- 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 on Sep 15
$74
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$206
Fastest journey on Sep 15
4 h 56 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
4 h 56 m
Trains on Sep 15
55
Distance
445 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bern to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bern to Cologne will cost around $206 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 55 trains from Bern to Cologne, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 445 km distance in an average of 4 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 56 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 56 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.
IC 976 · ICE 102
IC 972 · ICE 104
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228
ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28
IC 970 · ICE 278 · IC 2041
IC 612+
ICE 6 · ICE 918
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918
IC 616+
ICE 72 · ICE 916
IC 616 · ICE 72 · ICE 916
IC 624+
ICE 70 · ICE 912Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bern to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $79 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 31m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $79, while a train costs an average of $202.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$202 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 31m Average total duration Fastest 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration 10h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bern to Cologne:
A bus is $123 (€100) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bern to Cologne costing on average $202 (€164).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 5m.
You'll arrive about 40m sooner (5h 1m by train vs 5h 41m by car). Tickets start at around $202 (€164) compared to roughly $186 (€151) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Bern to Cologne trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 970 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 1:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 970 · ICE 278 · IC 2041 | On time 1:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 970+ ICE 278+ IC 2041 | On time 1:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 7:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 970+ ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 1:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 6:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 620 · ECE 4 · ICE 224 | On time 1:33 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h10 | 6:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 620 · ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 | On time 1:33 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h33 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
IC 960 · ICE 200 | On time 8:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 960+ ICE 200 | On time 8:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 9:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 · IC 2045 | On time 9:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372+ IC 2045 | On time 9:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 3:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 9:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 9:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4h56 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 9:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h33 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 612+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 9:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h33 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 612+ ICE 6 · ICE 918+ DB S19 | 9:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h06 | 2:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 612+ ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 9:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4h56 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 964 · ICE 108 | On time 10:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 964+ ICE 108 | On time 10:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 966 · ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 11:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 966 · ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 11:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 966+ ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 11:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 5:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 966+ ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 11:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 4:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 616 · ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 11:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4h56 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 616+ ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 11:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4h56 | 4:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 616+ ICE 72 · ICE 916+ DB S19 | 11:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h06 | 4:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 12:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 106 | On time 12:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 | On time 12:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 | On time 12:04 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h02 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Bern to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $44 (€35) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 276 miles (445 km) distance in 4h 32m.
Distance 276 miles (445 km) |
Average train duration 5h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€50) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 4h 32m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 Bern 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 Bern to Cologne trains use the Bern Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Bern and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bern Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Lötschberg, Tibits Bern Gurtengasse
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bern Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bern Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bern Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bern Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bern Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, Hotel Savoy Bern, Best Western Plus Hotel Bern.
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.
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