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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Berlin
Showing times and prices for Feb 02
Cheapest price
€20
Average price
€58
Fastest journey
3 h 58 m
Average duration
4 h 28 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
479 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Berlin will cost around €58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Fast trains
Of the 20 trains that leave Cologne for Berlin on Mon, Feb 02, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Feb 02 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 58 m .
On Mon, Feb 02 the slowest trains will take 4 h 51 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 154111:27PM6h21
Cologne Hbf05:48AMBerlin Hbf
€201One-way
0 transfers
ICE 1541 · 370411:27PM6h16
Cologne Hbf05:43AMBerlin Hbf
€241One-way
1 transfer
ICE 619 · ICE 69811:54PM8h27
Cologne Hbf08:21AMBerlin Hbf
€301One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus+
FlixTrain10:20AM6h50
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)05:10PMBerlin Spandau
€351One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus+FlixTrain10:20AM7h00
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)05:20PMBerlin Hbf
€351One-way
1 transfer
ICE 115506:18AM3h58
Cologne Hbf10:16AMBerlin Hbf
€461One-way
0 transfers
ICE 115712:18PM4h08
Cologne Hbf04:26PMBerlin Hbf
€1041One-way
0 transfers
ICE 85507:45AM4h31
Cologne Hbf12:16PMBerlin Hbf
€561One-way
0 transfers
17330 · ICE 85911:25AM4h51
Cologne Hbf04:16PMBerlin Hbf
€671One-way
1 transfer
17338 · ICE 95101:25PM4h51
Cologne Hbf06:16PMBerlin Hbf
€1171One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Berlin
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 €21, and a flight costs an average of €90.
Distance: 479 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€58 Average price | €37 Average price Cheapest | €240 Average price |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m 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
Cologne to Berlin train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Berlin trains for today, Sunday, February 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 4:49 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1159 | Delayed 5:19 PM 5:18 PMCologne Hbf | 4h08 | 9:38 PM 9:38 PMBerlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 17362 · ICE 957 | On time 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h01 | 11:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 129 · ICE 274 | Delayed 6:43 PM 6:28 PMCologne Hbf | 8h14 | 2:45 AM 2:45 AMBerlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 821 · ICE 274 | Delayed 6:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h57 | 2:45 AM 2:45 AMBerlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17432 · IC 2349+ 83541+ICE 274 | Delayed 7:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h21 | 2:45 AM 2:45 AMBerlin Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 912 · IC 2349+83541+ICE 274 | Delayed 7:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h10 | 2:45 AM 2:45 AMBerlin Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 1541 | On time 10:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h21 | 4:48 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1541 · 3704 | On time 10:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h17 | 4:44 AM Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 619 · ICE 698 | On time 10:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h40 | 7:34 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, February 2 | |||||
| ICE 541 | On time 3:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h04 | 8:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1155 | On time 5:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 9:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1511 · ICE 1138 | On time 5:27 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 11:01 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 525 · ICE 1138 | On time 5:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 11:01 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 855 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 11:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 12:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 12:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h26 | 12:40 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus+FlixTrain | 9:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 6h50 | 4:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+FlixTrain | 9:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 7h00 | 4:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 17330 · ICE 859 | On time 10:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 3:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h23 | 4:37 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 4:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 4:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1157 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h08 | 3:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 17338 · ICE 951 | On time 12:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 5:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1549 | On time 12:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 5:51 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Berlin 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Berlin?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Berlin is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Berlin route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Berlin 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 Cologne to Berlin.
Trains
from €33Buses
from €25Flights
from €210Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Berlin
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Berlin run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €22 but you can travel from only €21 by bus.
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 32m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €21
Distance 479 km |
Average train duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €22 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 4h 32m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €21
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Cologne to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Cologne and Berlin from €21. 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 41m
Cheapest Price
€38
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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.
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.
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.
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
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 14m
Cheapest Price
€18
FlixTrain frequency
5 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
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 25m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Berlin
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Berlin can start from as little as €22 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Berlin is €58; 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 Cologne to Berlin is 4h 32m 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 Cologne to Berlin leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Berlin leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes,there are 8 direct trains a day from Cologne to Berlin with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Berlin, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen for the best way to get you to Berlin. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Berlin and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Berlin from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 32m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Berlin is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Berlin including taking a bus, train, and flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Berlin
Cologne
Berlin
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Berlin.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
The major train station for arrivals in Berlin is Berlin Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Berlin Hbf for your journey to Berlin from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 22:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Dining
- backWERK
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Einstein Kaffee
- Le Crobag
- McDonald's
- Hans im Glück
- Pret A Manger
- Starbucks
- & many more
Accessibility
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof
Information Desk
- Located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Jäger & Lustig
- BLOCK HOUSE
- Pizza und Pasta
- Lang Van II
Hotel
- Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
- Armony Hotel
- Nu hotel berlin
- Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
6 kmDining
- Biertempel 2
- McDonald's
- Eis Bär
- Cafe Mon Cherie
Hotel
- Appartements Eisemann
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Berlin
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Berlin and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Berlin
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