The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Cologne
Cheapest price
€20
Average price
€58
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 47 m
Trains per day
45
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 €58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Of the 45 trains that leave Berlin for Cologne on Wed, Dec 31, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Dec 31 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 45 m .
On Wed, Dec 31 the slowest trains will take 4 h 49 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 1540
ICE 542
ICE 699 · IC 60402
ICE 937 · ICE 522
ICE 844
ICE 846 · ICE 823
ICE 844
ICE 842
ICE 544
ICE 542Travel Information
Compare bus, train, 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 €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. 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 €23, and a flight costs an average of €80.
Distance: 479 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€67 Average price | €39 Average price Cheapest | €228 Average price |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m 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, Tuesday, December 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 646 · ICE 621 | On time 3:23 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h19 | 8:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 646 · ICE 515 | On time 3:23 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h23 | 8:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 277 · ICE 646 · ICE 621 | On time 3:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 8:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 277 · ICE 646 · ICE 515 | On time 3:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h18 | 8:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 946 · IC 2013 | On time 4:27 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h13 | 9:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1548 | On time 6:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h59 | 11:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 · IC 2156 | On time 6:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h52 | 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1131 · ICE 724 | On time 7:00 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1131 · ICE 1518 | On time 7:00 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h33 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 7:28 AM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h13 | 12:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:39 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 12:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:50 AM Berlin Spandau | 4h51 | 12:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 837 · ICE 722 | On time 8:05 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1052 | On time 8:09 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h10 | 1:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 942 · ICE 721 | On time 8:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h56 | 1:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 942 · IC 2406 | On time 8:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h59 | 1:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 640 · ICE 723 | On time 9:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h53 | 2:39 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 640 · ICE 927 | On time 9:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h00 | 2:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 940 · ICE 725 | On time 10:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h56 | 3:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 940 · IC 2408 | On time 10:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h59 | 3:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1135 · ICE 1514 | On time 11:02 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h31 | 4:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1135 · ICE 626 | On time 11:02 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h12 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 11:22 AM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h21 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:38 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 548 · ICE 727 | On time 11:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h56 | 4:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 11:48 AM Berlin Spandau | 4h55 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 848 · IC 2400 | On time 12:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h59 | 5:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 848 · ICE 729 | On time 12:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h56 | 5:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 546 | On time 1:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h50 | 6:36 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 933 · ICE 620 | 2:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 933 · ICE 120 | On time 2:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h38 | 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1544 · 10228 · 28531 | On time 2:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h16 | 7:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 2604 · 10228 · 28531 | On time 2:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h16 | 7:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 846 · IC 2402 | On time 2:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h59 | 7:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 846 · ICE 823 | On time 2:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h45 | 7:31 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1139 · ICE 528 | On time 3:00 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 3:32 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h11 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:46 PM Berlin Spandau | 4h57 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 3:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 8:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 935 · ICE 526 | On time 4:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1542 | On time 4:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h04 | 9:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 844 | On time 4:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 9:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 | 5:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 10:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 937 · ICE 522 | On time 6:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h26 | 11:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 842 | On time 6:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 11:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 740 · ICE 921 | On time 7:14 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h48 | 2:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 540+ 95788+ 52292 · 89998 | 7:33 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h39 | 3:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ICE 2611 · ICE 540+ 95788+ 52292 | 7:38 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h34 | 3:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
ICE 1900 · ICE 540+ 95788+ 52292 | On time 7:38 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h34 | 3:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 8:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 8h30 | 4:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 609 · IC 60408+ 24300+ ICE 618 | 9:28 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h36 | 5:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1540 | On time 10:52 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h21 | 5:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 bus, train, or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Berlin to Cologne
Trains from Berlin to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 if you book in advance.
There are 8 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 25m.
Distance 479 km |
Average train duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 4h 25m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, ÖBB Nightjet from Berlin to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Berlin and Cologne from €21. 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
ÖBB Nightjet
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
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.

When departing from Berlin, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Berlin Hbf, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Südkreuz station, Berlin Spandau, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your route in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne Süd.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Berlin Hbf, which is located around 3.5 miles (5.6 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
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
- Jäger & Lustig
- BLOCK HOUSE
- Pizza und Pasta
- Lang Van II
- Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
- Armony Hotel
- Nu hotel berlin
- Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
- 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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