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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Cologne
Cheapest price
£47
Average price
£98
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
4 h 52 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
479 km
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berlin to Cologne will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
Of the 15 trains that leave Berlin for Cologne every day 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 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.
FlixTrain16:395h42Berlin Hbf22:21Cologne Hbf£471One-way0 changes- FlixTrain16:285h53Berlin Südkreuz station22:21Cologne Hbf£471One-way0 changes
- FlixTrain16:505h31Berlin Spandau22:21Cologne Hbf£471One-way0 changes
- FlixTrain8:504h51Berlin Spandau13:41Cologne Hbf£651One-way0 changes
- FlixTrain8:395h02Berlin Hbf13:41Cologne Hbf£651One-way0 changes
ICE 6446:474h46Berlin Hbf11:33Cologne Hbf£1341One-way0 changes- FlixTrain8:504h51Berlin Spandau13:41Cologne Hbf£651One-way0 changes
- ICE 15487:254h51Berlin Spandau12:16Cologne Hbf£1621One-way0 changes
- FlixTrain12:494h54Berlin Spandau17:43Cologne Hbf£821One-way0 changes
- ICE 9465:355h00Berlin Hbf10:35Cologne Hbf£1341One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Berlin to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. 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 coach costs an average of £21, and a flight costs an average of £63.
Distance: 479 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£44 Average Price | £36 Average Price Cheapest | £217 Average Price |
7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 41m Average total duration 7h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m 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
Berlin to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Cologne trains for today, Thursday 9 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1540 | Delayed 21:56 23:51Berlin Hbf | 6h22 | 6:13 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 10 July | |||||
| ICE 646 | Delayed 4:28 Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 7:45 7:45Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 646 · 26706 · ICE 621 | On time 4:28 Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 9:42 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
| ICE 946 | Delayed 5:35 Berlin Hbf | 5h00 | 8:45 8:45Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 644 | Delayed 6:47 Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 9:46 9:46Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 9590 · ICE 726 | On time 6:58 Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station | 5h16 | 12:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
| ICE 1548 | Delayed 7:25 Berlin Spandau | 4h51 | 10:22 10:22Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 8:28 Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h13 | 13:41 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 8:39 Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 13:41 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 8:50 Berlin Spandau | 4h51 | 13:41 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:22 Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h21 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:40 Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:49 Berlin Spandau | 4h54 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 16:28 Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h53 | 22:21 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 16:39 Berlin Hbf | 5h42 | 22:21 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 16:50 Berlin Spandau | 5h31 | 22:21 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Berlin to Cologne by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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 Berlin to Cologne 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 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?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Berlin to Cologne
Smooth rideNo changes
Affordable priceIt was heatedIt was restless at timesCalm atmosphereComfortable seatsGood board restaurantLong journey timeDelay on arrival at Cologne main stationTravelling very slowly from Cologne
More freedom of movement than when driving a carLess environmental impactGames with children possible during the journeyUnpunctualityMore people than seats on the trainFar too expensivePunctualFriendlinessToiletsPunctualityCareAtmospherewifipunctualnoneServiceComfortFriendlinessPunctualityAir conditioningWIFIVery fullWifiPleasantnoneThe seats were very comfortable, I had good possibilities to stow my suitcase.The food was no longer so warm and the train was 17 minutes late.The food tasted good, nice staffDelay, the toilets were not cleanGood mobile phone receptionCleanlinessFavourable pricePoor serviceExpensive foodToo Late ArrivalThe seats were very comfortableThe product has no weaknessesNice staffFood did not taste goodEmployeesGood connection with the SprinterAbsolutely unnecessary communication by mail (confusing)Service is topNo changePricePleasant train rideNothingThe service was goodIt was nice to be able to go to the toiletComfortable seatsFriendly staffThere was rubbish in my placeVery expensiveTook agesTrain was unfortunately 10 minutes lateComfortPunctualityService & Foodnone foundCleanlinessFavourableFastPassengersGood comfortModern equipmentVery cleanNice staffHigh ticket priceLong journey durationJourney information
Overview: Train from Berlin to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Berlin to Cologne run on average 19 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 12 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 46m.
Distance 479 km |
Average train duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 4h 46m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Berlin to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Berlin and Cologne from £16. 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)
Trains from Berlin to Cologne
Boarding a train from Berlin to Cologne is fast and stress-free. The fastest journey is 4 hours and 18 minutes. Passengers can catch an average of 17 trains a day between Berlin and Cologne. Trains leave the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) station for Cologne every hour.
