ICE train to Germany

 

London to Germany by high-speed train

 

Book your hotels at Booking.com

 

London to Germany by train

It's easy to travel from the UK to Germany by train.  Take Eurostar from London to Brussels in 2 hours and switch to a high-speed ICE train to Cologne taking 1h57, then take another luxurious ICE train to Munich, Berlin, Hamburg or anywhere in Germany.  London to Brussels starts at £52 one-way or £78 return, Brussels to Cologne at €18.90 each way, Brussels to Berlin or Munich at €27.90, city centre to city centre, no airports, no flights.  Children under 4 go free, there's free WiFi and you can bring your own bottle of wine if you like.  This page explains the best routes, times, & how to buy tickets.

Choose your destination:    

Train times, fares & tickets

small bullet point  London to Hanover & Berlin

small bullet point  London to Cologne, Düsseldorf & Dortmund

small bullet point  London to Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz

small bullet point  London to Frankfurt

small bullet point  London to Nuremberg

small bullet point  London to Osnabrück, Bremen & Hamburg

small bullet point  London to Mannheim, Stuttgart & Munich

small bullet point  London to Leipzig & Dresden

small bullet point  London to other destinations

small bullet point  London to Germany via the Harwich-Hoek ferry

small bullet point  UK to Germany by ferry from Hull or Newcastle

small bullet point  Starting from other UK towns & cities

small bullet point  Hotels convenient for arrival by train

small bullet point  Holidays & escorted tours to Germany by train

small bullet point  Rhine cruises - deluxe or do-it-yourself

Train travel within Germany

small bullet point  Train travel in Germany - a beginner's guide

small bullet point  Buy tickets online for travel within Germany

small bullet point  Lander tickets - unlimited travel in a region

small bullet point  How to visit Neuschwanstein castle

small bullet point  How to visit the Harz steam railway & Brocken

small bullet point  How to visit Colditz

International trains to & from Germany

small bullet point  Other European cities to Germany by train

small bullet point  Berlin to other European cities

small bullet point  Hamburg to other European cities

small bullet point  Cologne & Düsseldorf to other European cities

small bullet point  Frankfurt to other European cities

small bullet point  Munich to other European cities

 

small bullet point  Amsterdam to Berlin by InterCity train

small bullet point  Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train

small bullet point  Berlin to Warsaw EuroCity train

small bullet point  Munich to Prague by train

small bullet point  Munich to Salzburg by train

small bullet point  Hamburg to Copenhagen by Intercity train

Station guides

small bullet point  Cologne Hbf 

 

small bullet point  Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

 

small bullet point  Hamburg Hbf

  small bullet point  Berlin Hbf   small bullet point  Munich Hbf

Other useful information

small bullet point  Useful country information - currency, dial code...

small bullet point  General European train travel information

small bullet point  Luggage on trains &

small bullet point  Left luggage at stations

small bullet point  Taking your bike    

small bullet point  Taking your dog 

 

small bullet point  Child age limits & travel with kids

small bullet point  Travel with disabilities

small bullet point  Train seat numbering plans

small bullet point  Eurail passes - the railpass for overseas visitors

small bullet point  Interrail passes - the pass for European residents

small bullet point  Travel insurance, mobile data packages & other tips

Interactive map:  Click a destination or route

Route map, London to Germany by train


Useful country information

Train operator

in Germany:

DB (Deutsche Bahn), see int.bahn.de for train times, fares & online tickets within Germany.

All-Europe train times    Berlin S-bahn information    Berlin U-bahn information   Motorail - taking your car

Railpasses:

 

Beginner's guide to European railpasses     Buy a rail pass online

Time zone:

GMT+1 (GMT+2 from last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October).

Dialling code:

 

+49

Currency:

£1 = approx 1.15 euros  Check current exchange rates

Tourist information:

www.germany-tourism.de   City tours    Recommended guidebooks

Hotels:

Hotels convenient for arrival by train   Tours to Germany

Page last updated:

15 March 2024.  Train times valid 10 December 2023 to 14 December 2024.


London to Hannover & Berlin

Which route to choose?

Which option is cheapest?  You have to go online and see, because each option involves several tickets and the price of each ticket varies like an air fare.  However, at short notice, the ferry options are usually cheaper than Eurostar.

Can you go out one way, back another?  Yes!  Almost all European train fares are priced as one-way, so you can book one-way out on one route and one-way back on another.  Eurostar is the exception where a return fare is cheaper than two one-ways, so book London-Paris or London-Brussels as a round trip if you can.

Can you stop off?  Of course!  Simply book trains either side of the stopover on whatever dates you want.  Each part of these journeys is ticketed separately in any case (for example, the Eurostar and the sleeper train), so it's no problem to stop off on the way at any of the main interchange points.

What if you're not starting from London?  See this advice about starting your journey from elsewhere in the UK.

Option 1, London to Berlin by daytime trains

This is the fastest & most direct option.  Take a morning Eurostar to Brussels, a high-speed ICE3 train to Cologne, then a luxurious ICE2 train to Berlin, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch with a beer or glass of wine in the restaurant, I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier and DB's choice of German red wine.  An overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne can make for a time-effective journey as shown by the shaded journeys in the timetable below.

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Hanover, Berlin

 Eurostar (30 min check-in)

Mondays to Fridays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

15:04

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

18:05

22:38

 Change at Brussels onto an ICE3 high-speed train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:22

18:25

18:25

06:23

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

12:15

14:15

16:15

18:15

20:15

20:15

08:16

 Change at Cologne onto an ICE2 high-speed train

 Cologne Hbf

depart

12:45

14:45

16:45

18:45

20:48

06:17

08:45

 Bielefeld

arrive

14:27

16:27

18:27

20:27

22:34

|

10:27

 Hanover

arrive

15:18

17:18

19:18

21:19

23:28

|

11:17

 Berlin Hbf

arrive

17:04

19:02

21:02

23:04

-

10:14

13:03

 London ► Hanover, Berlin

 Eurostar (30 min check-in)

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

19:34

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

15:04

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

22:38

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

18:05

22:38

 Change at Brussels onto a high-speed ICE3 train

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:25

18:25

06:23

12:25

14:25

16:25

18:25

18:25

06:23

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

12:15

14:15

16:15

18:16

20:15

08:16

14:15

16:15

18:16

20:15

20:15

08:16

 Change at Cologne onto a high-speed ICE2 train to Berlin

 Cologne Hbf

depart

12:45

14:45

16:45

18:45

20:48

08:45

14:45

16:45

18:45

20:48

06:17

08:45

 Bielefeld

arrive

14:27

16:27

18:27

20:27

22:34

10:27

16:27

18:27

20:27

22:34

|

10:27

 Hanover

arrive

15:18

17:18

19:18

21:19

23:28

11:17

17:18

19:18

21:19

23:28

|

11:17

 Berlin Hbf

arrive

17:04

19:02

21:02

23:04

-

13:03

19:02

21:02

23:04

01:14

10:14

13:03

Timetable inward 2024

 Berlin, Hanover ► London

 ICE2 train to Cologne

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

 Berlin Hbf

depart

06:56

08:56

10:57

12:56

14:57

06:56

08:56

10:57

14:57

 Hanover

depart

08:40

10:40

12:40

14:40

16:40

08:40

10:40

12:40

16:40

 Bielefeld

depart

09:33

11:33

13:33

15:33

17:33

09:33

11:33

13:33

17:33

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

11:15

13:15

15:15

17:15

19:15

11:15

13:15

15:15

19:15

 Change at Cologne onto a high-speed ICE3 train to Brussels

Cologne Hbf

depart

11:42

13:42

15:40

17:41

19:40

11:42

13:42

15:40

19:40

Brussels Midi

arrive

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

21:35

 Change at Brussels onto Eurostar.  30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

