The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Cologne
Cheapest price
€36
Average price
€88
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
4 h 47 m
Trains per day
50
Distance
479 km
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 €88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €36.
Of the 50 trains that leave Berlin for Cologne on Fri, May 15, 28 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 15 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 46 m .
On Fri, May 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 47 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.
ICE 154011:52 PM6h20Berlin Hbf6:12 AMCologne Hbf€361One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain+
FlixBus4:50 PM7h00Berlin Spandau11:50 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)€421One-way1 transfer
FlixTrain8:50 AM4h51Berlin Spandau1:41 PMCologne Hbf€481One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain8:39 AM5h02Berlin Hbf1:41 PMCologne Hbf€481One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain8:28 AM5h13Berlin Südkreuz station1:41 PMCologne Hbf€481One-way0 transfers
ICE 8463:46 PM4h46Berlin Hbf8:32 PMCologne Hbf€941One-way0 transfers
ICE 9429:46 AM4h46Berlin Hbf2:32 PMCologne Hbf€1041One-way0 transfers
ICE 6446:46 AM4h47Berlin Hbf11:33 AMCologne Hbf€801One-way0 transfers
ICE 94011:46 AM4h47Berlin Hbf4:33 PMCologne Hbf€1041One-way0 transfers
ICE 8481:46 PM4h47Berlin Hbf6:33 PMCologne Hbf€1041One-way0 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, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 4:28 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h12 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:39 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h01 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 4:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:50 PM Berlin Spandau | 4h50 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1542 | On time 5:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h06 | 10:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 844 | On time 5:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 10:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 | On time 6:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h01 | 11:47 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 937 · ICE 522 | On time 7:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h37 | 12:42 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 842 | On time 7:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h00 | 12:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 699 · ICE 618 | On time 9:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 8h37 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2835 · ICE 618 | On time 9:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 8h37 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 609 · IC 60408 · ICE 618+ 24300 | On time 10:24 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h40 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 2831 · IC 60408 · ICE 618+ 24300 | On time 10:24 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h40 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1540 | On time 11:42 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h30 | 6:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, May 15 | |||||
ICE 646 | On time 4:23 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h10 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 · ICE 646 | On time 4:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 946 | On time 5:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h07 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1501 · ICE 593 · ICE 728 | On time 5:36 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h38 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 644 | On time 6:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 9590 · ICE 726 | On time 7:06 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h08 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1548 | On time 7:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h06 | 12:16 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 7:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1131 · ICE 1518 | On time 8:00 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h33 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1131 · ICE 724 | On time 8:00 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 8:28 AM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h13 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:39 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:50 AM Berlin Spandau | 4h51 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 837 · ICE 722 | On time 9:05 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1052 | On time 9:12 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h07 | 2:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 942 | On time 9:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 2:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1073 · ICE 720 | On time 10:01 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h13 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1073 · ICE 1516 | On time 10:01 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h32 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 940 | On time 11:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 4:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1135 · ICE 1514 | On time 12:02 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h31 | 5:33 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 | |
FlixTrain | 12:22 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h21 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 548 | On time 12:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:49 PM Berlin Spandau | 4h54 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 931 · ICE 624 | On time 1:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1050 | On time 1:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 6:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 848 | On time 1:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 6:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 546 | 2:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 933 · ICE 620 | On time 3:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1544 · 10228 · 28531 | 3:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h16 | 8:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 846 | 3:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 8:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1139 · ICE 528 | On time 4:00 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
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.
May 14
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May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
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May 27
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Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Why should you book Berlin to Cologne trains with Omio?
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?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Berlin to Cologne
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.
Distance 479 km |
Average train duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 12 |
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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Berlin to Cologne
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 22:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:00
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
- backWERK
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Einstein Kaffee
- Le Crobag
- McDonald's
- Hans im Glück
- Pret A Manger
- Starbucks
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof
- Located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Unvernunft
- Taverna Teloneio
- Burger King
- Hasir
- Hotel Benn
- Hotel Herbst
- Hotel Lindenufer
- Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Biertempel 2
- McDonald's
- Eis Bär
- Cafe Mon Cherie
- Appartements Eisemann
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Berlin
More options for your journey from Berlin to Cologne
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