BERLIN to COLOGNE train from €7 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB)

2,000+ travel companies

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 12

Cheapest price on Nov 12: €24
Average ticket price on Nov 12: €96
Fastest journey on Nov 12: 5 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Nov 12: 5 h 31 m
Trains on Nov 12: 35
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 €96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.

Fast trains

On Thu, Nov 12, we found 35 trains from Berlin to Cologne, including 14 direct services.

On Thu, Nov 12 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 5 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 31 m .

On Thu, Nov 12 the slowest trains will take 5 h 33 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 277 · ICE 158
4:41 AM 6h02
Berlin Hbf
10:43 AM
Cologne Hbf
€24
1 One-way
1 transfer
ICE 646 · ICE 656
3:23 AM 5h52
Berlin Hbf
9:15 AM
Cologne Hbf
€24
1 One-way
1 transfer
ICE 956
4:36 AM 5h36
Berlin Hbf
10:12 AM
Cologne Hbf
€24
1 One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
7:24 AM 6h21
Berlin Hbf
1:45 PM
Cologne Hbf
€26
1 One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
3:19 PM 6h22
Berlin Hbf
9:41 PM
Cologne Hbf
€26
1 One-way
0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Berlin to Cologne

Germany

Trains from Berlin to Cologne run on average 29 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.

There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 479 km distance in 3h 19m.

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

5h 9m

Cheapest ticket price

€7

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

3h 19m

First train

12:01 AM

Last train

11:58 PM

Cheapest Month

Sep

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Mon

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

91 days

Price information

Live departures

Berlin to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, November 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 856	2:38 PM Berlin Hbf	5h34	8:12 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 377 · ICE 620	Delayed 1:48 PM 2:43 PMBerlin Hbf	5h31	8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 377 · ICE 1252	Delayed 1:48 PM 2:43 PMBerlin Hbf	6h00	8:43 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 854	4:38 PM Berlin Hbf	5h34	10:12 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 552	On time 5:41 PM Berlin Hbf	5h34	11:15 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 842	6:38 PM Berlin Hbf	5h59	12:37 AM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 677 · ICE 920	On time 6:43 PM Berlin Hbf	7h22	2:05 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 90 · ICE 921	On time 8:09 PM Berlin Hbf	7h05	3:14 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 699 · IC 60402	On time 9:27 PM Berlin Hbf	8h17	5:44 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld	1 transfer
ICE 609 · IC 60408 · ICE 618+24300	10:29 PM Berlin Hbf	7h35	6:04 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	3 transfers
ICE 1540	On time 11:51 PM Berlin Hbf	6h24	6:15 AM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
Thursday, November 12
ICE 273 · ICE 18	On time 12:08 AM Berlin Hbf	7h32	7:40 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 646 · ICE 656	On time 3:23 AM Berlin Hbf	5h52	9:15 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 956	On time 4:36 AM Berlin Hbf	5h36	10:12 AM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 277 · ICE 158	On time 4:41 AM Berlin Hbf	6h02	10:43 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 277 · ICE 820	On time 4:41 AM Berlin Hbf	5h33	10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 954	On time 6:39 AM Berlin Hbf	5h33	12:12 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 279 · ICE 726	On time 6:43 AM Berlin Hbf	5h31	12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 279 · ICE 156	On time 6:43 AM Berlin Hbf	6h00	12:43 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
FlixTrain	7:24 AM Berlin Hbf	6h21	1:45 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 595 · ICE 724	On time 7:27 AM Berlin Hbf	5h47	1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
FlixTrain	7:32 AM Berlin Südkreuz station	6h13	1:45 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 1503 · ICE 595 · ICE 724	On time 7:37 AM Berlin Hbf	5h37	1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 transfers
ICE 652	On time 7:41 AM Berlin Hbf	5h34	1:15 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 703 · ICE 1652 · ICE 610	On time 7:55 AM Berlin Hbf	6h09	2:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 transfers
ICE 952	On time 8:38 AM Berlin Hbf	5h40	2:18 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 371 · ICE 154	On time 8:43 AM Berlin Hbf	6h00	2:43 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 371 · ICE 722	On time 8:43 AM Berlin Hbf	5h31	2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 597 · ICE 720	On time 9:27 AM Berlin Hbf	5h47	3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 1505 · ICE 597 · ICE 720	On time 9:37 AM Berlin Hbf	5h37	3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 transfers
ICE 650	On time 9:41 AM Berlin Hbf	5h34	3:15 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus+FlixTrain	10:00 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)	8h56	6:56 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 950	On time 10:38 AM Berlin Hbf	5h37	4:15 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 373 · ICE 1716	On time 10:43 AM Berlin Hbf	5h42	4:25 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 373 · ICE 628	On time 10:43 AM Berlin Hbf	5h31	4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
FlixTrain	11:03 AM Berlin Südkreuz station	6h40	5:43 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain	11:19 AM Berlin Hbf	6h24	5:43 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain+FlixBus	11:19 AM Berlin Hbf	8h51	8:10 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1 transfer
ICE 599 · ICE 626	On time 11:27 AM Berlin Hbf	5h47	5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
ICE 1507 · ICE 599 · ICE 626	On time 11:36 AM Berlin Hbf	5h38	5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 transfers
ICE 558	On time 11:41 AM Berlin Hbf	5h34	5:15 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 858	On time 12:37 PM Berlin Hbf	5h35	6:12 PM Cologne Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 375 · ICE 1714	On time 12:43 PM Berlin Hbf	5h42	6:25 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 375 · ICE 624	On time 12:43 PM Berlin Hbf	5h31	6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Berlin to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or WestfalenBahn 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 WestfalenBahn 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 91 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 €10

Buses

from €19

Flights

from €70

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn from Berlin to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn trains will get you between Berlin and Cologne from €7. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration

3h 19m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

€7

Deutsche Bahn frequency

22 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 FlixTrain Duration

4h 50m

Cheapest FlixTrain Price

€9

FlixTrain frequency

7 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

WestfalenBahn

About

WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average WestfalenBahn Duration

6h 3m

Cheapest WestfalenBahn Price

€28

WestfalenBahn frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled trains

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Seat reservation

Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available

Pets

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

Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Berlin and Cologne

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Berlin to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn 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.

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 €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Berlin to Cologne is €68; 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 3h 19m 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 18 direct trains a day from Berlin to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

Yes, you can take a night train from Berlin to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.

A trip to Cologne from Berlin is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 19m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

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.