07:56

14:52

16:51

18:51

08:52

 London St Pancras

arrive

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

08:59

15:57

17:47

19:47

09:57

 Berlin, Hanover ► London

 ICE2 train to Cologne

Sundays

 Berlin Hbf

depart

06:56

08:56

10:57

12:56

14:57

 Hanover

depart

08:40

10:40

12:40

14:40

16:40

 Bielefeld

depart

09:33

11:33

13:33

15:33

17:33

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

11:15

13:15

15:15

17:15

19:15

 Change at Cologne onto a high-speed ICE3 train to Brussels

Cologne Hbf

depart

11:42

13:42

15:40

17:41

19:40

Brussels Midi

arrive

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

 Change at Brussels onto Eurostar.  30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

07:56

 London St Pancras

arrive

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

08:59

Notes for the timetables

How to read these timetables:  You read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Always check these train times using int.bahn.de, as they can vary.  About the 20-minute connection in Brussels.

t = Eurostar (formerly Thalys), not ICE

London St Pancras station guide   Brussels Midi station guide    Cologne Hbf station guide    Berlin Hbf station guide   Hbf = Hauptbahnhof = main station.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne.  By all means choose an earlier Eurostar out or a later morning one back.

In Brussels I recommend the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station, or the Ibis Brussels Midi across the road.

In Cologne, the Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's an integral part of Cologne Hbf - many rooms have a cathedral view.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Using an Interrail pass

Holidays & breaks

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Brussels Midi) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

20-minute connection between Eurostar and ICE

Easy 20 minute connection, Eurostar to ICE:  That's the 11:04 Eurostar from London on the right, arrived at 14:05 on platform 3, and the 14:25  ICE to Cologne & Frankfurt on the left on platform 4.  All you have to do to change trains on this particular departure is walk 20 feet across the width of the platform!  If the connection is missed, you're covered by Railteam/HOTNAT.

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More about ICE3 Brussels Midi station guideCologne Hbf station guide.

ICE3M to Cologne & Frankfurt, boarding at Brussels Midi

An ICE3M to Cologne at Brussels Midi.  More about ICE trains Advice on changing trains in Brussels.

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.

3. Cologne to Berlin by ICE2

ICE2 trains have a restaurant car, bar car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf, the train crosses the Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine.  It passes through the industrial Ruhr via Wuppertal & Hamm.  After leaving Hannover, the train passes non-stop through Wolfsburg - look out for the original Volkswagen factory on the left, built in 1938.  The train then travels at up to 280 km/h (174 mph) on the high-speed line to Berlin Hbf, where it arrives at the low-level platforms.  More about ICE2Cologne Hbf station guide Berlin Hbf station guide.

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

2nd class seats.  Larger photo.

 

An ICE2 at Berlin Hbf.

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.

Back to top

Option 2, London to Berlin by Eurostar & European Sleeper

Back to top

Option 3, London to Berlin by Eurostar & Nightjet sleeper

From 10 December 2023 there are not one but TWO different sleeper trains from Brussels to Berlin, both running 3 times a week on different days, the existing European Sleeper (see the European Sleeper page) and a new Austrian Nightjet sleeper train, shown below.  The Nightjet is expected to become daily from autumn 2024.  So on 6 days a week you can hop on a lunchtime Eurostar to Brussels, have an early dinner, then sleep your way to Berlin.

London ► Berlin Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays

Berlin ► London Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

How much does it cost?

 1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

 From £52 one-way, £78 return 2nd class.

 From £97 one-way, £168 return 1st class.  Child fares 

 

 2. Brussels to Berlin

 by Nightjet sleeper train,

 one-way per person per bed

In a seat

In a couchette

In the sleeping-car

6-berth

4-berth

3-berth

2-berth

1-berth

3-berth

+ shower

2-berth

+ shower

1-berth

+ shower

 Fares start at:

€29.90

€49.90

€59.90

€89.90

€109.90

€159.90

€99.90

€139.90

€189.90

Fares vary like air fares, book early for the cheapest prices.  Return fares are twice the one-way fare.

On the sleeper train, berths are sold individually, so one ticket means one bed, the other beds in your compartment will be sold to other passengers.  For sole occupancy, simply book 1 ticket in a 1-berth sleeper or 2 tickets in a 2-berth sleeper or 4 tickets in a 4-berth couchette and so on.

How to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide.  Brussels Midi station guideIn Brussels, I recommend using the Pullman Hotel bar as your VIP waiting room.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Brussels to Berlin by Nightjet

This is an Austrian Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet train, with sleeping-car, couchettes & seats.  The sleeping-car has nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with private shower & toilet.  The sleeper berths come fully made up with sheets and duvets, all sleeper passengers get mineral water in the evening and a light breakfast served in their compartment next morning.  Towels & toiletries are provided, including shampoo and shower gel in the deluxe sleepers.  In the more economical couchettes, you can book a couchette in a cheaper 6-berth compartment or a less-crowded 4-berth compartment, each provided with sheet, blanket, pillow & small bottle of water, and couchette passengers get a tea or coffee in the morning.  More about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet sleeper at Brussels

Brussels to Berlin by Nightjet.  Above, a Nightjet sleeper at Brussels Midi.

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, towels & hair/body wash 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.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Back to top

Option 4, London to Berlin with overnight stop in Amsterdam

This is a long way round so much slower than option 1, but there's only one change of train, it can be cheaper and what's not to like about some time in Amsterdam?  It also allows an after-work departure from London so is time-effective.  Take Eurostar from London to Amsterdam Centraal in around 4h, often with keener pricing than between London & Brussels, stay overnight, then take a German Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf next day in 5h52.

London ► Berlin

Berlin ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Back to top


London to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund

Which route to choose?

Cologne, or Köln in German from its Roman name, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, was once the largest city in Germany.  Its magnificent cathedral stands right next to Cologne's main station - the cathedral was consecrated in 1322, but its distinctive 512 feet high towers were only completed in 1880.  You can climb them for a magnificent view over the city and the River Rhine.  There are two good options for travel between the UK and Cologne or Düsseldorf.

Option 1, London to Cologne & Dusseldorf by high-speed train

Getting to Cologne from London is easy by train:  Hop on a high-speed Eurostar train from London to Brussels in just 2 hours, then travel from Brussels to Cologne by high-speed ICE train in just 1h57 with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Frequent regional trains then link Cologne with Düsseldorf, Essen, Bochum & Dortmund.  ICEs are run by Deutsche Bahn (German Railways).

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Cologne, Düsseldorf & Dortmund

Eurostar, minimum 30 min check-in

Mondays-Fridays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

 Change onto a high-speed ICE3 train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:22

18:25

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

12:15

14:15

16:15

18:15

20:15

 Change onto a regional train to Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen, Bochum, Dortmund

 Cologne Hbf

depart

12:49

14:49

16:49

18:49

20:49

 Düsseldorf Hbf

arrive

13:20

15:20

17:20

19:20

21:20

 Dortmund Hbf

arrive

14:14

16:14

18:14

20:14

22:14

 London ► Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund

Eurostar, 30 min check-in  

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

 Change at Brussels onto a high-speed ICE3 train

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:25

18:25

12:25

14:25

16:25

18:25

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

12:15

14:15

16:15

18:16

20:15

14:15

16:15

18:16

20:15

 Change at Cologne onto frequent regional trains to Düsseldorf & Dortmund

 Cologne Hbf

depart

12:49

14:49

16:49

18:49

20:49

14:49

16:49

18:49

20:49

 Düsseldorf Hbf

arrive

13:20

15:20

17:20

19:20

21:20

15:20

17:20

19:20

21:20

 Dortmund Hbf

arrive

14:14

16:14

18:14

20:14

22:14

16:14

18:14

20:14

22:14

Timetable inward 2024

 Dortmund, Düsseldorf & Cologne ► London

 Regional train

Mondays-Fridays

Saturdays

 Dortmund Hbf

depart

05:45

07:45

09:45

11:45

13:45

15:45

05:45

07:45

09:45

11:45

13:45

 Düsseldorf Hbf

depart

06:40

08:40

10:40

12:40

14:40

16:40

06:40

08:40

10:40

12:40

14:40

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

07:12

09:12

11:12

13:12

15:12

17:12

07:12

09:12

11:12

13:12

15:12

 Change in Cologne onto a high-speed ICE3 train

 Cologne Hbf

depart

07:42

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:40

17:41

07:42

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:40

 Brussels Midi

arrive

09:35

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

09:35

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

 Change in Brussels onto Eurostar - remember the 45 minute Eurostar check-in!

