- Must visit
Zentrum Paul Klee
World-class museum and research center devoted to Paul Klee, with major exhibitions in a striking Renzo Piano building.

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Cheapest price
$195
Average price
$226
Fastest journey
5h 2m
Average duration
5h 50m
Trains per day
10
Distance
57 km
Omio 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 $40. 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 $40, and a flight costs an average of $441.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $774 Average price | $183 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 $95 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bern costing on average $156 (€128).
A bus is $714 (€586) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bern costing on average $774 (€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 ($156 (€128) vs $183 (€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, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2040 · ICE 279 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h03 | 2:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279+ IC 2040 | Delayed 9:37 AM 8:53 AMCologne Hbf | 6h03 | 2:56 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 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 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IC 977 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h03 | 4:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
EC 5+ ICE 225 · ICE 27+ IC 977 | 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h03 | 4:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h02 | 2:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h02 | 2:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
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 $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $40 (€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 $60 (€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.
World-class museum and research center devoted to Paul Klee, with major exhibitions in a striking Renzo Piano building.
Leading fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages to modern art, including notable Swiss and international holdings.
Swiss national museum branch presenting Alpine history, communication, migration, and rich cultural heritage collections.
UNESCO-listed medieval old town with arcades, fountains, shops, and major sights, ideal for Bern's classic walking route.
Tree-lined riverside park on a peninsula bend, famous for postcard views of the Old City and a relaxing local atmosphere.
Elegant main street of the Old City, lined with arcades, historic façades, fountains, and key landmarks including Zytglogge.
Rösti is a crisp fried potato cake from the Bern region, once a farmer's breakfast and now a Swiss classic often served as a side or main dish.
Berner Platte is a festive Bernese platter of cured and smoked meats, sausages, potatoes, sauerkraut, and beans, traditionally shared in colder months.
Berner Zungenwurst is a Bernese tongue sausage, gently smoked and seasoned, usually served hot with potatoes or vegetables in traditional inns.
Michelin-starred restaurant focused on modern seasonal cuisine, offering a sophisticated fine-dining experience by the Aare.
Refined Swiss fine dining in an elegant old-town venue, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service.
Historic cellar restaurant serving classic Bernese and Swiss dishes in a vaulted old-town setting with a warm traditional atmosphere.
Bern is costlier than many European capitals. Hotels, dining, and daily transit are pricey, though the compact center and included local transport at some hotels can help.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round up taxi fares and small cafe bills.
Official public transport app
Bern Hauptbahnhof -> Bärenplatz, 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.

Most Cologne to Bern trains use the Köln Hbf to Bern Hauptbahnhof station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bern train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need