BERLIN BRANDENBURG AIRPORT to COLOGNE train from $20 (€16) with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Jun 20

Cheapest price

$119

Average price

$149

Fastest journey

5 h 20 m

Average duration

5 h 50 m

Trains per day

Distance

479 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne will cost around $149 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Berlin Brandenburg Airport for Cologne on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 5 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .

On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 6 h 7 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.

7:12 AM6h02
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
1:14 PMCologne
$1191One-way
0 transfers
8:12 AM5h20
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
1:32 PMCologne
$1351One-way
0 transfers
7:27 AM6h07
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
1:34 PMCologne
$1921One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $80.

Distance: 297 miles (479 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight	Driving
$119 Average price	$34 Average price Cheapest	$180 Average price	$105 Average price (fuel + tolls)
6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	8h 39m Average total duration 8h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*	5h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door)
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Most popular airline	Your own car or car rental
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $34 (€28).

This is compared to other travel options from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne:

A bus is $85 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne costing on average $119 (€97).

A bus is $145 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne costing on average $180 (€147).

The fastest way to travel from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 6m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 40m.

Bus takes on average 8h 9m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne among Omio's users.

Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $119 (€97) compared to roughly $105 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.99 (€-11.46). The journey takes 5h 40m versus 5h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
18139 · ICE 1540	On time 11:23 PM Flughafen BER - Terminal 1–2	7h01	6:24 AM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
Saturday, June 20
	7:12 AM Berlin Brandenburg Airport	6h02	1:14 PM Cologne	0 transfersDirect
	7:27 AM Berlin Brandenburg Airport	6h07	1:34 PM Cologne	0 transfersDirect
	8:12 AM Berlin Brandenburg Airport	5h20	1:32 PM Cologne	0 transfersDirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Sat
Jun 20

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Jun 21

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Jun 26

Why should you book Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne.
Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne

Germany

Trains from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 06:01, the last at 14:49. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (479 km) distance in 4h 51m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Distance

297 miles (479 km)

Average train duration

5h 40m

Cheapest ticket price

$20 (€16)

Trains per day

Fastest train

4h 51m

First train

6:01 AM

Last train

2:49 PM

Cheapest Month

Sep

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Thu

Least Busy Day

Sat

Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Cologne from $20 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

5h 20m

Cheapest Price

$33 (€27)

Deutsche Bahn frequency

15 a day

Luggage included

Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves

Luggage storage

Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?

Refund

If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.

Seat reservation

Second Class:
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.

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.

Pets

Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

FlixTrain

About

FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

4h 51m

Cheapest Price

$20 (€16)

FlixTrain frequency

7 a day

Luggage included

1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled by operator

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service

Seat reservation

Seat reservation included in ticket price

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle

Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

4h 28m

Cheapest Price

$131 (€107)

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency

2 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

4h 44m

Cheapest Price

$116 (€95)

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency

1 a day

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud

Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.

View on map Visit website

Euro

Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget: EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or currywurst.
Mid-range: EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining: EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee: EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.

FAQs: Trains from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin Brandenburg Airport 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.

Train ticket prices from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $20 (€16), while the average price is around $119 (€97).

The train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne takes 4h 51m and runs 18 per day.

The first train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne leaves at 6:01 AM.

The distance by train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is 297 miles (479 km).

The last train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne leaves at 2:49 PM.

Yes, there is a direct train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by FlixTrain.

Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne.

The cheapest way to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is by train, with a cost of around $20 (€16).

The train journey from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, showcasing picturesque countryside landscapes, small towns, and sections along the Rhine River, making parts of the trip visually appealing.

A day trip from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is not feasible due to the travel time of 4h 51m. However, there are 20 trains available per day for this journey, covering a distance of 297 miles (479 km).

In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.

Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.

Yes, you can take the train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne.

Since both Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.

Popular day trips by train from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne among Omio's users.

Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.

Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.

Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.

In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.

Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne

Most Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne trains use the Berlin Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Berlin

Arrival train stations in Cologne

Berlin HbfEuropaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Berlin Hbf from Berlin city centre

Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb23, Re2, Rb14, Re7, Fex · 5m · $4 · every ~6 min

U5 · 8m · $4 · every ~25 min

BusN40, 142 · 12m · $2 · every ~8 min

170, 270, 170A, 157A, 157 · 18m · $1

TramM8 · 13m · $4 · every ~12 min

Berlin Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

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

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.

More about Berlin Hbf

Berlin SpandauBerlin-Spandau, Seegefelder Str. 1, 13597 Berlin Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Berlin Spandau from Berlin city centre

Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS3, S9, S5 · 10m · $4 · every ~14 min

S9, S5, S3 · 25m · $4 · every ~14 min

Berlin Spandau train station facilities and services

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.