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:56

12:52

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

10:56

12:52

14:52

17:56

18:51

 London St Pancras

arrive

11:57

13:57

15:57

17:57

19:47

21:57

11:57

13:57

15:57

18:57

19:47

 

 Dortmund, Düsseldorf & Cologne ► London

 Regional train

Sundays

 Dortmund Hbf depart:

05:45

07:45

09:45

11:45

13:45

15:45

 Düsseldorf Hbf depart:

06:40

08:40

10:40

12:40

14:40

16:40

 Cologne Hbf arrive:

07:12

09:12

11:12

13:12

15:12

17:12

 Change in Cologne onto a high-speed ICE3 train

 Cologne Hbf depart:

07:42

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:40

17:41

 Brussels Midi arrive:

09:35

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

 Change in Brussels onto Eurostar - remember the 45 minute check-in 

 Brussels Midi depart:

10:56

12:52

14:52

17:56

18:51

20:56

 London St Pancras arrive:

11:57

13:57

15:57

18:57

19:47

21:57

Notes for the timetable

How to read these timetables:  You read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Always check times online for your date of travel as times can vary.  About the 20-minute connection in Brussels.

t = Eurostar (formerly Thalys), not ICE

Duisburg, Essen & Bochum are also stops on the Cologne-Düsseldorf-Dortmund regional trains shown here, simply use int.bahn.de to check calling times.

If your train arrives promptly, you may find an earlier onward train to Düsseldorf or Dortmund in addition to the ones shown here.

Brussels Midi station guide & advice on changing trains    Cologne Hbf station guide & map    London St Pancras station guide

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Holidays & breaks

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Brussels Midi) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

20-minute connection between Eurostar and ICE

Easy 20 minute connection, Eurostar to ICE:  That's the 11:04 Eurostar from London on the right, arrived at 14:05 on platform 3, and the 14:25  ICE to Cologne & Frankfurt on the left on platform 4.  All you have to do to change trains on this particular departure is walk 20 feet across the width of the platform!  If the connection is missed, you're covered by Railteam/HOTNAT.

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More about ICE3 Brussels Midi station guideCologne Hbf station guide.

ICE3M to Cologne & Frankfurt, boarding at Brussels Midi

An ICE3M to Cologne at Brussels Midi.  More about ICE trains Advice on changing trains in Brussels.

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.

Or Brussels to Cologne by Eurostar (formerly Thalys)

These trains have 3 classes, standard, comfort (1st class) and premium (premium 1st class with food & wine included).  All 3 classes have free WiFi, power sockets at all seats and access to the cafe-bar.  More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).

A Thalys train at Brussels Midi   2nd class seats on a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam

Eurostar (formerly Thalys) at Brussels Midi.

 

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.

1st class seats oin a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam   Cafe-bar car on a Thalys high-speed train

Premium or Comfort class seats.  Larger photo.

Cafe-bar.  Larger photo.

Video guide: London to Cologne

Since I made this video, Eurostar has introduced new e320 trains, and the signage at Brussels Midi has been renewed.  But the video still gives a good idea of the journey, and how to use the short cut from Eurostar platforms 1 & 2 to ICE platforms 3-6.

 

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London to Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz

High-speed Eurostar trains link London with Brussels in just 2 hours.  From Brussels, high-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) and ICE trains take 1h57 to reach Cologne - watch the London to Cologne video.  Regular trains link Cologne with Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz.

How to check train times

Simply use the London-Cologne timetable above to find train times from London to Cologne, then use int.bahn.de to find connecting train times from Cologne to Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Back to top


London to Frankfurt

Which route to choose?

Option 1, London to Frankfurt via Brussels

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Frankfurt  (via Brussels)

 Eurostar, 30 minute check-in

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

 Change at Brussels onto a high-speed ICE3 train to Frankfurt, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

 12:25

14:25

16:23

18:25

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:25

18:25

12:25

14:25

16:25

18:25

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

13:31

 15:31

17:40

19:31

21:31

13:31

15:31

17:31

19:31

21:31

15:31

17:40

19:31

21:31

Timetable inward 2024

 Frankfurt ► London  (via Brussels)

 ICE3 train Frankfurt-Brussels

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

06:28

08:16

10:26

12:26

14:26

16:28

06:28

08:16

10:26

12:26

14:26

06:28

08:16

10:26

12:26

14:26

16:28

 Brussels Midi

arrive

09:35

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

09:35

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

09:35

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

 Change trains at Brussels onto Eurostar.  30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:56

12:52

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

10:56

12:52

14:52

17:56

18:51

10:56

12:52

14:52

17:56

18:51

20:56

 London St Pancras

arrive

11:57

13:57

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

11:57

13:57

15:57

18:57

19:47

11:57

13:57

15:57

18:57

19:47

21:57

Notes for the timetables

How to read these timetables.  Each column is a service, and you read downwards.  There's normally a change of trains at each of the grey bars.

Check these train times at int.bahn.de.   About the 20-minute connection in Brussels

Brussels Midi station guideLondon St Pancras station guideFrankfurt (Main) Hbf station

Evening departure from London & overnight stop in Brussels?  You can also catch an evening Eurostar to Brussels, stay overnight, continue next morning. This isn't shown here, but you can easily check times & prices online.  In Brussels I recommend the Ibis Brussels Midi across the road or the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi in the station itself.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Brussels Midi) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

20-minute connection between Eurostar and ICE

Easy 20 minute connection, Eurostar to ICE:  That's the 11:04 Eurostar from London on the right, arrived at 14:05 on platform 3, and the 14:25  ICE to Cologne & Frankfurt on the left on platform 4.  All you have to do to change trains on this particular departure is walk 20 feet across the width of the platform!  If the connection is missed, you're covered by Railteam/HOTNAT.

2. Brussels to Frankfurt by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  The train calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf, where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf, the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt.  More about ICE3 Brussels Midi station guideFrankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide.

ICE3M to Cologne & Brussels, boarding at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

An ICE3M from Brussels at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  More about ICE Advice on changing trains in Brussels.

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.

Video guide: London to Frankfurt

Since I made this video, Eurostar has introduced ]new e320 trains, and signing at Brussels Midi has been renewed.  But the video still gives a good idea of the journey, and how to use the short cut from Eurostar platforms 1 & 2 to ICE platforms 3-6.

 

Back to top

Option 2, London to Frankfurt via Paris

The TGV-Est high-speed line opened in June 2007 with the final section opening in July 2016.  320 km/h (199 mph) high-speed trains now link Paris Gare de l'Est & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in as little as 3 hours 38 minutes, centre to centre.  Most Paris-Frankfurt departures are German ICE3 trains which are amongst the most comfortable high-speed trains in Europe, see the Paris-Frankfurt ICE video below.  A few are impressive double-deck French TGV Duplex, see the video guide.  This route is easy to book online using www.raileurope.com.

