Cologne to Lyon: Road Trip Guide & Distance

370.5 miles 596.2 km · straight line
447.2 miles actual route 719.7 km · driving distance
7h 52min estimated drive time
€77 - €95 estimated fuel cost
~1h 15min flight time
196° SSW bearing direction

How far is Cologne from Lyon?

The distance from Cologne to Lyon is 370.5 miles (596.2 km) as the crow flies. Lyon is located SSW of Cologne. By car, the driving distance is approximately 447.2 miles, taking about 7h 52min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 15min. Cologne is in Germany, while Lyon is in France.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Keep in mind this route crosses international borders. Don't forget your passport, and check current border crossing times and vehicle insurance requirements.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cologne and Lyon. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Cologne to Lyon

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 7h 52min €77 - €95 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 15min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~9h 26min $36–$67* Budget
Train ~7h 28min $54–$157* Comfort

Quick Facts

Cologne
50.94°N, 6.96°E
Europe/Berlin
37m elevation
Lyon
45.76°N, 4.84°E
Europe/Paris
173m elevation
Explore more routes from Lyon

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 124 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 31 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 67.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM