Trains from all over Europe run to Cologne, terminating at the main central station Hauptbahnhof (Hbf). Its satellite, Bahnhof Deutz, on the opposite side of the river Rhine, is located next to the Messe (trade fair grounds). Both are connected to the city's U-Bahn (underground railway) and S-Bahn (overground light railway) network. In fact, some of the U-Bahn network also runs overground.

There is no direct rail link between the UK and Cologne. However high-speed Eurostar trains link London St Pancras with Brussels Midi/Zuid in around three hours. From Brussels, high-speed Thalys and German ICE (Inter City Express) trains run to Cologne. The total journey time can be as short as 5 hours 45 minutes. Contact Eurostar (tel: 0870 518 6186, in the UK; website: www.eurostar.com). For more journey details go to www.seat61.com/Germany.htm#Cologne.