BERLIN to COLOGNE train from €18 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Aug 13

Cheapest price

€27

Average price

€107

Fastest journey

5 h 8 m

Average duration

5 h 9 m

Trains per day

Distance

479 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Berlin to Cologne will cost around €107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €27.

Fast trains

Of the 51 trains that leave Berlin for Cologne on Thu, Aug 13, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 5 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 8 m .

On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 5 h 9 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

FlixTrain
7:49 AM5h52
Berlin Spandau
1:41 PMCologne Hbf
€271One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
7:20 AM6h21
Berlin Südkreuz station
1:41 PMCologne Hbf
€271One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
7:32 AM6h09
Berlin Hbf
1:41 PMCologne Hbf
€271One-way
0 transfers
ICE 2584 · ICE 103 · IC 2040
10:37 PM10h08
Berlin Hbf
8:45 AMCologne Hbf
€571One-way
2 transfers
FlixTrain
4:50 PM5h20
Berlin Spandau
10:10 PMCologne Hbf
€631One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Berlin to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €70.

Distance: 479 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight
€49 Average price	€40 Average price Cheapest	€243 Average price
7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	7h 41m Average total duration 7h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions	1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Most popular airline
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Berlin to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, August 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 2584 · ICE 103 · IC 2040	Delayed 9:31 PM 10:37 PMBerlin Hbf	10h08	8:45 AM Cologne Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 273 · ICE 18	On time 11:32 PM Berlin Hbf	8h08	7:40 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
Thursday, August 13
ICE 646 · 17411	On time 4:28 AM Berlin Hbf	6h10	10:38 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 277 · ICE 128	On time 4:34 AM Berlin Hbf	6h09	10:43 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 277 · ICE 820	On time 4:34 AM Berlin Hbf	5h40	10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 240 · ICE 573 · ICE 128	On time 4:57 AM Berlin Hbf	5h46	10:43 AM Cologne Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 946 · ICE 2456	On time 5:35 AM Berlin Hbf	5h39	11:14 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 644 · IC 2544	On time 6:47 AM Berlin Hbf	5h58	12:45 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 750 · ICE 126	On time 7:06 AM Berlin Hbf	5h37	12:43 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 750 · ICE 726	On time 7:06 AM Berlin Hbf	5h08	12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
FlixTrain	7:20 AM Berlin Südkreuz station	6h21	1:41 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain	7:32 AM Berlin Hbf	6h09	1:41 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain	7:49 AM Berlin Spandau	5h52	1:41 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 1131 · ICE 724	On time 8:00 AM Berlin Hbf	5h14	1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 1131 · ICE 1518	On time 8:00 AM Berlin Hbf	5h33	1:33 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 642 · IC 2546	On time 8:47 AM Berlin Hbf	5h58	2:45 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 837 · ICE 722	On time 9:05 AM Berlin Hbf	5h09	2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 837 · ICE 124	On time 9:05 AM Berlin Hbf	5h38	2:43 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 797 · ICE 108	On time 9:37 AM Berlin Spandau	5h28	3:05 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 942 · ICE 1073 · ICE 720	On time 9:47 AM Berlin Hbf	5h27	3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 transfers
ICE 373 · ICE 1716	On time 10:37 AM Berlin Hbf	5h48	4:25 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 640 · IC 2548	On time 10:47 AM Berlin Hbf	5h58	4:45 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 839 · ICE 628	On time 11:05 AM Berlin Hbf	5h09	4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 839 · ICE 122	On time 11:05 AM Berlin Hbf	5h38	4:43 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 1135 · ICE 626	On time 12:02 PM Berlin Hbf	5h12	5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 1135 · ICE 1514	On time 12:02 PM Berlin Hbf	5h31	5:33 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 931 · ICE 624	On time 1:05 PM Berlin Hbf	5h09	6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 2591 · ICE 1512	On time 1:27 PM Berlin Hbf	6h06	7:33 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 993 · ICE 104	On time 1:37 PM Berlin Spandau	5h28	7:05 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 848 · ICE 1187 · ICE 622	On time 1:47 PM Berlin Hbf	5h27	7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 transfers
ICE 848 · 17429	On time 1:47 PM Berlin Hbf	5h51	7:38 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 848 · ICE 1015	On time 1:47 PM Berlin Hbf	5h40	7:27 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 546 · IC 2542	On time 2:47 PM Berlin Hbf	5h58	8:45 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 933 · ICE 620	3:05 PM Berlin Hbf	5h09	8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 933 · ICE 120	On time 3:05 PM Berlin Hbf	5h38	8:43 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 846 · 17433	On time 3:47 PM Berlin Hbf	5h51	9:38 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 1139 · ICE 528	On time 4:00 PM Berlin Hbf	5h14	9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 1139 · ICE 318	On time 4:00 PM Berlin Hbf	5h39	9:39 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
FlixTrain	4:28 PM Berlin Südkreuz station	5h42	10:10 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain+FlixBus	4:28 PM Berlin Südkreuz station	7h22	11:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1 transfer
FlixTrain	4:39 PM Berlin Hbf	5h31	10:10 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain+FlixBus	4:39 PM Berlin Hbf	7h11	11:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1 transfer
FlixTrain	4:50 PM Berlin Spandau	5h20	10:10 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain+FlixBus	4:50 PM Berlin Spandau	7h00	11:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1 transfer
ICE 935 · ICE 526	On time 5:05 PM Berlin Hbf	5h11	10:16 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 854	5:47 PM Berlin Hbf	5h30	11:17 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 542	6:47 PM Berlin Hbf	6h02	12:49 AM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 937 · ICE 522	7:05 PM Berlin Hbf	5h26	12:31 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 842	7:47 PM Berlin Hbf	5h42	1:29 AM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 90 · ICE 921	On time 8:09 PM Berlin Hbf	7h17	3:26 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 609 · IC 60408 · ICE 618+24300	10:29 PM Berlin Hbf	7h35	6:04 AM Cologne Hbf	3 transfers
ICE 2584 · ICE 103 · IC 2040	On time 10:37 PM Berlin Hbf	10h08	8:45 AM Cologne Hbf	2 transfers
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Berlin to Cologne by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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Why should you book Berlin to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Berlin to Cologne.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Berlin to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Berlin to Cologne.
Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Berlin to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Berlin to Cologne.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Berlin to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Berlin to Cologne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Berlin to Cologne route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Berlin to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Berlin to Cologne.

