Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Thu, May 07
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$14

Average price

$43

Fastest journey

4 h 41 m

Average duration

5 h 13 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

479 km

Cheap tickets

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 $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Berlin Ostbahnhof for Cologne Hbf on Thu, May 07, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 5 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 41 m .

On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 5 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.

  • FlixTrain
    6:59 AM5h46
    Berlin Ostbahnhof
    12:45 PMCologne Hbf
    $141One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:32 PM4h41
    Berlin Ostbahnhof
    11:13 PMCologne Hbf
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:32 AM5h13
    Berlin Ostbahnhof
    1:45 PMCologne Hbf
    $661One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf

Omio 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 $75.

Distance: 297 miles (479 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$56

Average price

$35

Average price

Cheapest

$197

Average price

$113

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 47m

Average total duration

5h 17m

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)

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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf is a bus with an average price of $35 (€28).

This is compared to other travel options from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf:

A bus is $21 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf costing on average $56 (€44).

A bus is $162 (€129) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf costing on average $197 (€157).

The fastest way to travel from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 5m.

Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 17m.

Bus takes on average 9h 27m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Berlin Ostbahnhof and Cologne Hbf including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 17m faster (5h 17m by train vs 5h 34m by car) and roughly $57 (€45) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($56 (€44) vs $113 (€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.

Live departures

Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn10:37 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof
6h47
5:24 AM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
Thursday, May 7
flixbus_flixtrain6:59 AM Berlin Ostbahnhof
5h46
12:45 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn8:32 AM Berlin Ostbahnhof
5h13
1:45 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn6:32 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof
4h41
11:13 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf 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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13

Why should you book Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf.
  • 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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf.

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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (479 km) distance in 4h 32m.

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
Distance
297 miles (479 km)
Average train duration
5h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
$13 (€10)
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
4h 32m
First train
5:43 AM
Last train
10:56 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Fri
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Berlin Ostbahnhof and Cologne Hbf from $13 (€10). 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 Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€18)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 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

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€40)
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 41m
Cheapest Price
$117 (€93)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Trains from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $13 (€10), while the average price is around $56 (€44).
The train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf takes 4h 32m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf leaves at 5:43 AM.
The distance by train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf is 297 miles (479 km).
The last train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf leaves at 10:56 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf is by train, with a cost of around $13 (€10).
The train journey from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Köln Hbf offers varied scenery, including picturesque views of the German countryside, charming villages, and the Rhine River as you approach Cologne, making it a pleasant experience for travelers.
A day trip from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Köln Hbf is not feasible as the travel duration is 4h 32m. However, there are 8 trains available per day for this journey.
Yes, you can take the train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf.
Since both Berlin Ostbahnhof and Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Venlo.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf 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.
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 Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf

Berlin
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Berlin is Berlin Ostbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Berlin Ostbahnhof for your trip from Berlin to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Jäger & Lustig
  • BLOCK HOUSE
  • Pizza und Pasta
  • Lang Van II
Hotel
Hotel
  • Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
  • Armony Hotel
  • Nu hotel berlin
  • Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side

More options for your journey from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cologne Hbf

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Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Berlin Ostbahnhof

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