- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and one of Germany’s strongest 20th-century collections.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$131
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
4 h 47 m
Trains per day
33
Distance
475 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 33 trains that leave Berlin Hbf for Cologne Hbf on Mon, Jun 01, 23 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 4 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 46 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 47 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
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 942
ICE 846
ICE 644
ICE 844
ICE 940Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$64 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $275 Average price | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 27m Average total duration 5h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 26m 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 Hbf:
A bus is $19 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $64 (€52).
A bus is $230 (€185) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $275 (€221).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 9m.
Bus takes on average 5h 57m.
The journey is about 17m faster (5h 9m by train vs 5h 26m by car) and roughly $47 (€38) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($64 (€52) vs $111 (€90)). 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.
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 Hbf trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 946 | On time 5:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h07 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 644 | On time 6:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 7:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:39 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 642 | On time 8:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 1:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 942 | On time 9:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 2:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 640 | On time 10:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 3:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 940 | On time 11:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 4:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 548 | On time 12:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 142 · 89892 · ICE 203 | On time 2:07 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h11 | 7:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 546 | On time 2:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 846 | On time 3:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 8:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 140 · 89896 · ICE 205 | On time 4:07 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h11 | 9:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 4:39 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h01 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 4:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 844 | On time 5:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 10:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 | On time 6:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h49 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 842 | On time 7:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h47 | 12:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 540 | On time 8:33 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 1:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 386 · ICE 540 | On time 8:35 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 1:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 699 · S8 · ICE 618 | On time 9:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h43 | 5:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 699 · S8 · ICE 2518 | On time 9:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h43 | 5:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1540 | On time 10:49 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h23 | 6:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 273 · ICE 1540 | On time 11:28 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h44 | 6:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Hbf run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 4h 46m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average train duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 46m |
First train 4:57 AM |
Last train 10:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 Pop Art, Picasso works, and one of Germany’s strongest 20th-century collections.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century European painting, offering one of Cologne’s key classical art collections.
Cologne’s leading museum for Roman heritage, with mosaics, archaeology, and finds from the city’s ancient past. Parts of the collection may be shown in temporary venues during works.
Broad stepped promenade on the east bank with outstanding cathedral skyline views, especially popular for sunset photos and social media content.
Walkable historic core with narrow lanes, churches, river views, and many of the city’s best-known postcard scenes.
Historic square in the Old Town lined with traditional buildings, bars, and civic history, making it a classic base for first-time visitors.
Top-fermented pale beer traditionally served in small glasses. It is Cologne’s signature drink and central to the city’s brewery culture.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes with apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. It is a well-known Rhineland comfort food.
Rhineland-style pot roast, traditionally marinated for days and served with rich gravy, dumplings, or potato sides. It is one of the region’s most famous festive dishes.
Modern, acclaimed restaurant near the center with a more refined approach to regional and seasonal German cuisine.
Established traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty Rhineland specialties and fresh Kölsch in an atmospheric old-town interior.
Large, established Cologne brewery restaurant offering local dishes and beer in a polished but traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Köln Hbf, Köln -> Köln Dom, Köln
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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