The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Berlin
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$127
Fastest journey
4 h 48 m
Average duration
4 h 49 m
Trains per day
42
Distance
479 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Berlin will cost around $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 42 trains that leave Cologne for Berlin on Tue, May 19, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 48 m .
On Tue, May 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 50 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 154111:27 PM6h08Cologne Hbf5:35 AMBerlin Hbf$351One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:14 PM5h06Cologne Hbf9:20 PMBerlin Hbf$431One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:14 PM4h56Cologne Hbf9:10 PMBerlin Spandau$431One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:14 PM5h20Cologne Hbf9:34 PMBerlin Südkreuz station$431One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain8:14 AM5h06Cologne Hbf1:20 PMBerlin Hbf$521One-way0 transfers
ICE 84911:28 AM4h48Cologne Hbf4:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1241One-way0 transfers
ICE 9433:28 PM4h48Cologne Hbf8:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1241One-way0 transfers
ICE 9411:27 PM4h49Cologne Hbf6:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1361One-way0 transfers
ICE 54912:26 PM4h50Cologne Hbf5:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1361One-way0 transfers
ICE 6412:26 PM4h50Cologne Hbf7:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1361One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Berlin
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 58m. 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 $27, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 297 miles (479 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $310 Average price | $107 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Berlin:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Berlin costing on average $68 (€55).
A bus is $263 (€212) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Berlin costing on average $310 (€250).
Other travel options to Berlin take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 28m.
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
The journey is about 1h 10m faster (5h 28m by train vs 6h 38m by car) and roughly $38 (€31) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($68 (€55) vs $107 (€86)). 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cologne to Berlin train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Berlin trains for today, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 943 | On time 3:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h48 | 8:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1055 | On time 3:36 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h15 | 8:51 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 723 · ICE 834 | On time 3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 8:54 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h20 | 9:34 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 9:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 9:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 643 | On time 4:26 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h52 | 9:18 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1611 · ICE 594 · ICE 1502 | On time 4:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h53 | 10:22 PM Berlin Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 725 · ICE 594 · ICE 1502 | On time 4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h37 | 10:22 PM Berlin Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 727 · ICE 832 | On time 5:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 10:54 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 645 | On time 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h52 | 11:17 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 947 | On time 7:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h59 | 12:26 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 821 · ICE 274 | On time 7:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h10 | 1:55 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1541 | On time 11:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 5:35 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, May 19 | |||||
ICE 541 | On time 4:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 9:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 843 | On time 5:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h50 | 10:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1543 | On time 5:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h59 | 10:42 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 543 | On time 6:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 11:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1511 · ICE 1138 | On time 6:27 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 12:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 525 · ICE 1138 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 12:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 845 | On time 7:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h50 | 12:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2206 · ICE 1545 | On time 7:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 12:42 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 1:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 1:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 1:31 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h51 | 1:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 9:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h50 | 2:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h57 | 2:43 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 547 | On time 10:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h52 | 3:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 1134 | On time 10:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 4:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 623 · ICE 1134 | On time 10:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 4:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 849 | On time 11:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h48 | 4:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1053 | On time 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 4:43 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 625 · ICE 838 | On time 11:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 4:54 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 549 | On time 12:26 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h50 | 5:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1517 · ICE 1072 | On time 12:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 6:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 627 · ICE 1072 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 6:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 941 | 1:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h49 | 6:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1549 | 1:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 6:51 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 629 · ICE 9591 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h19 | 7:04 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 641 | 2:26 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h50 | 7:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1519 · ICE 1130 | 2:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 8:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 721 · ICE 1130 | On time 2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 8:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Berlin 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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Berlin trains with Omio?
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 Cologne to Berlin.
- 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 Cologne to Berlin.
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 Cologne to Berlin.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Berlin?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Berlin

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Berlin
Trains from Cologne to Berlin run on average 20 times per day, taking around 5h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (479 km) distance in 4h 52m.
Distance 297 miles (479 km) |
Average train duration 5h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 4h 52m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Berlin from $23 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Berlin
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Berlin
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 22:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:00
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
- backWERK
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Einstein Kaffee
- Le Crobag
- McDonald's
- Hans im Glück
- Pret A Manger
- Starbucks
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof
- Located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
- 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
- Unvernunft
- Taverna Teloneio
- Burger King
- Hasir
- Hotel Benn
- Hotel Herbst
- Hotel Lindenufer
- Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau
- 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
- Jäger & Lustig
- BLOCK HOUSE
- Pizza und Pasta
- Lang Van II
- Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
- Armony Hotel
- Nu hotel berlin
- Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
More options for your journey from Cologne to Berlin
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