- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£70
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£143
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
4 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
4 h 59 m
Trains on 29 Aug
11
Distance
445 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bern to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bern to Cologne will cost around £143 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £70.
To travel from Bern to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918
ICE 372 · IC 2545
ICE 372 · ICE 610
IC 960 · ICE 200
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918
IC 612+
ICE 6 · ICE 918
ICE 372 · ICE 610
IC 960 · ICE 200
IC 960+
ICE 200Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bern to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £49 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 31m. 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 coach costs an average of £49, while a train costs an average of £99.
Distance: 445 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£99 Average Price | £49 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 31m Average total duration Fastest 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration 8h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Bern to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 960 · ICE 200 | On time 8:04 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 960+ ICE 200 | On time 8:04 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 13:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 372 · IC 2545 | On time 9:04 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 9:04 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 372+ IC 2545 | On time 9:04 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 15:06 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 9:04 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 14:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 9:33 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4h56 | 14:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | 9:33 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h39 | 16:12 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 612+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | 9:33 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h39 | 16:12 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 612+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 9:33 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4h56 | 14:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
IC 612+ ICE 6 · ICE 918+ DB S19 | 9:33 Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h06 | 14:39 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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.
Trains from Bern to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 445 km distance in 4h 56m.
Distance 445 km |
Average train duration 5h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 4h 56m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bern 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.

Most Bern to Cologne trains use the Bern Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Bern and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bern Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Lötschberg, Tibits Bern Gurtengasse
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bern Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bern Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bern Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bern Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bern Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, Hotel Savoy Bern, Best Western Plus Hotel Bern.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need