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

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.