Trains

from €28

Buses

from €26

Flights

from €221

Journey information

Overview: Train from Berlin to Cologne

Germany

Trains from Berlin to Cologne run on average 19 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 479 km distance in 4h 46m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Distance

479 km

Average train duration

6h 36m

Cheapest ticket price

€18

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

4h 46m

First train

12:01 AM

Last train

11:58 PM

Cheapest Month

Nov

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Mon

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

28 days

Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Berlin to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Berlin and Cologne from €18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

4h 46m

Cheapest Price

€18

Deutsche Bahn frequency

15 a day

Luggage included

Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves

Luggage storage

Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?

Refund

If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.

Seat reservation

Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.

Pets

Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

FlixTrain

About

FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

5h 2m

Cheapest Price

€43

FlixTrain frequency

6 a day

Luggage included

1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled by operator

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service

Seat reservation

Seat reservation included in ticket price

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle

Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

4h 46m

Cheapest Price

€85

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency

16 a day

FAQs: Trains from Berlin to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin to Cologne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Cheap train tickets from Berlin to Cologne can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Berlin to Cologne is €49; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The average journey time by train from Berlin to Cologne is 4h 46m to travel the 479 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.

The earliest train from Berlin to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Berlin to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.

Yes,there are 12 direct trains a day from Berlin to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

When taking a train from Berlin to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Berlin and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

A trip to Cologne from Berlin is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Berlin to Cologne is November.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Berlin and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Berlin to Cologne

Most Berlin to Cologne trains use the Berlin Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Berlin and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Berlin

Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Berlin station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Berlin to Cologne leave from Berlin Hbf. The station is 3 km from Berlin city centre at Europaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany.

Berlin HbfEuropaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Berlin Hbf from Berlin city centre

Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb23, Re2, Rb14, Re7, Fex · 5m · €3 · every ~6 min

U5 · 8m · €3 · every ~25 min

BusN40, 142 · 12m · €2 · every ~8 min

170, 270, 170A, 157A, 157 · 18m · €1

TramM8 · 13m · €3 · every ~12 min

Berlin Hbf train station facilities and services

Berlin Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: backWERK, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Kaffee, Le Crobag, McDonald's, Hans im Glück, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.

More about Berlin Hbf

Berlin SpandauBerlin-Spandau, Seegefelder Str. 1, 13597 Berlin Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Berlin Spandau from Berlin city centre

Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS3, S9, S5 · 10m · €3 · every ~14 min

S9, S5, S3 · 25m · €3 · every ~14 min

Berlin Spandau train station facilities and services

Berlin Spandau has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.