- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$112
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 46 m
Trains per day
42
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 $112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 42 trains that leave Berlin Hbf for Cologne on Thu, Jun 18, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 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 45 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest trains will take 4 h 46 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 273 · 4600 · IC 2241
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 277 · ICE 646
ICE 646
ICE 846
ICE 942
ICE 944
ICE 844
ICE 848Omio 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $245 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 $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin Hbf to Cologne costing on average $51 (€41).
A bus is $204 (€165) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin Hbf to Cologne costing on average $245 (€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 $55 (€44) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($51 (€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 today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 644 | On time 6:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 7:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
3169 · ICE 1131 · ICE 1518 | On time 7:52 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h41 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
3169 · ICE 1131 · ICE 724 | On time 7:52 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h22 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 8:39 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 642 | On time 8:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 1:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 936 · ICE 1052 | On time 8:58 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h21 | 2:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 837 · ICE 722 | On time 9:05 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 942 | On time 9:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h45 | 2:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 640 | On time 10:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 3:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 1546 | On time 10:59 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h20 | 4:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 940 | On time 11:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 4:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
3173 · ICE 1135 · ICE 1514 | On time 11:55 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h38 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
3173 · ICE 1135 · ICE 626 | On time 11:55 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h19 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 548 | On time 12:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S3 · ICE 1050 | On time 12:59 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h19 | 6:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 1544 · 10228 · 28531 | 2:59 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h30 | 8:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
3177 · ICE 1139 · ICE 528 | On time 3:54 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h20 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
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 | |
S3 · ICE 1542 | On time 4:59 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h18 | 10:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 844 | On time 5:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h18 | 11:04 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 | On time 6:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h16 | 12:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 · ICE 619 | On time 6:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h10 | 11:57 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 842 | On time 7:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h18 | 1:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 842 · ICE 209 | On time 7:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h13 | 1:00 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 | 6h22 | 6:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
ICE 646 | On time 4:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 · ICE 646 | On time 4:34 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h59 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 946 | On time 5:35 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h00 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1501 · ICE 2593 · ICE 728 | On time 5:36 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h38 | 11:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
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 $19 (€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 $19 (€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.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
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.

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