- Must visit
Neues Museum
A major museum of ancient civilisations, known for monumental architecture and celebrated collections from Egypt and the Near East.
Cheapest price on 21 Sept
£23
Average ticket price on 21 Sept
£61
Fastest journey on 21 Sept
4 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 21 Sept
4 h 15 m
Trains on 21 Sept
17
Distance
479 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Berlin will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
On Mon 21 Sept, we found 17 trains from Cologne to Berlin, including 16 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 34 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 553
ICE 551
ICE 653
ICE 555
ICE 853Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 45m. 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 £29, while a flight costs an average of £267.
Distance: 479 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£61 Average Price | £267 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £78 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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 Berlin:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Berlin costing on average £61.
A coach is £237 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Berlin costing on average £267.
Other travel options to Berlin take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 8m.
Coach takes on average 9h 33m.
The journey is about 1h 30m faster (5h 8m by train vs 6h 38m by car) and roughly £17 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£61 vs £78). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Berlin trains for today, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 · RJ 173 | Delayed 0:36 2:15Cologne Hbf | 7h08 | 7:35 7:35Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 657 | Delayed 18:46 20:45Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 23:02 23:02Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1541 | On time 23:27 Cologne Hbf | 6h06 | 5:33 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 619 · ICE 698 | On time 23:55 Cologne Hbf | 8h11 | 8:06 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
| Monday 21 September | |||||
ICE 551 | On time 4:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h10 | 8:55 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 853 | On time 5:38 Cologne Hbf | 4h34 | 10:12 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 553 | On time 6:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h10 | 10:55 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 13:31 Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 13:20 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 13:10 Berlin Spandau | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 555 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 12:55 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 9:46 Cologne Hbf | 4h45 | 14:31 Berlin Spandau | 1 change | |
ICE 859 | On time 11:38 Cologne Hbf | 4h34 | 16:12 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 17:10 Berlin Spandau | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h23 | 17:37 Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 17:20 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 953 | On time 15:38 Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 20:13 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 21:10 Berlin Spandau | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 21:20 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h20 | 21:34 Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 653 | On time 16:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 20:55 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Cologne to Berlin run on average 27 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 479 km distance in 3h 56m.
Distance 479 km |
Average train duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 27 |
Direct trains 18 |
Fastest train 3h 56m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Berlin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Berlin trip today.
A major museum of ancient civilisations, known for monumental architecture and celebrated collections from Egypt and the Near East.
A leading collection of 20th-century art, showing key works of modernism in Mies van der Rohe’s striking glass building.
A world-class art museum with European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the 13th to 18th centuries.
A historic boulevard linking major sights, lined with institutions, statues and elegant buildings that reflect central Berlin’s past.
A large central park with lakes, paths and lawns, perfect for walking, cycling and breaks between nearby landmarks and museums.
A spacious former airport turned public park, popular for cycling, sunset walks and an unusually open view of Berlin’s skyline.
Curried pork sausage sliced and served with ketchup and curry powder. A post-war Berlin classic, especially popular from street food stands.
Slow-cooked pork knuckle with crisp skin, usually served with peas, sauerkraut or purée. A hearty Berlin pub staple.
Berlin-style meatball of minced pork or mixed meat, commonly eaten hot or cold. A traditional everyday snack and tavern dish.
Elegant restaurant in Charlottenburg focused on refined Austrian and German cooking in a classic dining room.
Historic department store food hall with Berlin specialities, pastries and delicatessen counters in a lively grand setting.
Long-running Berlin institution known for currywurst and classic fast food near Zoologischer Garten. Casual and iconic.
Moderate for Western Europe: hostels and hotels vary widely, dining is fair-value, and public transport is good value for a capital city.
Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. In cafés, round up small bills. For taxis, round up the fare or add about 5-10%.
Official public transport app
Berlin Hbf -> Alexanderplatz, Berlin
Trains in Germany are an efficient way to travel between cities, with Deutsche Bahn offering domestic and international train routes. High-speed trains from Cologne and Berlin are quick and efficient, allowing anyone to visit the German capital with ease. Deutsche Bahn operates a daily service, with departures every hour. The earliest trains from Cologne to Berlin depart shortly after 4:00 a.m. and the last train of the day leaves Cologne at 11:15 p.m. Direct journeys take just over 4 hours to make the trip, and you can also choose to change once or twice without adding much time onto the journey.
Return trains from Berlin to Cologne are also available.
All trains from Cologne to Berlin leave from the city's Messe Station and arrive at Berlin's Hauptbahnhof. You can find Messe in the Deutz district of Cologne, not far from the River Rhine. From the city center, the best choice is to take Cologne's S-Bahn overground train system from the Hauptbahnhof, which takes a few minutes. Lines S6, S11, S12 and S13 all stop at Messe, and S-Bahn trains run until late.
Berlin is one of Europe's most forward-looking cities - filled with music venues, art galleries, technology companies, museums and cultural events. It has one of the world's great nightlife scenes, but also caters for lovers of history, with attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall. All trains from Cologne to Berlin arrive at the city's Hauptbahnhof, which is located at Potsdamer Platz near the city center. The best way to reach the center is via the U55 U-Bahn line, or by using Berlin's suburban S-Bahn train services. Be aware that the U55 line is not directly connected to the rest of the U-Bahn network, but that the U5 line is a short walk from the station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Berlin trains use the Köln Hbf to Berlin Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Berlin Spandau. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Berlin 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.
Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: backWERK, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Kaffee, Le Crobag, McDonald's, Hans im Glück, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.
Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Unvernunft, Taverna Teloneio, Burger King, Hasir
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Spandau. ATMs are available at Berlin Spandau.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Spandau. Information desks are available at Berlin Spandau.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Spandau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Spandau.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Benn, Hotel Herbst, Hotel Lindenufer, Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau.
Berlin Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Biertempel 2, McDonald's, Eis Bär, Cafe Mon Cherie
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Südkreuz. ATMs are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Information desks are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Nearby hotels include Appartements Eisemann.
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