- 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.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$132
Fastest journey
4 h 42 m
Average duration
4 h 46 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
476 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin Hbf 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 Hbf to Cologne will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 36 trains that leave Berlin Hbf for Cologne on Sun, Aug 02, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 the direct trains cover the 476 km distance in an average of 4 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 42 m .
On Sun, Aug 02 the slowest trains will take 4 h 48 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 1540
ICE 699 · IC 60402
FlixTrain
ICE 942 · 17419
FlixTrain
ICE 846 · ICE 823
ICE 844
ICE 842
ICE 546
ICE 544Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin Hbf 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 $74.
Distance: 295 miles (476 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$50 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $244 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 11m Average total duration 7h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 28m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Berlin Hbf to Cologne:
A bus is $9 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin Hbf to Cologne costing on average $50 (€41).
A bus is $203 (€165) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin Hbf to Cologne costing on average $244 (€198).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 9m.
Bus takes on average 7h 41m.
The journey is about 1h 19m faster (5h 9m by train vs 6h 28m by car) and roughly $54 (€44) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($50 (€41) vs $105 (€85)). 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Berlin Hbf to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1131 · ICE 724 | On time 8:00 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 8:39 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 642 · 17417 | On time 8:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h51 | 1:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 652 | On time 9:04 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 2:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 837 · ICE 722 | On time 9:05 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 942 · 17419 | On time 9:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h51 | 2:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 640 · 17421 | On time 10:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h51 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 650 | On time 11:04 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h04 | 4:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 839 · ICE 628 | On time 11:05 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 839 · ICE 122 | On time 11:05 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h38 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 940 · IC 2508 | On time 11:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h58 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1135 · ICE 12 | On time 12:02 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h20 | 5:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1135 · ICE 626 | On time 12:02 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h12 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 548 · 17425 | On time 12:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h51 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 558 | On time 1:04 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h04 | 6:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 931 · ICE 624 | On time 1:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 848 · 17427 | On time 1:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h51 | 6:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 546 | On time 2:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 556 | On time 3:04 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h55 | 7:59 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 933 · ICE 620 | On time 3:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 846 · 17431 | On time 3:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h51 | 8:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 846 · ICE 823 | On time 3:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h42 | 8:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1139 · ICE 528 | On time 4:00 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 4:39 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h01 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 4:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 554 | On time 5:04 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h50 | 9:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 935 · ICE 526 | On time 5:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 10:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 844 | On time 5:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 10:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 | On time 6:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 552 | On time 7:04 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h20 | 12:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 937 · ICE 522 | On time 7:05 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h26 | 12:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 842 | On time 7:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 12:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 90 · ICE 921 | On time 8:09 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h53 | 3:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 9:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 8h17 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1540 | On time 11:51 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h16 | 6:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Berlin Hbf to Cologne run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:23, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (476 km) distance in 5h 1m.
Distance 295 miles (476 km) |
Average train duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 5h 1m |
First train 2:23 AM |
Last train 10:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin Hbf 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.

Most Berlin Hbf 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 Hbf and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need