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Frankfurt  (via Paris)

 Eurostar, 30 min check-in

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

 08:01

10:24

12:31

14:31

 20:01

 08:01

10:24

14:31

20:01

 08:01

10:24

12:31

14:31

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord

arrive

 11:20

13:50

15:48

17:48

 23:18

 11:20

13:50

17:48

23:18

 11:20

13:50

15:48

17:48

23:18

 Easy 7 minute 500m walk to the Gare de l'Est for a ICE train to Frankfurt.  Trains marked t are TGV Duplex

 Paris Gare de l'Est

depart

13:10

15:12

17:09

19:06

07:16t

13:10

15:12

19:07t

09:05t

13:10

15:12

17:09

19:06

07:16t

 Saarbrücken

arrive

14:57

|

18:57

20:57

|

14:57

|

20:57t

10:56t

14:57

|

18:57

20:57

|

 Mannheim Hbf

arrive

16:17

18:18

20:17

22:17

10:18t

16:17

18:18

22:17t

12:17t

16:17

18:18

20:17

22:17

10:18t

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

16:59

18:59

20:59

22:59

10:59t

16:59

18:59

22:59t

12:59t

16:59

18:59

20:59

22:59

10:59t

Timetable inward 2024

 Frankfurt ► London  (via Paris)

 ICE train from Frankfurt to Paris:

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

05:56

06:56

08:56

12:56t

18:56

06:56

08:56

10:56

12:56t

16:56t

06:56

10:56

12:56t

18:56

 Mannheim Hbf

depart

06:40

07:37

09:40

13:42t

19:40

07:40

09:38

11:40

13:42t

17:38t

07:37

11:40

13:42t

19:40

 Saarbrücken

depart

08:00

|

11:00

15:00t

21:00

09:00

|

13:00

15:00t

|

|

13:00

15:00t

21:00

 Paris Gare de l'Est

arrive

09:52

10:38

12:52

16:52t

22:52

10:52

12:38

14:52

16:52t

20:43t

10:38

14:52

16:52t

22:52

 Easy 7 minute 500m walk to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar to London, 30 minute minimum check-in

 Paris Gare du Nord

depart

11:12

13:12

15:12

19:12

07:12

13:12

15:12

17:12

19:12

08:12

13:12

17:12

19:12

07:12

 London St Pancras

arrive

12:30

14:30

16:30

20:30

08:30

14:30

16:30

18:32

20:30

09:30

14:30

18:32

20:30

08:30

Note for the timetable

How to read these timetables:  You read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Paris.  By all means choose an earlier Eurostar outor a later morning one back.

I suggest the OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est, alongside the station on the side closest to the Gare du Nord, or the excellent 25 Hours Terminus Nord across the road from the Gare du Nord.  Other suggested hotels near Gare du Nord & Gare de l'Est

t = By French TGV Duplex, all other Paris-Frankfurt trains are German ICE3.

London St Pancras station guide   Paris Gare du Nord station guide    Paris Gare de l'Est station guide    Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets: Raileurope.com

Or buy using bahn.de & eurostar.com

Buy tickets by phone

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Paris Nord) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guideParis Gare du Nord station guide.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Frankfurt by ICE3

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the ICE to Frankfurt.  The superb German ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  More about ICE3Paris Gare de l'Est station guideFrankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide.

An ICE3 (class 407) at Paris Gare de l'Est

A Paris to Frankfurt ICE3 at Paris Gare de l'EstMore about Paris-Germany ICEs.

Bistro-restaurant on a class 407 ICE3   Lunch in the bistro on an ICE train

Restaurant car.  See current month's menu.

Lunch in the restaurant, with an Erdinger Weissbier.

2nd class seats on a class 407 ICE3   Class 407 ICE3 1st class seats

2nd class seats.

 

1st class seats.

Cafe-bar on a class 407 ICE3   Lunch served at a 1st class seat on an ICE train

Cafe-bar, at the other end of the restaurant car.

Meal served at my seat in 1st class.

Video guideParis-Frankfurt by ICE

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London to Nuremberg

High-speed Eurostar trains link London with Brussels in just 2 hours.  From Brussels, ICE high-speed trains run to Frankfurt in around 3h05, watch the video guide.  Change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for Nuremberg (Nürnberg in German), taking just 2h05.  Eurostar has a cafe-bar, ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, and both Eurostar & ICE come with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Nuremberg

 Eurostar, 30 minute check-in

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

19:34

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

22:38

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

22:38

 Change in Brussels onto a high-speed ICE3 train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:23

06:23

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:25

06:23

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

13:31

15:31

17:40

19:31

09:31

13:31

15:31

17:31

19:31

09:31

 Change in Frankfurt onto another ICE train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

13:53

15:50

17:53

19:53

09:53

13:53

15:50

17:53

19:53

09:53

 Nuremberg Hbf

arrive

15:56

17:56

19:56

21:56

11:56

15:56

17:56

19:56

21:56

11:56

 London ► Nuremberg

 Eurostar - 30 min check-in

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

09:01

11:04

13:01

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

12:05

14:05

16:06

22:38

 Change in Brussels onto an ICE3 train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

12:25

14:25

16:25

06:23

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

15:31

17:40

19:31

09:31

 Change in either Cologne or Frankfurt onto another ICE train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

15:50

17:53

19:53

09:53

 Nuremberg Hbf

arrive

17:56

19:56

21:56

11:56

Timetable inward 2024

 Nuremberg ► London

 By high-speed ICE train

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

 Nuremberg Hbf

depart

07:57

09:57

11:57

13:57

15:57

07:57

09:57

11:57

15:57

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

10:04

12:04

14:04

16:04

18:04

10:04

12:04

14:04

18:04

 Change in Frankfurt or Cologne onto an ICE3 train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

10:26

12:26

14:26

16:28

18:29

10:26

12:26

14:26

18:29

 Brussels Midi

arrive

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

21:35

 Change onto Eurostar in Brussels - 30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

07:56

14:52

16:51

18:51

08:52

 London St Pancras

arrive

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

08:59

15:57

17:47

19:47

09:57

 Nuremberg ► London

 By high-speed ICE train

Sundays

 Nuremberg Hbf

depart

07:57

09:57

11:57

13:57

15:57

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

10:04

12:04

14:04

16:04

18:04

 Change in Frankfurt or Cologne onto an ICE3 train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

10:26

12:26

14:26

16:28

18:29

 Brussels Midi

arrive

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

 Change onto Eurostar in Brussels, 30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

07:56

 London St Pancras

arrive

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

08:59

Notes for the timetables

How to read these timetables:  Each column is a service, and you read downwards.  There's a change of trains at each of the grey bars.

Always check times for your date using int.bahn.de About the 20-minute connection in Brussels

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne.  By all means choose an earlier Eurostar out or a later morning one back.

In Brussels I recommend the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station, or the Ibis Brussels Midi across the road.

In Cologne, the Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's an integral part of Cologne Hbf - many rooms have a cathedral view.

London St Pancras station guideBrussels Midi guideCologne Hbf station guideFrankfurt (Main) Hbf station guideMunich Hbf station guide

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Nuremberg rail museum & rally grounds

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London to Osnabrück & Hamburg

Which route to choose?

Option 1, London to Osnabrück, Bremen, Hamburg by train

You can easily travel by train from London to Osnabrück, Bremen or Hamburg in a day, using Eurostar, a high-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) or ICE train to Cologne, then a comfortable German InterCity train from Cologne to Osnabrück, Bremen or Hamburg.  For more information, read on.

