The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Berlin
Cheapest price
£44
Average price
£87
Fastest journey
4 h 49 m
Average duration
4 h 50 m
Trains per day
43
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 £87 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Of the 43 trains that leave Cologne for Berlin every day 20 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 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 51 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.
ICE 1541
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 1541 · 3704
ICE 2505
ICE 2507
ICE 843
ICE 543
ICE 545Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Cologne to Berlin
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 £19, and a flight costs an average of £83.
Distance: 479 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest | £220 Average Price |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m 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
Cologne to Berlin train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Berlin trains for today, Wednesday 31 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 518 · ICE 643 | Delayed 16:32 15:11Cologne Hbf | 5h07 | 20:18 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 628 · ICE 643 | Delayed 15:56 15:18Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h00 | 20:18 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 106 · ICE 2515 | Delayed 16:38 16:11Cologne Hbf | 5h08 | 21:19 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2012 · ICE 2515 | Delayed 16:16 16:14Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 21:19 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 626 · ICE 2515 | Delayed 16:30 16:17Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h02 | 21:19 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 127 · ICE 832 | On time 16:28 Cologne Hbf | 5h26 | 21:54 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 727 · ICE 832 | On time 16:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 21:54 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 516 · ICE 645 | Delayed 17:20 17:11Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 22:17 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 28 · ICE 645 | Delayed 17:17 17:11Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 22:17 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 2934 · ICE 645 | Delayed 17:21 17:17Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h00 | 22:17 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1541 · 3704 | On time 22:27 Cologne Hbf | 6h16 | 04:43 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1541 | On time 22:27 Cologne Hbf | 6h21 | 04:48 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 619 · ICE 698 | On time 22:54 Cologne Hbf | 8h12 | 07:06 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
| Thursday 1 January | |||||
ICE 1028 · ICE 741 | On time 03:00 Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 08:41 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 843 | On time 04:26 Cologne Hbf | 4h50 | 09:16 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1543 | On time 04:43 Cologne Hbf | 4h59 | 09:42 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 543 | On time 05:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 10:16 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2505 | On time 06:27 Cologne Hbf | 4h49 | 11:16 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2206 · ICE 1545 | On time 06:46 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 11:42 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 07:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 12:26 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 07:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h26 | 12:40 Berlin Ostbahnhof | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 07:14 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 12:10 Berlin Spandau | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 07:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 12:16 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2507 | On time 08:27 Cologne Hbf | 4h49 | 13:16 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 08:46 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 13:42 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 09:20 Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 6h50 | 16:10 Berlin Spandau | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 09:20 Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 7h00 | 16:20 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 547 | On time 09:24 Cologne Hbf | 4h52 | 14:16 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 1134 | On time 09:29 Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 15:01 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 623 · ICE 1134 | On time 09:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 15:01 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1053 | On time 10:38 Cologne Hbf | 5h04 | 15:42 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 625 · ICE 838 | On time 10:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 15:54 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 11:14 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 16:10 Berlin Spandau | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h23 | 16:37 Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 16:20 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 726 · ICE 549 | On time 11:18 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h58 | 16:16 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1549 | On time 12:34 Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 17:51 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 629 · ICE 9591 | On time 12:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h19 | 18:04 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 610 · ICE 641 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 18:16 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 722 · ICE 641 | On time 13:17 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h59 | 18:16 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1055 | On time 14:36 Cologne Hbf | 5h15 | 19:51 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 723 · ICE 834 | On time 14:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 19:54 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 15:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h20 | 20:34 Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 15:14 Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 20:10 Berlin Spandau | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 15:14 Cologne Hbf | 5h08 | 20:22 Berlin Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 628 · ICE 643 | On time 15:18 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h00 | 20:18 Berlin Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Berlin
Trains from Cologne to Berlin run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
There are 8 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 32m.
Distance 479 km |
Average train duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 4h 32m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Cologne to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Cologne and Berlin from £19. 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
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Trains from Cologne to Berlin: Journey Details
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.
Taking the Train from Cologne
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.
Getting into Berlin by Train
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.
FAQs: Cologne to Berlin train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Berlin
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 22:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:00
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
- backWERK
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Einstein Kaffee
- Le Crobag
- McDonald's
- Hans im Glück
- Pret A Manger
- Starbucks
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof
- Located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Jäger & Lustig
- BLOCK HOUSE
- Pizza und Pasta
- Lang Van II
- Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
- Armony Hotel
- Nu hotel berlin
- Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Biertempel 2
- McDonald's
- Eis Bär
- Cafe Mon Cherie
- Appartements Eisemann
Most popular train connections from Cologne
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