The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Cologne
Cheapest price
€28
Average price
€94
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
4 h 47 m
Trains per day
42
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 €94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
Of the 42 trains that leave Berlin for Cologne on Sat, Feb 14, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Feb 14 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 Sat, Feb 14 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 1540
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 846
ICE 942
ICE 844
ICE 644
ICE 848Travel 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 €22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. 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 €22, and a flight costs an average of €55.
Distance: 479 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€40 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €229 Average price |
7h 12m Average total duration 6h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m 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, Friday, February 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 646 | On time 3:23 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h10 | 8:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 · ICE 646 | On time 3:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 8:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 946 | On time 4:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h07 | 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1501 · ICE 593 · ICE 728 | On time 4:36 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h38 | 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 644 | On time 5:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 10:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 9590 · ICE 726 | On time 6:06 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h08 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1548 | On time 6:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h06 | 11:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 6:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | |
ICE 642 | On time 7:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 12:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:50 AM Berlin Spandau | 4h51 | 12:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1052 | On time 8:12 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h07 | 1:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 942 | On time 8:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 1:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 640 | On time 9:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 2:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1546 | On time 10:13 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h06 | 3:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 940 | On time 10:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | On time 11:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:48 AM Berlin Spandau | 4h55 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1050 | On time 12:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 5:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 848 | On time 12:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 546 | On time 1:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1544 · 10228 · 28531 | On time 2:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h16 | 7:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 846 | On time 2:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 7:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:32 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h08 | 8:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:46 PM Berlin Spandau | 4h54 | 8:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 3:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 8:35 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 | 4h47 | 9:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 | On time 5:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 10:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 842 | On time 6:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h52 | 11:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 540 | On time 7:33 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 12:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1900 · ICE 540 | On time 7:38 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h00 | 12:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 8:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 8h41 | 5:08 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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
Compare bus, train, 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.
Feb 13
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Feb 18
Feb 19
Feb 20
Feb 21
Feb 22
Feb 23
Feb 24
Feb 25
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
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Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
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 16 times per day, taking around 6h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 if you book in advance.
There are 10 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 11m.
Distance 479 km |
Average train duration 6h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 4h 11m |
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 €20. 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.

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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