, using the Berlin-Moscow Strizh (Swift) Talgo sleeper train, twice a week, suspended due to sanctions

The Strizh sleeper train from Berlin to Moscow

The Strizh sleeper train from Berlin to Moscow.  It's a Spanish-built articulated Talgo train - note the relatively small size of each car, with just one axle between each pair of cars.  Photos courtesy of Jaap van Ginkel.

2-bed sleeper with washbasin, night   2-bed sleeper with washbasin, day mode   Complimentary toiletry pack in a Strizh sleeper

Standard 2-berth sleeper with washbasin, in night-time & daytime modes.

 

Complimentary toiletry pack.

Option 4, via Kyiv avoiding Belarus and any issues crossing Belarus to reach Moscow

  • Day 1, travel from Cologne or Düsseldorf to Berlin on any afternoon or early evening high-speed ICE train.

    You can leave Cologne Hbf as late as 18:48 on most days, arriving Berlin Hbf around 23:04, but by all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Berlin.  The high-speed ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

  • Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

  • Day 2 morning, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:52 every day and arriving Warsaw Centralna at 15:14. 

    Tip:  If you book the earlier 05:52 departure from Berlin on Mondays-Saturdays arriving Warsaw at 11:16 you'll have time to explore the city, see Warsaw Centralna station & city information.  Warsaw's historic old town is a 30 minute walk from Centralna station - if you fancy a modest splurge, the celebrated Ufukiera restaurant (www.ufukiera.pl) is excellent and right on the square in the heart of Warsaw's old town.  The Palace of Culture (a wedding cake style Soviet skyscraper and distinctive Warsaw landmark, www.pkin.pl) is right next to the station and has a viewing terrace on the 30th floor.

    Fares from Cologne or Dusseldorf to Warsaw start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Cologne or Dusseldorf to Warsaw at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.  Booking to Poland normally opens 60 days ahead.

    To build in the overnight stop in Berlin, click Stopovers and enter Berlin Hbf with the length of stay you want, say 12:00 hours.  Adjust the departure time and length of stay to get the trains you want, with a little trial and error.

    You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

  • Day 2 evening, travel from Warsaw to Kyiv on the Kyiv Express, leaving Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:40 & arriving Kyiv at 12:17 next day.

    This train has comfortable Ukrainian 1, 2 & 3 bed sleepers with washbasin.  There's no restaurant car, so take a picnic and some wine or beer.

    The fare booked with Polrail is around €59 including a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, €93 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 in a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.

    Buy tickets via reliable Polish agency Polrail, booking.polrail.com.

    Tickets can be collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide.  Polrail may or may not be able to arrange the return reservation back from Kyiv as they have close contacts with Ukrainian Railways.

  • Day 3, take an overnight sleeper train from Kyiv to Moscow.  There are several night trains and times vary by date, but there's usually one leaving Kyiv at 19:36 and arriving in Moscow Kievskaya station next morning at 10:13 (day 4 from Cologne).  2-berth & 4-berth sleepers are available.  No problems have been reported by westerners travelling from Kyiv to Moscow on these trains.

    These trains are suspended due to the war in Ukraine

    Book Warsaw-Kyiv and Kyiv-Moscow, contact reliable Polish ticketing agency www.polrail.com.  Tickets are collected in Warsaw.

    Alternatively, you can book Warsaw to Kyiv then Kyiv to Moscow at the Ukrainian Railways website booking.uz.gov.ua/en, although there are only very few berths from Warsaw to Kyiv made available online, see the explanation & instructions on the London to Kyiv page.  For the Kyiv to Moscow booking you should book from Kyiv to Moskva Kievskaya.  You collect the Kyiv-Moscow tickets at the station in Kyiv.  Feedback appreciated!

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Cologne & Düsseldorf to Athens, Corfu & Greece

Option 1, Cologne to Athens by train & ferry via Italy - the leisurely option with an Adriatic cruise thrown in

Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Boarding the ferry from Italy to Greece   Lounge and reception desk on the ferry to Greece

The passenger gangway, onto the ferry.

 

Reception desk & lounge on the ferry.

Lounge & bar on the ferry from Italy to Greece   Self-service restaurant on the ferry from Italy to Greece

Lounge and bar on the Superfast II.

 

Self-service restaurant.

En suite toilet & shower on ferry to Greece   Cabin on ferry from Italy to Greece

Private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.

Scenic views from the ferry from Italy to Greece

The ferry passes Cephalonia & Ithaca then approaches mainland Greece.  This is what travel to Greece should be like!

The ferry from Bari arrives at Patras

The ferry approaches the new port of Patras.

Option 2, Cologne to Athens overland by train via Munich & Belgrade

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Cologne & Düsseldorf to Istanbul & Turkey

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Hotels in Cologne & other cities

For advice on hotels in Cologne, see the hotels section on the Cologne station page.

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Suggested hotels near the station in Cologne

Hotels near to Cologne Hauptbahnhof with good reviews include the Breslauer Hof Am Dom, Hotel Domspitzen, CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flag  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

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Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility listMaya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

 

Curve card

Curve card

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com.

 


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