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Osnabrück, Bremen, Hamburg

 Eurostar (minimum 30 min check-in)

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

19:34

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

22:38

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

22:38

 Change in Brussels onto a high-speed ICE3 train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:23

18:25

08:23

10:25

12:25

 14:25

16:25

18:25

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

12:15

14:15

16:15

18:15

20:15

10:15

12:15

14:15

 16:15

18:15

20:15

 Change in Cologne onto an ICE4 train

 Cologne Hbf

depart

13:11

15:10

17:11

19:11

07:09

11:11

13:11

15:10

17:11

19:11

07:09

 Osnabrück

arrive

15:21

17:21

19:21

21:21

09:21

13:21

15:21

17:21

19:21

21:21

09:21

 Bremen

arrive

16:15

18:15

20:15

22:17

10:15

14:15

16:15

18:15

20:15

22:17

10:15

 Hamburg Hbf

arrive

17:14

19:14

21:14

23:15

11:14

15:14

17:14

19:14

21:14

23:15

11:14

 London ► Osnabrück, Bremen, Hamburg

 Eurostar (minimum 30 minute check-in) 

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

09:01

11:04

13:01

15:04

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

12:05

14:05

16:06

18:05

22:38

 Change in Brussels onto an ICE3 train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

12:25

14:25

16:25

18:25

08:23

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

14:15

16:15

18:15

20:15

10:15

 Change in Cologne onto an ICE4 train

 Cologne Hbf

depart

15:10

17:09

19:09

07:09

11:11

 Osnabrück

arrive

17:21

19:21

21:21

09:21

13:21

 Bremen

arrive

18:15

20:15

22:17

10:15

14:15

 Hamburg Hbf

arrive

19:14

21:14

23:16

11:14

15:14

Timetable inward 2024

 Hamburg, Bremen, Osnabrück ► London

 ICE4 train

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

 Hamburg Hbf

depart

04:37

06:45

08:45

10:45

12:45

14:44

04:37

06:45

08:46

10:45

14:44

 Bremen

depart

05:40

07:44

09:44

11:44

13:44

15:45

05:40

07:44

09:44

11:44

15:45

 Osnabrück

depart

06:37

08:37

10:37

12:37

14:37

16:37

06:37

08:36

10:37

12:37

16:37

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

08:49

10:49

12:49

14:49

16:49

18:49

08:49

10:50

12:50

14:49

18:49

 Change in Cologne onto a high-speed ICE3 train

 Cologne Hbf

depart

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:40

17:41

19:40

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:40

19:40

 Brussels Midi

arrive

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

21:35

 Change trains onto Eurostar.  30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

12:52

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

07:56

12:52

14:52

17:56

18:51

08:52

 London St Pancras

arrive

13:57

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

08:59

13:57

15:57

18:57

19:47

09:57

 Hamburg, Bremen, Osnabrück ► London

 ICE4 train

Sundays

 Hamburg Hbf

depart

04:37

06:45

08:46

10:45

12:45

14:44

 Bremen

depart

05:40

07:44

09:44

11:44

13:44

15:45

 Osnabrück

depart

06:37

08:37

10:37

12:37

14:37

16:37

 Cologne Hbf

arrive

08:49

10:49

12:50

14:49

16:49

18:49

 Change in Cologne onto a high-speed ICE3 train

 Cologne Hbf

depart

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:40

17:41

19:40

 Brussels Midi

arrive

11:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

 Change trains onto Eurostar.  30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

12:52

14:52

17:56

18:51

20:56

07:56

 London St Pancras

arrive

13:57

15:57

18:57

19:47

21:57

08:59

Notes for the timetables

How to read these timetables:  Each column is a service, and you read downwards.  There's a change of trains at each of the grey bars.

You can check these train times at int.bahn.de About the 20-minute connection in Brussels.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne.  By all means choose an earlier Eurostar out or a later morning one back.

In Brussels I recommend the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station, or the Ibis Brussels Midi across the road.

In Cologne, the Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's an integral part of Cologne Hbf - many rooms have a cathedral view.

London St Pancras station guide    Brussels Midi station guide & advice on changing trains    Cologne Hbf station guideHamburg Hbf station guide

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Using an Interrail pass

Holidays & breaks

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Brussels Midi) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

20-minute connection between Eurostar and ICE

Easy 20 minute connection, Eurostar to ICE:  That's the 11:04 Eurostar from London on the right, arrived at 14:05 on platform 3, and the 14:25  ICE to Cologne & Frankfurt on the left on platform 4.  All you have to do to change trains on this particular departure is walk 20 feet across the width of the platform!  If the connection is missed, you're covered by Railteam/HOTNAT.

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  More about ICE3 Brussels Midi station guideCologne Hbf station guide.

ICE3M to Cologne & Frankfurt, boarding at Brussels Midi

An ICE3M to Cologne at Brussels Midi.  More about ICE trains Advice on changing trains in Brussels.

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.

3. Cologne to Hamburg by ICE4

ICE4s have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, and are capable of 265 km/h (165 mph).  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf, Cologne-Hamburg trains cross the Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine, then pass through the industrial Ruhr.  More about ICE trainsHamburg Hbf station guide.

ICE4 at Hamburg Hbf

An ICE4 arrived at Hamburg HbfClick on the images below for larger photos.

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.

Back to top


London to Stuttgart & Munich

Which route to choose?

There are several good options for travel between the UK and Stuttgart or Munich:

Option 1:  London to Stuttgart & Munich via Paris

Impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex trains link Paris & Stuttgart in 3h09 at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), with one a day going direct to Munich - watch the video guide.  This makes for a fast and easy train journey from London.  Make sure you book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Stuttgart, Munich (via Paris)

 Eurostar - 30 min check-in

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

06:01

09:31

10:24

12:31

20:01

06:31

09:31

12:31

20:01

09:31

10:24

12:31

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord

arrive

09:20

12:50

13:50

15:48

23:18

09:48

12:50

15:48

23:18

12:50

13:50

15:48

23:18

 Easy 7 minute 500m walk to the Gare de l'Est for TGV Duplex to Stuttgart & Munich

 Paris Gare de l'Est

depart

10:52

13:51

15:55

17:52

06:52

10:52

13:51

17:52

06:52

13:51

15:55

17:52

06:52

 Stuttgart Hbf

arrive

14:04

17:04

19:04

21:04

10:04

14:04

17:04

21:04

10:04

17:04

19:04

21:04

10:04

 Change in Stuttgart (unless direct)

direct

 

     

direct

 

 

direct

 

 

 Stuttgart Hbf

depart

14:14

17:14

19:20

21:15

10:14

14:14

17:14

21:14

10:14

17:14

19:20

21:15

10:14

 Ulm

arrive

15:10

17:58

20:21

21:58

11:10

15:10

17:58

22:09

11:10

17:58

20:21

21:58

11:10

 Augsburg

arrive

15:53

18:41

21:04

21:40

11:53

15:53

18:41

22:55

11:53

18:41

21:04

21:40

11:53

 Munich Hbf

arrive

16:26

19:12

21:36

23:13

12:27

16:26

19:12

23:26

12:27

19:12

21:36

23:13

12:27

Timetable inward 2024

 Munich, Stuttgart ► London (via Paris)

 TGV Duplex train to Paris

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Munich Hbf

depart

-

06:49

07:46

11:48

15:47

-

06:49

07:46

11:48

15:47

06:49

07:28

11:48

15:47

 Augsburg

depart

-

07:20

08:15

12:16

16:15

-

07:20

08:15

12:16

16:15

07:20

08:01

12:16

16:15

 Ulm

depart

-

08:04

09:02

13:03

17:03

-

08:04

09:02

13:03

17:03

08:04

08:47

13:03

17:03

 Stuttgart Hbf

arrive

-

09:01

09:59

13:59

17:59

-

09:01

09:59

13:59

17:59

09:01

09:45

13:59

17:59

 Change in Stuttgart (unless direct)

direct

 

 

 

 

direct

 

 

 

direct

 

 

 

 Stuttgart Hbf

depart

06:52

09:10

10:52

14:52

18:52

06:52

09:10

10:52

14:52

18:52

09:10

10:52

14:52

18:52

 Paris Gare de l'Est

arrive

10:12

12:33

14:13

18:16

22:13

10:12

12:33

14:13

18:16

22:13

12:33

14:13

18:16

22:13

 Easy 7 minute 500m walk to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar - 30 minute minimum check-in

 Paris Gare du Nord

depart

13:12

14:42

16:12

20:12

07:12

12:12

14:12

16:12

20:12

08:12

14:42

16:12

20:12

07:12

 London St Pancras

arrive

14:30

16:00

17:30

21:30

08:32

13:30

15:30

17:30

21:30

09:30

16:00

17:30

21:30

08:30

Notes for the timetables

How to read these timetables  Each column is a service, you read downwards.  You change trains at each of the grey bars.  Times may vary so always check online.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Paris.  By all means choose an earlier Eurostar out or a later morning one back.

I suggest the OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est, alongside the station on the side closest to the Gare du Nord, or the excellent 25 Hours Terminus Nord across the road from the Gare du Nord.  Other suggested hotels near Gare du Nord & Gare de l'Est

London St Pancras station guide    Paris Gare du Nord station guide    Paris Gare de l'Est station guide    Munich Hbf station guide

How much does it cost?

Buy tickets at Raileurope.com

Other ways to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Using an Interrail pass

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Paris Nord) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guide.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart & Munich.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guideMunich Hbf station guide More about TGV Duplex See TGV video guide.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de l'Est

TGV Duplex at Paris Est. These impressive 320 km/h double-deck trains link Paris with Nice, Marseille, Frankfurt, Munich, Barcelona & Switzerland.

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

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4 (or 14), serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved 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   A TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class on upper deck, a 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.

Back to top

Option 2:  London to Stuttgart & Munich via Brussels

It's easy to travel by train from London to Munich in a day, using a morning Eurostar to Brussels, a high-speed ICE3 train to Frankfurt, then another luxurious high-speed ICE to Munich, all with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch with a beer or some wine in the ICE restaurant car.  Alternatively, an overnight stop in Brussels can make it more time-effective, as shown by the shaded journeys in the timetable below.

Stuttgart, Ulm, Augsburg:  You can travel to Stuttgart, Ulm or Augsburg on the same departures from London, with a different connection from Frankfurt.  For simplicity, I only show the Munich times in the timetable below, but a journey to Stuttgart, Ulm or Augsburg is booked in exactly the same way as to Munich.

Timetable outward 2024

 London ► Munich  (via Brussels)

 Eurostar, 30 minute check-in

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

 London St Pancras

depart

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

19:34

07:04

09:01

11:04

13:01

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

22:38

10:05

12:05

14:05

16:06

22:38

 Change in Brussels onto a high-speed ICE3 train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:23

06:23

10:25

12:25

14:25

16:25

06:23

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

13:31

15:31

17:40

19:31

09:31

13:31

15:31

17:31

19:31

09:31

 Change in Frankfurt onto another ICE train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

13:53

15:50

17:53

19:53

09:53

13:53

15:50

17:53

19:53

09:53

 Munich Hbf

arrive

17:06

19:07

21:07

23:17

13:05

17:06

19:07

21:07

23:17

13:05

 London ► Munich  (via Brussels)

 Eurostar - 30 min check-in

Sundays

 London St Pancras

depart

09:01

11:04

13:01

19:34

 Brussels Midi

arrive

12:05

14:05

16:06

22:38

 Change in Brussels onto a high-speed ICE3 train, see tip about short cut

 Brussels Midi

depart

12:25

14:25

16:25

06:23

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

15:31

17:40

19:31

09:31

 Change in either Cologne or Frankfurt onto another ICE train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

15:50

17:53

19:53

09:53

 Munich Hbf

arrive

19:07

21:07

23:17

13:05

Timetable inward 2024

 Munich ► London  (via Brussels)

 By high-speed ICE train

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

 Munich Hbf

depart

06:47

08:47

10:48

12:47

14:47

06:47

08:47

10:48

14:47

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

10:04

12:04

14:04

16:04

18:04

10:04

12:04

14:04

18:04

 Change in Frankfurt or Cologne onto an ICE3 train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

10:26

12:26

14:26

16:28

18:29

10:26

12:26

14:26

18:29

 Brussels Midi

arrive

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

13:35

15:35

17:35

21:35

 Change onto Eurostar in Brussels - 30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

07:56

14:52

16:51

18:51

08:52

 London St Pancras

arrive

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

08:59

15:57

17:47

19:47

09:57

 Munich ► London  (via Brussels)

 By high-speed ICE train

Sundays

 Munich Hbf

depart

06:47

08:47

10:48

12:47

14:47

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

arrive

10:04

12:04

14:04

16:04

18:04

 Change in Frankfurt or Cologne onto an ICE3 train

 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

depart

10:26

12:26

14:26

16:28

18:29

 Brussels Midi

arrive

13:35

15:35

17:35

19:35

21:35

 Change onto Eurostar in Brussels - 30 minute minimum check-in

 Brussels Midi

depart

14:52

16:51

18:51

20:56

07:56

 London St Pancras

arrive

15:57

17:47

19:47

21:57

08:59

Notes for the timetables

How to read these timetables:  Each column is a service, and you read downwards.  There's a change of trains at each of the grey bars.

Always check times for your date using int.bahn.de About the 20-minute connection in Brussels

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne.  By all means choose an earlier Eurostar out or a later morning one back.

In Brussels I recommend the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station, or the Ibis Brussels Midi across the road.

In Cologne, the Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's an integral part of Cologne Hbf - many rooms have a cathedral view.

London St Pancras station guideBrussels Midi guideCologne Hbf station guideFrankfurt (Main) Hbf station guideMunich Hbf station guide

How much does it cost?

Buy tickets at Raileurope.com

Other ways to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Using an Interrail pass

Holidays & breaks

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Brussels Midi) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide.  Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

20-minute connection between Eurostar and ICE

Easy 20 minute connection, Eurostar to ICE:  That's the 11:04 Eurostar from London on the right, arrived at 14:05 on platform 3, and the 14:25  ICE to Cologne & Frankfurt on the left on platform 4.  All you have to do to change trains on this particular departure is walk 20 feet across the width of the platform!  If the connection is missed, you're covered by Railteam/HOTNAT.

2. Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Munich by ICE

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  The Brussels to Frankfurt train calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf, where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf, the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt.  More about ICE3 trains Brussels Midi station guideCologne Hbf station guide Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guideMunich Hbf station guide.

ICE3M to Cologne & Brussels, boarding at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

An ICE3M from Brussels at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  More about ICE trains Advice on changing trains in Brussels.

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.

Back to top

Option 3, London to Munich by sleeper

ÖBB (Austrian Railways) run an excellent Nightjet sleeper train from Brussels to Munich 3 times a week, final destination Vienna, and another from Paris to Munich Ost on the same days of the week, also en route to Vienna (the Brussels-Vienna & Paris-Vienna trains are combined into one train between Mannheim and Vienna).  ÖBB expect to make these trains daily from autumn 2024.  It's a comfortable and time-effective option if you don't mind the early arrival.

London ► Munich (via Brussels)

London ► Munich (via Paris)

Munich ► London (via Brussels)

Munich ► London (via Paris)

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris or Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guideParis Gare du Nord station guide.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2.  Brussels or Paris to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train

This is an Austrian Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet train, with sleeping-car, couchettes & seats.  The sleeping-car has 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, plus three deluxe compartments with 1, 2 or 3 beds with private shower & toilet.  The sleeper berths come fully made up with sheets and duvets, all sleeper passengers get mineral water in the evening and a light breakfast served in their compartment next morning.  Towels & toiletries are provided, including shampoo and shower gel in the deluxe sleepers.  In the more economical couchettes, you can book a couchette in a cheaper 6-berth compartment or a less-crowded 4-berth compartment, each provided with sheet, blanket, pillow & small bottle of water, and couchette passengers get a tea or coffee in the morning.  More about Nightjet trainsParis Gare de l'Est station guideMunich Hbf station guide.

