- Must visit
Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg
An open-air museum with historic rural buildings from across Switzerland. Worth visiting for architecture, crafts and a broad picture of traditional life.
Cheapest price on 17 Oct
£50
Average ticket price on 17 Oct
£96
Fastest journey on 17 Oct
6 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 17 Oct
6 h 26 m
Trains on 17 Oct
14
Distance
477 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Interlaken is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Interlaken will cost around £96 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
To travel from Cologne to Interlaken you need to make at least one change.
ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 275
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 30063 · IC 814
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 30063 · IC 10063
ICE 827 · ICE 273 · IC 615
IC 1648 · ICE 277 · IC 30065 · IC 10065
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 30279
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 625 · RE 4228
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IC 30065 · IC 10065
ICE 103 · IC 623
ICE 101 · IC 619Trains from Cologne to Interlaken run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 477 km distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 477 km |
Average train duration 6h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 15m |
First train 0:15 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Interlaken trains for today, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 203 · IC 2345 · IC 838 · IC 991 | 18:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h04 | 0:58 Interlaken West | 3 changes | |
ICE 1015 · ECE 9 · IR 2347 · IC 842 | Delayed 17:47 19:30Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h35 | 2:05 Interlaken West | 4 changes | |
| Saturday 17 October | |||||
ICE 827 · ICE 273 · IC 615 | On time 3:21 Cologne Hbf | 8h01 | 11:22 Interlaken West | 2 changes | |
ICE 827 · ICE 273 · IC 615 | On time 3:21 Cologne Hbf | 8h01 | 11:22 Interlaken West | 2 changes | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 30063 · IC 814 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 7h05 | 12:53 Interlaken West | 3 changes | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 30063 · IC 10063 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 12:21 Interlaken West | 4 changes | |
IC 1648 · ICE 277 · IC 30065 · IC 10065 | On time 6:53 Cologne Hbf | 7h28 | 14:21 Interlaken West | 4 changes | |
ICE 101 · IC 619 | On time 6:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 13:22 Interlaken West | 1 change | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IC 30065 · IC 818 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h59 | 14:53 Interlaken West | 3 changes | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IC 30065 · IC 10065 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h27 | 14:21 Interlaken West | 4 changes | |
IC 1940 · ICE 279 · IC 625 · RE 4228 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 7h28 | 16:21 Interlaken West | 3 changes | |
ICE 103 · IC 623 | On time 8:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 15:22 Interlaken West | 1 change | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 30279 | On time 9:34 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h19 | 15:53 Interlaken West | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IC 977 | On time 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 8h00 | 17:53 Interlaken West | 3 changes | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 625 · RE 4228 | On time 9:54 Cologne Hbf | 6h27 | 16:21 Interlaken West | 3 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Interlaken — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Interlaken trip today.
An open-air museum with historic rural buildings from across Switzerland. Worth visiting for architecture, crafts and a broad picture of traditional life.
A local history museum in a 17th-century timber house. Worth visiting for folk culture, regional objects and insight into life in the Bernese Oberland.
A modern museum on Swiss alpine transport and regional development. Worth visiting for railway history and its striking lakeside architecture in nearby Lucerne.
A broad meadow between Interlaken's main hotels with iconic mountain views. Worth visiting for walks, seasonal events and frequent paragliders landing nearby.
A panoramic viewpoint above Interlaken reached by funicular and short paths. Worth visiting for classic views over Lakes Thun and Brienz and the Jungfrau massif.
The historic old town beside the Aare with timber houses and small squares. Worth visiting for a quieter local atmosphere and attractive traditional streetscape.
Melted cheese with white wine and kirsch, shared with bread. A Swiss classic from the Alps and a staple winter dish in the Bernese Oberland.
Cheese melted and scraped over potatoes, pickles and onions. A hearty Alpine meal long associated with mountain farming and Swiss chalet cooking.
Crisp grated potato cake, often served plain or with toppings. Originating in the Bern region, it is one of the area’s best-known traditional dishes.
Refined dining in a grand historic hotel, with seasonal Swiss and French cooking in an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere.
Historic casual venue known for Swiss dishes such as fondue and rösti in a traditional chalet-style setting near the centre.
Established restaurant serving Swiss specialities, grills and fondue with a warm rustic interior close to Höheweg.
Very high costs by Alpine standards: hotels, dining and mountain transport are pricey, though supermarkets and takeaway options help lower daily spend.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service in restaurants. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafés.
Official public transport app
Interlaken Ost -> Interlaken West, Interlaken
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Interlaken 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 Interlaken, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Interlaken trains use the Köln Hbf to Interlaken West station pair, with some services arriving at Interlaken Ost. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Interlaken train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Interlaken West is 1 km from Interlaken city centre. Public transport options include:
Interlaken West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Taverne, Restaurant Bären
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Interlaken West. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Interlaken West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Interlaken West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Interlaken West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Interlaken West: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Interlaken, Hotel Krebs Interlaken, Hotel Bellevue.
Interlaken Ost has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Taverne, Restaurant Des Alpes
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Interlaken Ost. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Interlaken Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Interlaken Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Interlaken Ost: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Interlaken Ost: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Interlaken, Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage, Hotel Du Nord.
Interlaken West (See) is 1 km from Interlaken city centre. Public transport options include:
Interlaken West (See) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Taverne, Restaurant Stadthaus
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Interlaken West (See). Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Interlaken West (See). Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Interlaken West (See): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Interlaken West (See): Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Interlaken West (See): Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Interlaken, Hotel Krebs Interlaken, Hotel Bellevue.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need