I am flying into London. From there I plan to go to Germany and Paris.
What is the optimal path? Paris first and then to Germany or other way?

Once I thought of getting a flight to CGN in Germany, where I have a relative.
Spouse tells me to go to Paris via Eurostar. Then go to CGN - how - fly or train? Flight or train will take me closer to CGN?

Which web site should I buy these local flights? Which web site should I buy the Eurostar fare?

Have you checked the CGN Airport Wikipedia entry to see if there even is nonstop service from PAR?

Thalys runs between Gare du Nord and K�ln Hbf. 3.5 hours maybe.

I would take the train from Paris to Cologne (Thalys). Save you the time and hassle to go to the airport. Thalys leaves at Gare du Nord and arrives at Cologne Main Station.

I would, depending on where you are in London, also consider the Eurostar. Arrives at Gare du Nord in Paris as well

I would also say: Take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Gare du Nord (takes about 2 1/2 hours) and continue by Thalys from Gare du Nord to Cologne Main Station / K�ln Hbf. (takes about 3 1/2 hours) - both nonstop. If I am not staying right next to LHR or STN / CDG or ORY, I would not think twice about that.

Another more scenic (but longer) routing you might consider, depending where you are staying in Paris: From Paris Est to Karlsruhe (for example TGV InOui leaving 10:55), change in Karlsruhe to an IC/EC train (for example EC 8 leaving 14:12) going along the river Rhein and the UNESCO world heritage "MIttelrheintal". For the second part, you might read seat61: https://www.seat61.com/places-of-int...-the-rhine.htm

The easily checked Thalys website shows a trip time of 3 hours 20 mins.

Agree, Thalys is the best option. CGN is a bit outside of the city as CDG and LHR. You nearly need to go to the airport and check-in is nearly longer than travel time.

I booked SFO to FRA via LHR. Return from FRA via North Carolina to SFO.
Now I am thinking of breaking at LHR and spending a few nights in London. At LHR, there is only 2hrs between AA and BA flights - unsure if terminal chang needed. More importantly we wanted to see London too.

Flying from London to CGN seems problematic due to bags. We also want to see Paris. So take Eurostar, break in Paris and then take Thalys.

Flight arrives at 8pm in LHR - so planning on staying at a nearby hotel at least for the first night. Perhaps there is some transport available to the hotel which is under a mile! How to go to London St. Pancras from near LHR?

How soon should I book Eurostar etc?

Also, is there a Europe wide train pass? From Germany, planning on going to Swiss and Italy - what is the best form of transport? Hertz wants $400 for a week. Gas is $2/litre.

Your 2nd part of the reply seems complicated to me. I get the point we can see UNESCO building. Anything else? I will read the link and come to speed later.

Thanks to all for your posts.
BTW, Despite I set "instant email notification" for Flyer talk replies, I am not getting any. Any idea?

Mistyped a digit. Happens.

For all train related questions we have a extra forum https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/euro...il-travel-654/ . There you will find a lot of threads about the Eurostar and Thalys trains.

For all Europe rail pass have a look at https://www.eurail.com/.

The answer what is the best depends on what you want to do. If you only want to go to bigger cities, larger towns the train system in Germany, Switzerland and Italy will be perfect. If you want to venture around the countryside on your own time schedule a car is better. Within cities a car will not be necessary and only stay in the hotel parking.

I was informed Thalys is now merged with Eurostar and eventually all trains will be Eurostar. I rode a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam and was very pleased with the journey.