- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$126
Fastest journey
5 h 6 m
Average duration
5 h 7 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
479 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin Ostbahnhof 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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf will cost around $126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
It's difficult to get from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf without transferring at least once.
S7 · ICE 699 · IC 60402
S9 · S41 · ICE 699 · IC 60402
S9 · ICE 540
S7 · ICE 842
S3 · ICE 1542
S7 · ICE 846
S7 · ICE 848
S7 · ICE 844
S7 · ICE 842
S7 · ICE 546Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 297 miles (479 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $192 Average price | $110 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 53m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration 9h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 34m 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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf costing on average $82 (€67).
A bus is $155 (€127) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf costing on average $192 (€157).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 23m.
Bus takes on average 9h 27m.
The journey is about 11m faster (5h 23m by train vs 5h 34m by car) and roughly $28 (€23) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($82 (€67) vs $110 (€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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S3 · ICE 1540 | On time 11:28 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 6h56 | 6:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
S7 · ICE 548 | On time 12:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h09 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 1050 | On time 12:48 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h30 | 6:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S7 · ICE 848 | On time 1:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h07 | 6:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S7 · ICE 142 · 28529 | 1:56 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h33 | 7:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S7 · ICE 546 | On time 2:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h09 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 1544 · 10228 · 28531 | 2:48 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h41 | 8:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S7 · ICE 846 | On time 3:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h06 | 8:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 1139 · ICE 528 · S6 | 3:28 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h55 | 9:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
S7 · S2 · ICE 1139 · ICE 528 | 3:36 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h47 | 9:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
S7 · ICE 140 · 28533 | 3:56 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h33 | 9:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S7 · ICE 544 | On time 4:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h09 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S3 · ICE 1542 | On time 4:48 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h29 | 10:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S7 · ICE 844 | On time 5:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h07 | 10:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S7 · ICE 542 | On time 6:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h09 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S7 · ICE 842 | On time 7:26 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h07 | 12:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · ICE 540 | On time 8:18 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 5h20 | 1:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S7 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 9:06 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 8h51 | 5:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S9 · S41 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 9:07 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 8h50 | 5:57 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:09, the last at 22:37. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (479 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 297 miles (479 km) |
Average train duration 5h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 3:09 AM |
Last train 10:37 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
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 a strong international collection.
Cologne’s key archaeological museum for Roman heritage, famous for mosaics and finds from the city’s ancient past. Parts of the collection may be presented in temporary locations during building works
Leading fine arts museum with important medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century paintings, offering one of Cologne’s strongest classic art collections.
Revitalized waterfront district with striking modern architecture, promenades, and photogenic Rhine views, popular on social media.
Wide riverside steps and promenade on the right bank, famous for postcard views back toward the cathedral skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional facades and lively public life, ideal for absorbing the classic Cologne atmosphere.
The city’s signature top-fermented beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to Cologne’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne snack of rye roll, Gouda cheese, mustard, onions, and pickles. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a staple in local beer halls.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means 'Heaven and Earth.'
Established traditional brewery restaurant in the old town, popular for authentic Cologne specialties, Kölsch, and rustic historic atmosphere.
Well-known central brauhaus serving Sion Kölsch and dependable local dishes. A solid choice for visitors wanting a classic Cologne beer hall experience.
A long-established restaurant by the Rhine, especially known for pork knuckle and hearty German fare in a traditional, tourist-friendly setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Köln Hbf, Köln -> Köln Dom, Köln
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin Ostbahnhof 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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