The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Potsdam
Cheapest price on Sep 12
€49
Average ticket price on Sep 12
€104
Fastest journey on Sep 12
5 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 12
5 h 53 m
Trains on Sep 12
5
Distance
452 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Potsdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Potsdam will cost around €104 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
On Sat, Sep 12, we found 5 trains from Cologne to Potsdam, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 12 the direct trains cover the 452 km distance in an average of 5 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 26 m .
On Sat, Sep 12 the slowest trains will take 6 h 20 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.
8:27 AM5h35Cologne2:02 PMPotsdam€491One-way0 transfers
7:31 AM6h20Cologne1:51 PMPotsdam€791One-way0 transfers
5:25 AM5h26Cologne10:51 AMPotsdam€1231One-way0 transfers
7:11 AM6h11Cologne1:22 PMPotsdam€1291One-way0 transfers
7:27 AM5h55Cologne1:22 PMPotsdam€1411One-way0 transfers
5:25 AM5h26Cologne10:51 AMPotsdam€1231One-way0 transfers
8:27 AM5h35Cologne2:02 PMPotsdam€491One-way0 transfers
7:27 AM5h55Cologne1:22 PMPotsdam€1411One-way0 transfers
7:11 AM6h11Cologne1:22 PMPotsdam€1291One-way0 transfers
7:31 AM6h20Cologne1:51 PMPotsdam€791One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Potsdam
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Potsdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €43 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. 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 €43, while a flight costs an average of €131.
Distance: 452 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€81 Average price | €131 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 5m Average total duration 13h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Potsdam:
A bus is €38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Potsdam costing on average €81.
A bus is €88 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Potsdam costing on average €131.
Other travel options to Potsdam take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 47m.
Bus takes on average 13h 35m.
Live departures
Cologne to Potsdam train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Potsdam trains for today, Friday, September 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:31 AM Cologne | 6h20 | 1:51 PM Potsdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:01 AM Cologne | 7h01 | 3:02 PM Potsdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:29 AM Cologne | 6h22 | 2:51 PM Potsdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 12 | |||||
![]() | 5:25 AM Cologne | 5h26 | 10:51 AM Potsdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:11 AM Cologne | 6h11 | 1:22 PM Potsdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Potsdam 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.
Sep 12
Sep 13
Sep 14
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Why should you book Cologne to Potsdam trains with Omio?
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 Potsdam.
- 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 Potsdam.
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 Potsdam.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Potsdam
Trains from Cologne to Potsdam run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €28 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 452 km distance in 5h 19m.
Distance 452 km |
Average train duration 5h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 19m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Potsdam trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Potsdam from €28. 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Potsdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Potsdam 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 Potsdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Potsdam
Most Cologne to Potsdam trains use the Köln Hbf to Potsdam Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Berlin Spandau. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Potsdam train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Potsdam leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Which Potsdam station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Potsdam Hbf from Potsdam city centre
Potsdam Hbf train station facilities and services
Potsdam 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: Smiley's Pizza Profis, Addy's Bistro und Café, Bao An, Theo's Inselcafé
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Potsdam Hbf. ATMs are available at Potsdam Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Potsdam Hbf. Information desks are available at Potsdam Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Potsdam Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Potsdam Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Potsdam Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Potsdam Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express, The niu Amity.
Getting to Potsdam-Babelsberg from Potsdam city centre
Potsdam-Babelsberg is 2 km from Potsdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Potsdam-Babelsberg train station facilities and services
Potsdam-Babelsberg 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: Babelsberger Küche, La copa, Bistro Femo, Lindencafé
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Potsdam-Babelsberg. ATMs are available at Potsdam-Babelsberg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Potsdam-Babelsberg. Information desks are available at Potsdam-Babelsberg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Potsdam-Babelsberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Potsdam-Babelsberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Potsdam-Babelsberg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Potsdam-Babelsberg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include FRITZ Aparthotel Potsdam.
Getting to Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg from Potsdam city centre
Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg is 4 km from Potsdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg train station facilities and services
Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg 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: Bistro Wiesenstein, Prinz Eisenherz, Lee Moon, King Sigi Döner
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg. ATMs are available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg. Information desks are available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Potsdam Medienstadt Babelsberg.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Potsdam
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