Berlin to Cologne train times: Daily departures
Depending on the day and passenger volume, people who want to take a train from Berlin to Cologne can expect between 11 and 22 trains daily. The first train leaves some minutes past midnight, and the last before midnight, but the times can change on weekends and during holidays and festivities. Passengers taking earlier and later trains may only have sleeper services to choose from.
How long is the journey by train from Berlin to Cologne?
The distance by train from Berlin to Cologne is approximately 298 miles. If travellers board the fastest train, they can get to Cologne in 4 hours and 18 minutes. The average duration for the journey depends on the number of changes, ticket class, time of the day, and other factors. Passengers travelling from Berlin to Cologne have up to 17 direct trains every day to choose from, especially if they book in advance.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Berlin to Cologne?
Departure train station: Trains travelling from Berlin to Cologne depart from Berlin Hbf at the heart of the city. Berlin's underground, municipal rail, and express buses connect the station to the airport and the city. Facilities at the station include toilets, disability assistance, luggage storage, ticket offices, waiting rooms, shops and bars, and a first-class lounge.
Arrival train station: The arrival station in Cologne is Köln Hbf. The station's central location makes it easily accessible via the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and city buses. It's located next to the magnificent Kölner Cathedral and other popular attractions. Passenger facilities include waiting rooms, shops, bars, toilets, luggage storage, disability assistance, ticket counters, and an information desk.
Which train companies travel from Berlin to Cologne?
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and FlixTrain operate trains between Berlin and Cologne. DB is owned by the German government, operates most of the intercity and regional trains in the country, and can run up to 20 Berlin-Cologne trains daily. Meanwhile, FlixTrain's services are limited to a few trains per week.
Deutsche Bahn Berlin to Cologne
Deutsche Bahn's hourly services between Berlin and Cologne offer direct and connecting trains. Travellers can choose from 10 to 20 DB trains going to Cologne from Berlin every day. Trains reach their destination in approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes.
FlixTrain Berlin to Cologne
FlixTrain operates trains and coaches all over Europe. Some of its trains service the Berlin-Cologne route, with some direct connections. Its trains are slower than DB's but more affordable.
Berlin to Cologne trains: Services on board
DB operates different types of trains, including high-speed ICE trains, intercity trains, and regional and local trains. Passengers riding in first class can expect complimentary snacks, drinks, newspapers, and unrestricted wireless internet access. Standard coaches are also spacious and comfortable.
Passengers can bring luggage on DB trains for free. Travelling with a bike on a long-distance journey needs a reservation. Guide dogs can ride DB trains without a ticket or a muzzle, but other pets may need to be restrained depending on their size. Larger dogs need a ticket to get on the train.
FlixTrain also offers first- and second-class seats. There is food on board, charging outlets, free WiFi, bathrooms, and more. The company helps passengers with reduced mobility and allows them to travel with wheelchairs and scooters weighing up to 350 kg. The luggage policy is generous, and passengers can transport a bicycle if they make a reservation. FlixTrain allows travelling with pets, but dogs need to be on a lead or muzzled.
How to find cheap train tickets from Berlin to Cologne
Finding cheap train tickets requires planning and flexibility. Travellers can get excellent deals on train tickets from Berlin to Cologne if they book in advance - buying a ticket on the departure day is often expensive. Passengers can also get low-cost tickets if they travel when most people aren't on the move or opt for slower journeys and connecting trains. Omio's user-friendly tools help find the cheapest tickets to travel by train from Berlin to Cologne.
FAQs: Berlin to Cologne train
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Berlin and 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.
Which Berlin station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Berlin Hbf from Berlin city centre
Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Berlin Spandau from Berlin city centre
Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Food and drink
Food options include: Unvernunft, Taverna Teloneio, Burger King, Hasir
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Spandau. ATMs are available at Berlin Spandau.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Spandau. Information desks are available at Berlin Spandau.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Spandau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin Spandau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin Spandau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Spandau.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Benn, Hotel Herbst, Hotel Lindenufer, Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau.
Getting to Berlin Südkreuz from Berlin city centre
Berlin Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Südkreuz train station facilities and services
Berlin Südkreuz 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: Biertempel 2, McDonald's, Eis Bär, Cafe Mon Cherie
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Südkreuz. ATMs are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Information desks are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Appartements Eisemann.
Which Cologne station do trains from Berlin arrive at?
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.
More options for your journey from Berlin to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Berlin
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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