Nightjet sleeper at Brussels

Above, the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet boarding at Brussels MidiMore about Nightjets.

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, towels & hair/body wash 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 couchette compartment   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on a Nightjet.

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London to Leipzig & Dresden

There are several good options for travel from the UK to Leipzig or Dresden:

Option 1, London to Leipzig or Dresden by daytime trains

This is the cheapest option, London to Leipzig or Dresden in a single day.  Or break up the journey with an overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne if you like.

London ► Leipzig, Dresden

Dresden, Leipzig ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Using an Interrail pass

Escape to Colditz?

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Brussels Midi) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Leipzig or Dresden by ICE

Germany's superb ICE (InterCity Express) high-speed trains have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  The ICE3 train from Cologne to Frankfurt calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf, where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf, the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt.  The train from Frankfurt to Leipzig & Dresden will be an ICE-TMore about ICE trains Brussels Midi station guideFrankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide.

ICE3M to Cologne & Brussels, boarding at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

A Brussels-Frankfurt ICE3 at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.   More about ICE3 trains.

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 on an ICE-T, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.

 

Lunch in the restaurant on an ICE-T.  In 1st class you're served at your seat.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier.  See  current month's menu.

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 an ICE-T.

ICE-T arrived at Leipzig Hbf

A Frankfurt-Leipzig ICE-T, arrived at Leipzig Hbf.   More about ICE-T trains.

Leipzig Hbf   Old train at Leipzig Hbf

The magnificent Leipzig Hbf.  On platform 24 you'll find a static display with a German steam locomotive and a Flying Hamburger diesel unit from 1933, pictured above right.  Worth a stroll!

If you're staying in Leipzig and your budget allows, choose the wonderful Steigenburger GrandHotel Handelshof, located right on the old town market square.

Option 2, London to Dresden by European Sleeper

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Option 3, London to Dresden by Czech sleeper

This is the most time-effective way from the UK to Dresden.  From the timetable change on 11 December 2022, a new overnight service with sleeping-car & couchettes links Zurich with Prague, routed via Karlsruhe & Dresden.  From London you can pick this new sleeper up in Karlsruhe.  It's a comfortable option, some sleepers have an en suite toilet & shower, breakfast included.

London ► Dresden

Dresden ► London

How to much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What is the sleeper train like?

It has one modern Czech sleeping-car with 9 standard compartments with washbasin and 3 deluxe compartments with a compact en suite toilet & shower.  Each compartment can be sold with 1, 2 or all 3 beds in use, as single, double and T3.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor, and each compartment converts from beds to a private sitting room for the daytime parts of the journey.  There is a power socket for laptops and mobiles.  All necessary bedding and towels are provided.  The doors have card-key locks like hotels.  A very safe, civilised and comfortable way to travel!  Do not obsess about getting a deluxe - In the standard compartments the beds and the decor are exactly the same as the deluxe ones, the only difference is that the compartment floor space is a fraction smaller (though not so you'd notice) and there's a washbasin instead of an en suite toilet & shower.  You can of course use the shower at the end of the corridor - you access it using the same card key that opens your compartment door.  This train also has couchettes, basic bunks with rug & pillow, you can book a bunk in either a 6-berth or less crowded 4-berth compartment.

The Prague to Zuirch sleeping car boarding in Prague

A Czech sleeping-car of the Comfortline type.

Czech Railways standard (economy) 2-berth sleeper   Standard (economy) sleeper in day mode   City Night Line deluxe sleeper, private toilet & shower   Comfortline sleeper corridor

Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open.  Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds.  Larger photo.

 

Same sleeper with berths folded away & seats out.  Very similar to a deluxe, but without the shower & toilet.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe sleepers are virtually identical to standard, but with a compact shower & toilet.  Larger photo.

 

Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car.  There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers.

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London to other destinations in Germany

  Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle, one of King Ludwig II of Bavaria's fairytale castles.  Find out how to visit it as a day trip from Munich here.

You can get to just about anywhere in Germany by train from London.  If your destination is a small place close to one of the big cities shown on this page such as Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, use the train times on this page to that city then use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to find train times onwards from that city to your final destination.  The German Railways website will also give fares and sell tickets for journeys within Germany.

London to anywhere in Germany

Another way to buy tickets

Neuschwanstein: Bavaria's fairytale castle

By Harz steam railway to the Brocken

Escape to Colditz

Berchtesgaden, Obersalzberg & Eagle's Nest

Holidays & breaks

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London to Germany via Harwich - Hoek

The ferry alternative!  If Eurostar is expensive, especially at short notice, the ferry can be cheaper.  If you live in East Anglia, the ferry can be more convenient, there's even a direct train from Cambridge to Harwich which connects with the night boat.  If you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel or if there are strikes in France, this is also the route for you.  Or you may simply prefer a leisurely cruise across the North Sea in a cosy private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV, after an excellent dinner in the ship's restaurant.  The route via Harwich & Hoek of Holland is one of those shown in dark blue on the route map above.  There are two departures a day, the day boat and the night boat.

Using the night boat

A convenient evening departure from central London by train and a good night's sleep in a cosy private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV on board the rock-steady 63,000 ton Stena Line superferry.  Next morning, take onward trains to anywhere in Germany.

London, Cambridge & Harwich ► Germany

Germany ► Harwich, Cambridge & London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

Step 1, London to Holland by train & ferry

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich.  You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Britannica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  Have a late dinner in the restaurant, retire to bed in a private cabin with en suite toilet & shower and satellite TV.  At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and straight onto the station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam.  Change at Schiedam Centrum for a Dutch Railways (NS) train to Amsterdam Centraal (if heading for Hannover or Berlin), or at Rotterdam Alexander for a Dutch Railways train to Utrecht (if heading to Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt & southern Germany).  The journey from London to Holland is explained in detail on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page See the video.

Captain's class cabin on Stena Line ferry   Stena Line ferry at Harwich

Captain's Class cabin on the Harwich-Hoek ferry with double bed, complimentary minibar with sparkling wine, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer.  Larger photo.

 

Boarding the Stena Britannica at Harwich.  She's a floating hotel to Hoek van Holland, with easy rail connections on either side of the Channel.  Restaurants, bars, shop, kennels, cinema.

Metropolitan restaurant on the Stena Line ferry   Cabin on Stena Line ferry

Dinner before bed?

 

Standard outside cabin.  Larger photo.  360º photo.

Step 2, Holland to Germany by ICE high-speed train or comfort InterCity (IC) train

You can pick up a German Railways ICE train to Dusseldorf, Cologne & Frankfurt either at Amsterdam Centraal (where they start) or at Utrecht Centraal (a bit quicker).  More info about ICE trains.  If you're heading for Hannover or Berlin, go to Amsterdam Centraal to catch an InterCity train there.  More info about Amsterdam-Berlin InterCity trains.

ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

An ICE3M to Frankfurt 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.

Using the day boat

It's an early start from London, but Stena Line's Harwich to Hoek van Holland daytime crossing connects nicely with the 3-times-a-week European Sleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin, making this a good option for Berlin, Leipzig or Dresden if the days and times suit you.

London & Harwich ► Berlin, Dresden

Dresden, Berlin ► Harwich & London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

1. London to Rotterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich International.  You walk off the train and into the terminal, get your boarding card at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Hollandica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  There's a self-service restaurant, two bars, lounges, a premium Stena Plus Lounge, cinema & children's play area.  There's free WiFi in the public areas on 9 deck.  At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and out of the terminal to the adjacent metro station for the frequent metro train to Rotterdam.  See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details, photos & travel tips.

Stena Line ferry at Hoek van Holland

The Stena Hollandica at Hoek van Holland, a floating hotel, with restaurants, bars, lounges, shop, kennels, cinema.

