Cologne to Berlin train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB)

Thu, Sep 17
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Berlin

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

€28

Average ticket price on Sep 17

€83

Fastest journey on Sep 17

4 h 10 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

4 h 11 m

Trains on Sep 17

29

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 €83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.

Fast trains

On Thu, Sep 17, we found 29 trains from Cologne to Berlin, including 24 direct services.

On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .

On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 4 h 11 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.

  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:14 PM5h06
    Cologne Hbf
    9:20 PMBerlin Hbf
    281One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:14 PM5h20
    Cologne Hbf
    9:34 PMBerlin Südkreuz station
    281One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:14 PM4h56
    Cologne Hbf
    9:10 PMBerlin Spandau
    281One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    8:14 AM5h17
    Cologne Hbf
    1:31 PMBerlin Südkreuz station
    301One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    12:14 PM4h56
    Cologne Hbf
    5:10 PMBerlin Spandau
    301One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, 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 an average ticket price of €39 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €39, while a flight costs an average of €203.

Distance: 479 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

€49

Average price

€39

Average price

Cheapest

€203

Average price

€87

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 59m

Average total duration

5h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 15m

Average total duration

6h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 4m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

6h 38m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

1.4 - 2.9kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Berlin is a bus with an average price of €39.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Berlin:

A bus is €10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Berlin costing on average €49.

A bus is €164 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Berlin costing on average €203.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Berlin is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 4m.

Other travel options to Berlin take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 29m.

Bus takes on average 6h 45m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Berlin including taking a train, bus, and flight.

Live departures

Cologne to Berlin train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Berlin trains for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 1541
Delayed
9:36 PM 11:27 PMCologne Hbf
6h06
3:37 AM 3:37 AMBerlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 619 · ICE 698
On time
11:57 PM Cologne Hbf
8h09
8:06 AM Berlin Hbf
1 transfer
Thursday, September 17
Deutsche BahnICE 541
On time
4:25 AM Cologne Hbf
4h45
9:10 AM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 853
On time
5:38 AM Cologne Hbf
4h34
10:12 AM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 553
On time
6:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4h10
10:55 AM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 855
On time
7:38 AM Cologne Hbf
4h34
12:12 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain8:14 AM Cologne Hbf
5h17
1:31 PM Berlin Südkreuz station0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain8:14 AM Cologne Hbf
5h06
1:20 PM Berlin Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain8:14 AM Cologne Hbf
4h56
1:10 PM Berlin Spandau0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 2204 · ICE 1547
On time
9:46 AM Cologne Hbf
4h45
2:31 PM Berlin Spandau
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 557
On time
10:44 AM Cologne Hbf
4h11
2:55 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 859
On time
11:38 AM Cologne Hbf
4h34
4:12 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain12:14 PM Cologne Hbf
4h56
5:10 PM Berlin Spandau0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain12:14 PM Cologne Hbf
5h23
5:37 PM Berlin Südkreuz station0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain12:14 PM Cologne Hbf
5h06
5:20 PM Berlin Hbf0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 559
On time
12:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h11
4:55 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 951
On time
1:38 PM Cologne Hbf
4h34
6:12 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 651
On time
2:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h11
6:55 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 953
On time
3:38 PM Cologne Hbf
4h35
8:13 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain4:14 PM Cologne Hbf
5h06
9:20 PM Berlin Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain4:14 PM Cologne Hbf
4h56
9:10 PM Berlin Spandau0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain4:14 PM Cologne Hbf
5h20
9:34 PM Berlin Südkreuz station0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 653
On time
4:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h11
8:55 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 955
On time
5:38 PM Cologne Hbf
4h34
10:12 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 655
On time
6:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h11
10:55 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 957
On time
7:38 PM Cologne Hbf
4h43
12:21 AM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 821 · ICE 274
On time
7:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
6h09
1:54 AM Berlin Hbf
1 transfer

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 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.

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Why should you book Cologne to Berlin trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Berlin.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Berlin.

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 Cologne to Berlin.
  • 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 Cologne to Berlin.

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 Cologne to Berlin.

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 84 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Berlin

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Berlin run on average 23 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.

There are 15 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 50m.

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 29m
Cheapest ticket price
€7
Trains per day
23
Direct trains
15
Fastest train
4h 50m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
84 days
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Berlin 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
4h 50m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€7
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

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 56m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
€20
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
4h 48m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
€85
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Berlin can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Berlin is €49; 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 50m 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 15 direct trains a day from Cologne to Berlin with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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 50m 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 train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Berlin

Most Cologne to Berlin trains use the Köln Hbf to Berlin Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Berlin Spandau. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Berlin train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Berlin

Which Cologne station do trains to Berlin leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Berlin leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf 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.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · €3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · €2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

Köln Messe/Deutz 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.

Food and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · €4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · €5

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

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