- Must visit
Zentrum Paul Klee
Major museum dedicated to Paul Klee, with a large collection of his works in a landmark Renzo Piano building just outside the center.
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$187
Fastest journey
5 h 2 m
Average duration
5 h 19 m
Trains per day
24
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 $187 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Bern without transferring at least once.
ICE 619 · IC 60403 · IC 959
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · EC 63
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IR 2467 · IR 2166
ICE 103 · IR 2473 · IR 2172
ICE 103 · IC 623
ICE 515 · ICE 279
ICE 515 · ICE 279
ICE 103 · IR 2473 · IR 2172
ICE 103+
IR 2473 · IR 2172
ICE 103 · IC 623Omio 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 $442.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $776 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 $96 (€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 $715 (€586) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bern costing on average $776 (€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, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IR 2467 · IR 2166 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 11:24 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 · IC 617 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h38 | 11:26 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275+ IR 2467 · IR 2166 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 11:24 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275+ IC 617 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h38 | 11:26 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 23 · ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IR 2471 | On time 6:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h51 | 1:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4 transfers | |
ICE 23 · ICE 513 · ICE 277+ IR 2471 | On time 6:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h51 | 1:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 4 transfers | |
ICE 23 · ICE 513 · ICE 277+ EC 30065 | On time 6:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h53 | 1:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 101 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h02 | 11:56 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 101 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h02 | 11:56 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h03 | 2:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h03 | 2:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
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 30065 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h32 | 1:26 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 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 30065 | 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 · 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 103+ IR 2473 · IR 2172 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 2:24 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IC 977 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h03 | 4:56 PM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225+ EC 5+ IC 977 | On time 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 | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
ICE 827 · ICE 273 · IC 615 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h05 | 10:26 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 827 · ICE 273+ IC 615 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h05 | 10:26 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 2 transfers | |
ICE 827 · ICE 273 · IR 2465 · IR 2164 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h03 | 10:24 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
ICE 827 · ICE 273+ IR 2465 · IR 2164 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h03 | 10:24 AM Bern Hauptbahnhof | 3 transfers | |
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 $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 $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.
Major museum dedicated to Paul Klee, with a large collection of his works in a landmark Renzo Piano building just outside the center.
Switzerland’s oldest art museum, known for collections spanning the Middle Ages to contemporary art and important temporary exhibitions.
Large history museum covering Bern and world cultures, housed in a castle-like building and closely linked with the Einstein Museum.
UNESCO-listed medieval center with arcades, fountains, sandstone streets, and many of Bern’s signature views and landmarks.
Hilltop rose garden and viewpoint with one of the best panoramic vistas over Bern’s Old Town and the Aare loop.
One of Bern’s most famous Old Town streets, lined with arcades, historic facades, fountains, and Einstein-related sights.
A classic Bernese platter of smoked pork, beef, sausages, sauerkraut, green beans, and potatoes, traditionally served for festive gatherings.
Bern’s traditional onion tart, especially associated with the annual Zibelemärit onion market, made with onions, cream, and eggs in a pastry crust.
A Bernese-style potato rösti, crisp and golden, often served as a hearty side or topped with bacon, egg, or cheese.
An established dining spot above the old town, offering refined seasonal cuisine and one of the best panoramic views in Bern.
A famous historic restaurant in a grand vaulted cellar, known for Swiss classics, Bernese specialties, and an impressive atmosphere.
A long-established Bern institution popular for traditional Swiss fare, especially hearty local dishes, in a lively and classic setting.
Bern is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though supermarkets and lunch specials can help control costs.
Service is included by law. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are optional.
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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