Stena Plus lounge   Metropolitan restaurant on the Stena Line ferry

Stena Plus Lounge with complimentary tea, coffee, wine.

 

Lunch in the restaurant?

Cabin on Stena Line ferry   Deck area on the Stena Line ferry

Standard outside cabin. Larger photo  360º photo

 

Open deck aft on Deck 9 for some sea air.

2. Rotterdam to Berlin by European Sleeper

Launched by two sleeper-loving entrepreneurs in May 2023, the European Sleeper has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, couchette cars with 4 and 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in the fare in sleepers & couchettes. Light snacks and drinks can be ordered from the attendant, but there's no restaurant car so bring a picnic and maybe a bottle of wine!  More about European SleeperBerlin Hbf station guide.

The European Sleeper train

Above, the westbound European Sleeper calls at Amsterdam Centraal.

Sleeping-car set up as a single   4 or 6 berth couchette compartment

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a single.

 

Couchettes, can be sold as 4 or 6 bunk.

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Scotland & the North to Germany 

If you live in the North of England or Scotland, option 1 is to take a train up to London and travel from London to Germany as described above.  This may well be the quickest & easiest option.  Here's some advice on buying connecting train tickets to London.  If you live in Scotland, the Caledonian Sleepers will get you up to London in time for a morning Eurostar & onwards trains to Germany.

But consider option 2, by-passing London by taking a luxurious overnight cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam run by DFDS Seaways or a similar overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam run by P&O Ferries, then onward trains to Germany.  There are direct trains from Holland to Osnabruck, Hannover, Berlin, Cologne & Frankfurt.  So why not by-pass London by taking the overnight ferry to Holland, perhaps spend some time in Amsterdam, then hop on a train to Germany?

Scotland & North of England ► Germany

Germany ► Scotland & North of England

Fares & how to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

Step 1, Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS) or Hull to Rotterdam (P&O) by overnight cruise ferry, with private en suite cabins, restaurants, bars, cinema, a floating hotel.  If travelling with DFDS from Newcastle, a transfer bus takes you from IJmuiden ferry terminal to Amsterdam Centraal station next morning.  If travelling with P&O from Hull, a transfer bus takes you from Rotterdam Europoort ferry terminal to Rotterdam Centraal, from where frequent Dutch trains run to Utrecht or Amsterdam.

Princess of Norway (now Princess Seaways) at Newcastle   A standard cabin on DFDS Seaways Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry.

DFDS Seaways Princess of Norway (now Princess Seaways) about to sail overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam.  The ferry also has deluxe Commodore class cabins with minibar, satellite TV, shower & toilet.  See the video

 

A standard Seaways class cabin with shower & toilet on DFDS Princess of Norway from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam   Cabin on P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam

P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam at Rotterdam Europoort.  The ferry also has deluxe class cabins with minibar, satellite TV, shower & toilet.

 

A standard outside cabin with shower & toilet on P&O's Pride of Rotterdam from Hull to Rotterdam.

Step 2, take an ICE train from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany.  More info about ICE trains.

ICE2 train, 2nd class   High-speed ICE3 train at Frankfurt

ICE3 2nd class seats.  Larger photo.

 

An ICE3 at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

Lunch & beer on an ICE3 train   ICE3 train, 1st class

ICE3 restaurant car.  See sample menu.

 

ICE3 1st class, with leather seats.  Larger photo.

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Holidays & tours to Germany

If you want a holiday to Germany by train, but want someone else to organise all the train tickets & hotels for you, several good specialist companies do just that.  Railbookers & Byway offer tailor-made individual holidays with departure on any date you like, Rail Discoveries & Great Rail Journeys offer escorted group tours with specific departure dates.

Railbookers logoRailbookers, railbookers.co.uk

Railbookers can custom-make a flight-free holiday or short break to Germany for you, with train travel & hotels, for however long you like, leaving on any date you like.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They get a lot of repeat business!  For example:

UK flag  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk

US flag  US call free 1-888-829-4775, see website

Canadian flag  Canada call 1-855-882-2910, see website

Australian flag  Australia call 1300 971 526, see website

New Zealand flag  New Zealand call 0800 000 554 or see website

Byway logoByway, byway.travel

Byway (Byway.travel) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Germany for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.

They can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form.  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Rail Discoveries logoRail Discoveries, raildiscoveries.com

Rail Discoveries offers several train-based escorted tours to Germany, with 3* hotels and travel by Eurostar and onwards high-speed train.  For example, they offer a 5-day tour to the Rhine Valley, or a 6-day Rhine cruise.  Check prices & departure dates at www.raildiscoveries.com, then book online or call 01904 730 727.

Great Rail Journeys logoGreat Rail Journeys, greatrail.com

GRJ offers five-star inclusive escorted tours to several areas in Germany, with 1st class train travel and 5* or 4* hotels.  Tours include a 10-day tour to the Rhine Valley and a 12-day tour to Berlin, Dresden, Colditz & Prague, all with overland travel from London by train and a range of departure dates.  Great Rail Journeys also offer holidays by train to other European countries.  Check the tour details online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form.

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Rhine Valley cruises

There are two ways to cruise the wonderful Rhine Valley - as an inexpensive day trip on a scheduled KD Lines cruise, or as a multi-day trip on a full-blown cruise ship which you use as a floating hotel, staying on board in en suite cabins.

A day cruise down the Rhine Valley, an inexpensive short break

Luxury Rhine cruises

River cruisers with private cabins, restaurants and bars cruise the Rhine on multi-day trips where you live on board and visit locations along the way.

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European Rail Timetable & maps

Thomas Cook European Timetable -  click to buy onlineTraveller's Railway Map of Europe - buy onlineThe European Rail Timetable (formerly the Thomas Cook European Timetable) has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information.  It is essential for regular European train travellers and an inspiration for armchair travellers.  Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of publication when Thomas Cook decided to pull the plug on their entire publishing department, but the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and resumed publication of the famous European Rail Timetable in March 2014.  You can buy it online at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses) or www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide).  More information on what the European Rail Timetable contains.

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map.  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

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Guidebooks

Make sure you take a good guidebook.  For independent travel, the best guidebook is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks provide an excellent level of practical information and historical and cultural background.  You won't regret buying one!

Amazon logoClick the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Rough Guide to Germany - buy online at Amazon.co.uk

 

Lonely Planet Germany - buy online at Amazon.co.uk

 

Click to buy - Lonely Planet Western Europe

Or buy the Lonely Planets from the Lonely Planet website, with shipping worldwide.    Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website, from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

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Recommended hotels

Here are my suggested hotels conveniently located for arrival by train in key German cities, all with good or great reviews.  You are unlikely to be disappointed by any hotel scoring over 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com.

In Berlin

In Cologne

In Frankfurt

In Hamburg

In Munich

Find hotels at Booking.comBooking.com for hotels

I generally use Booking.com for hotels for 3 reasons:

(1) It keeps all my hotel bookings together in one place;

(2) I've come to trust Booking.com's review scores;

(3) Booking.com usually offers a clearly-marked Free cancellation option.

Free cancellation means you can secure hotels risk-free even before trains open for booking, and if necessary change those bookings if your plans evolve.

If I'm only staying a night or two, I look for a hotel near the station to make arrival & departure easy.  You can enter the station name (e.g. Berlin Hbf) as search location.  If staying longer, I look for a hotel close to the sights, entering the name of a city attraction as the search location, then using map view.

I then look for a hotel with a review score of 8.0 or over, any hotel scoring over that won't disappoint.

AirBnB:  Airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels: Hostelworld.com

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 Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

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Car hire

Carrentals.co.uk logoCompare 50 different car hire companies:  www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

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Travel insurance & other tips

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here.  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection and 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.

 

Maya.net logo

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list.  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.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 as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

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 getting 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 travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  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 this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com.

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

 


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