- Must visit
Zentrum Paul Klee
Major art museum dedicated to Paul Klee, with a renowned collection and striking Renzo Piano architecture just outside the old town.
Cheapest price
$115
Average price
$212
Fastest journey
5 h 2 m
Average duration
5 h 24 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
445 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bern is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bern will cost around $212 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $115.
Of the 31 trains that leave Cologne for Bern on Thu, Jun 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 the direct trains cover the 445 km distance in an average of 5 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 2 m .
On Thu, Jun 04 the slowest trains will take 5 h 30 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 2013 · ICE 371 · IR 2479 · IR 2178
ICE 105 · IC 975
ICE 1225 · ICE 371 · IR 2479 · IR 2178
IC 1940 · ICE 105 · IR 2477 · IR 2176
ICE 1648 · ICE 103 · IR 2473 · IR 2172
ICE 105 · IC 975
ICE 103 · IR 2473 · IR 2172
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2475 · IR 2174
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2475 · IR 2174
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IR 2471 · IR 2170Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bern 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 flight which can get you there in 5h 17m. 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 $448.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$158 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $786 Average price | $186 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 57m Average total duration 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration 7h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 17m Average total duration Fastest 5h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 17m 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 Cologne to Bern:
A bus is $97 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bern costing on average $158 (€128).
A bus is $724 (€586) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bern costing on average $786 (€636).
Other travel options to Bern take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 27m.
Bus takes on average 7h 35m.
The journey is about 50m faster (5h 27m by train vs 6h 17m by car) and roughly $27 (€22) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($158 (€128) vs $186 (€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 Cologne to Bern trains for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 205 · ICE 77+ IC 607 | Delayed 7:10 PM 8:54 PMCologne Hbf | 9h32 | 6:26 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 205 · ICE 77+ IC 659+ IR 2352 | Delayed 7:10 PM 8:54 PMCologne Hbf | 9h27 | 6:21 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 205 · ICE 77 · IC 659 · IR 2352 | Delayed 7:10 PM 8:54 PMCologne Hbf | 9h27 | 6:21 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 205 · ICE 77 · IC 607 | Delayed 7:10 PM 8:54 PMCologne Hbf | 9h32 | 6:26 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 617 · ICE 677 · 17033 · Bus 30 | 9:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h32 | 6:26 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4 transfers | |
ICE 619+ IC 60403 · IC 959 | 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h02 | 7:56 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 · IC 959 | 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h02 | 7:56 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, June 4 | |||||
ICE 1648 · ICE 103+ IC 623 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h33 | 2:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1648 · ICE 103 · IR 2473 · IR 2172 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 2:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1648 · ICE 103+ IR 2473 · IR 2172 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 2:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 101+ IR 2469 · IR 2168 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 12:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 101 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 12:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 101 · IR 2469 · IR 2168 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 12:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 101 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 12:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279+ IC 625 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h33 | 3:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279+ IR 2475 · IR 2174 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 3:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279 · IR 2475 · IR 2174 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 3:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IR 2471 · IR 2170 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 1:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · EC 65 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 1:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
IC 1940 · ICE 105 · IR 2477 · IR 2176 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 4:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
IC 1940+ ICE 105+ IC 627 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h33 | 4:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
IC 1940+ ICE 105+ IR 2477 · IR 2176 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 4:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 103+ IR 2473 · IR 2172 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 2:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IR 2473 · IR 2172 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 2:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 623 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 2:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103+ IC 623 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 2:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 371+ IC 629 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h33 | 5:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 371+ IR 2479 · IR 2178 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 5:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 371 · IR 2479 · IR 2178 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 5:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 625 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 3:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2475 · IR 2174 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 3:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279+ IR 2475 · IR 2174 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 3:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 625 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 3:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2475 · IR 2174 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 3:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IR 2479 · IR 2178 | 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 5:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
IC 2013+ ICE 371+ IC 629 | 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 5:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
IC 2013+ ICE 371+ IR 2479 · IR 2178 | 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 5:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 105 · IC 975 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h02 | 3:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
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 Cologne to Bern run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 276 miles (445 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 276 miles (445 km) |
Average train duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€49) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Bern — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bern trip today.
Major art museum dedicated to Paul Klee, with a renowned collection and striking Renzo Piano architecture just outside the old town.
Bern’s main history museum, covering Swiss and world cultures, and home to the Einstein Museum exhibition.
One of Switzerland’s oldest art museums, with strong holdings from medieval works to modern and contemporary art.
Arcaded medieval center with sandstone facades, fountains, and long walking streets; the essential area for first-time visitors.
Hilltop rose garden and park with the classic panoramic view over Bern’s old town and the Aare loop.
Bern’s best-known old town street, lined with arcades, historic houses, fountains, and key sights including the Zytglogge.
A classic Bernese platter of cured and smoked meats, sausages, sauerkraut, green beans and potatoes, traditionally served for festive gatherings.
Bern’s famous onion tart, especially associated with the annual Zibelemärit onion market. It is a savory tart made with onions, eggs and cream.
A Bernese version of rösti, the Swiss potato dish, often served as a golden pan-fried cake and paired with regional meat dishes or eggs.
An established scenic restaurant above the old town, offering refined Swiss and international cuisine with one of Bern’s best views.
A grand historic restaurant in a vaulted cellar, known for Swiss classics and an atmospheric Bern dining experience.
A popular brewpub by the Bear Park serving house beers and hearty Swiss dishes with panoramic views over Bern.
Bern is costly by European standards, with high prices for hotels, restaurants, and daily expenses.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Bern Hauptbahnhof, Bern -> Zytglogge, Bern
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bern 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 Bern, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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