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

Tue, Dec 16
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Österreichische Bundesbahnen
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Berlin

Showing times and prices for Dec 18

Cheapest price

€29

Average price

€64

Fastest journey

3 h 58 m

Average duration

4 h 8 m

Trains per day

37

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 €64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €29.

Fast trains

Of the 37 trains that leave Cologne for Berlin on Thu, Dec 18, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Dec 18 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 58 m .

On Thu, Dec 18 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.

FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
10:20AM6h50
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
05:10PMBerlin Spandau
€291One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
10:20AM7h00
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
05:20PMBerlin Hbf
€291One-way
1 transfer
FlixTrainFlixTrain · FlixTrain
09:01AM7h01
Cologne Hbf
04:02PMBerlin Südkreuz station
€331One-way
1 transfer
FlixTrainFlixTrain
04:14PM5h20
Cologne Hbf
09:34PMBerlin Südkreuz station
€341One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrainFlixTrain
04:14PM4h56
Cologne Hbf
09:10PMBerlin Spandau
€341One-way
0 transfers

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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, Wednesday, December 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:36 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 1155
Delayed
5:38 AM 5:18 AMCologne Hbf
3h58
9:35 AM 9:35 AMBerlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 553
Delayed
5:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4h10
10:01 AM 10:01 AMBerlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 855
On time
6:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4h31
11:16 AM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnIC 2206 · ICE 1545
Delayed
6:46 AM Cologne Hbf
4h56
11:55 AM 11:55 AMBerlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahn26809 · ICE 1545
Delayed
6:49 AM Cologne Hbf
4h53
11:55 AM 11:55 AMBerlin Hbf		1 transfer
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain7:14 AM Cologne Hbf
5h12
12:26 PM Berlin Hbf0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain7:14 AM Cologne Hbf
5h26
12:40 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain7:14 AM Cologne Hbf
4h56
12:10 PM Berlin Spandau0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 555
On time
7:44 AM Cologne Hbf
4h11
11:55 AM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 857
On time
8:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4h31
1:16 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 2204 · ICE 1547
Delayed
8:46 AM Cologne Hbf
4h56
1:55 PM 1:55 PMBerlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahn26813 · ICE 1547
Delayed
8:49 AM Cologne Hbf
4h53
1:55 PM 1:55 PMBerlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 557
On time
9:44 AM Cologne Hbf
4h11
1:55 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 623 · ICE 1134
On time
9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h16
3:01 PM Berlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 859
On time
10:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4h31
3:16 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1157
On time
11:18 AM Cologne Hbf
4h08
3:26 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 559
On time
11:44 AM Cologne Hbf
4h11
3:55 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 951
On time
12:45 PM Cologne Hbf
4h31
5:16 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 651
On time
1:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h11
5:55 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 721 · ICE 1130
On time
1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h16
7:01 PM Berlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 953
On time
2:45 PM Cologne Hbf
4h31
7:16 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 653
On time
3:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h20
8:04 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 955
On time
4:45 PM Cologne Hbf
4h37
9:22 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1159
On time
5:18 PM Cologne Hbf
4h08
9:26 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 655
On time
5:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h26
10:10 PM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn17430 · ICE 947
On time
6:21 PM Cologne Hbf
5h05
11:26 PM Berlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnIC 2041 · ICE 947
On time
6:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h56
11:26 PM Berlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 821 · ICE 274
On time
6:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
6h10
12:55 AM Berlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 1541 · 3704
On time
10:27 PM Cologne Hbf
6h16
4:43 AM Berlin Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 1541
On time
10:27 PM Cologne Hbf
6h21
4:48 AM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 619 · ICE 698
On time
10:54 PM Cologne Hbf
8h12
7:06 AM Berlin Hbf		1 transfer
Thursday, December 18
deutsche_bahnICE 541
On time
3:25 AM Cologne Hbf
4h51
8:16 AM Berlin Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 11555:18 AM Cologne Hbf
3h58
9:16 AM Berlin Hbf0 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.

Wed
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Sun
Dec 21
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Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
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Dec 25
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Mon
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Jan 06

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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Berlin

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.
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 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Berlin can start from as little as €11 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Berlin is €35; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cologne to Berlin train travel time is 4 h 19 min   for the 478 km long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Berlin leaves at 00: 01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Berlin leaves at 23: 58.
Yes, there are 8 direct trains a day from Cologne to Berlin with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. 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 or FlixTrain for the best way to get you to Berlin. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service from Cologne to Berlin and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 58.

When departing from Cologne, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Cologne Hbf and Cologne Messe/Deutz. When arriving in Berlin, you can end your journey in train stations like Berlin Hbf, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Südkreuz station, Berlin Spandau, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Berlin Hbf, located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Berlin from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 19 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Berlin is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Cologne to Berlin including taking a train, coach or 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.
Köln HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/DeutzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Köln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln
ticketOfficeHours
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Imbiss Athena
  • Arena Grill
  • Cafe Especial
  • Joe Champs
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Helenenwall
  • Zur guten Quelle
  • Zum Goldenen Hut
  • Merlin
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Köln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 Köln
ticketOfficeHours
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps

More options for your journey from Cologne to Berlin

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Tickets and more information for trains to Berlin

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