Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sat, Sep 19
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€97

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€122

Fastest journey on Sep 19

5 h 20 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

5 h 50 m

Trains on Sep 19

3

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 €122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €97.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 trains from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne, including 3 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 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, Sep 19 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:12 AM6h02
    Berlin Brandenburg Airport
    1:14 PMCologne
    971One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:12 AM5h20
    Berlin Brandenburg Airport
    1:32 PMCologne
    1101One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:27 AM6h07
    Berlin Brandenburg Airport
    1:34 PMCologne
    1581One-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 an average ticket price of €42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €42, while a flight costs an average of €288.

Distance: 297 miles (479 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

€119

Average price

€42

Average price

Cheapest

€288

Average price

€87

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 46m

Average total duration

5h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 18m

Average total duration

9h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 42m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

5h 27m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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 €42.

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

A bus is €77 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne costing on average €119.

A bus is €246 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne costing on average €288.

The fastest way to travel from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 42m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 16m.

Bus takes on average 9h 48m.

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 meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 11m sooner (5h 16m by train vs 5h 27m by car). Tickets start at around €119 compared to roughly €87 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

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, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 952
Delayed
8:47 AM Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen
5h25
12:22 PM 12:22 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS9 · 21846 · ICE 952
Delayed
8:58 AM Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen
5h14
12:22 PM 12:22 PMCologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn21846 · ICE 952
Delayed
9:16 AM Flughafen BER - Terminal 1–2
4h56
12:22 PM 12:22 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 650
On time
10:07 AM Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen
5h08
3:15 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn18511 · ICE 650
On time
10:31 AM Flughafen BER - Terminal 1–2
4h44
3:15 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 950
Delayed
10:47 AM Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen
5h24
2:21 PM 2:21 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS9 · 21862 · ICE 950
Delayed
10:58 AM Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen
5h13
2:21 PM 2:21 PMCologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn21862 · ICE 950
Delayed
11:16 AM Flughafen BER - Terminal 1–2
4h55
2:21 PM 2:21 PMCologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn18515 · ICE 558
On time
12:31 PM Flughafen BER - Terminal 1–2
4h44
5:15 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer

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
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

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

Deutsche Bahn operates all 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?

  • 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

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €56 but you can travel from only €19 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:01, the last at 09:16. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (479 km) distance in 4h 19m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €19
Distance
297 miles (479 km)
Average train duration
5h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
€56
Trains per day
11
Fastest train
4h 19m
First train
3:01 AM
Last train
9:16 AM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Wed
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €19

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Cologne from €19. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€56
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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

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

Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.

  • Must visit

Kolumba

Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.

  • Must visit

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €56, while the average price is around €119.
The train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne takes 4h 19m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne is 297 miles (479 km).
The first train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne leaves at 3:01 AM.
The last train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne leaves at 9:16 AM.
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 bus, with a cost of around €19.
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 19m. 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
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · €3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · €2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · €4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · €5

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Berlin Brandenburg Airport

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyTrain Times to CologneBerlin Brandenburg Airport to Cologne train

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