- 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
$235
Average price
$261
Fastest journey
5 h 29 m
Average duration
7 h 49 m
Trains per day
6
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 $261 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $235.
It's difficult to get from Bern to Cologne without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 376 · ICE 1020+
IR 2353 · RE 26
ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · ICE 1022+
S 3
ICE 204+
IC 841+
S 3
ICE 76 · ICE 1014+
IC 841+
S 3
ICE 76 · ICE 1014+
IC 841+
S 3
ICE 376 · ICE 614+
RE 26 · IR 2353
ICE 376 · ICE 1020+
IR 2353 · RE 26
ICE 76 · ICE 1014+
IC 841+
S 3
ICE 76 · ICE 1014+
IC 841+
S 3
ICE 204+
IC 841+
S 3Omio 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 prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $366.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$152 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $671 Average price | $185 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 33m Average total duration Fastest 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 5m Average total duration 8h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m 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 | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 $81 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bern to Cologne costing on average $152 (€123).
A bus is $600 (€486) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bern to Cologne costing on average $671 (€543).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Flight takes on average 8h 5m.
Bus takes on average 8h 20m.
The journey is about 38m faster (5h 3m by train vs 5h 41m by car) and roughly $34 (€27) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($152 (€123) vs $185 (€150)). 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.
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 Bern to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 960 · ICE 200 | On time 8:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 960 · ICE 200 · ICE 1645 | On time 8:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 7h01 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 960 · ICE 200 · ICE 2284 | Delayed 8:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h10 | 11:23 AM 11:23 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 · ICE 1645+ IC 960 | Delayed 7:16 AM 8:04 AMBern Hauptbahnhof | 7h01 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200+ IC 960 | Delayed 7:16 AM 8:04 AMBern 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 · ICE 610 | On time 9:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 5h01 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 · ICE 228 | Delayed 9:04 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 7h02 | 2:09 PM 2:09 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 | Delayed 9:33 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 6h33 | 2:09 PM 2:09 PMCologne 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 | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228+ IC 612 | Delayed 8:46 AM 9:33 AMBern Hauptbahnhof | 6h33 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918+ IC 612+ DB S19 | Delayed 8:46 AM 9:33 AMBern Hauptbahnhof | 5h06 | 2:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918+ IC 612 | Delayed 8:46 AM 9:33 AMBern Hauptbahnhof | 4h56 | 2:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, June 17 | |||||
ICE 204+ S 3+ IC 841 | 12:02 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 9h03 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 76 · ICE 1014+ IC 841+ S 3 | 12:02 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 8h27 | 8:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · ICE 1022+ IC 841 | 12:02 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 10h04 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ICE 76 · ICE 1014+ S 3+ DB S19 | 12:02 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 8h37 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 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 Bern to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) 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 56m.
Distance 276 miles (445 km) |
Average train duration 5h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€50) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 4h 56m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
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.
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 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.

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