- Must visit
Stiftung Fürst-Pückler-Museum Park und Schloss Branitz
Museum in Branitz Palace presenting Prince Pückler’s life, interiors, and landscape vision in one of Cottbus’s top cultural sites.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$58
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$114
Fastest journey on Sep 18
6 h 11 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
8 h 5 m
Trains on Sep 18
5
Distance
520 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Cottbus is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Cottbus will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Cottbus without transferring at least once.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 623 · ICE 1134 · 3124
ICE 557 · 3122
ICE 555 · 62016 · 18366
ICE 529 · ICE 692 · S4 · 18366
ICE 557 · 3122
ICE 529 · ICE 692 · S4 · 18366
ICE 623 · ICE 1134 · 3124
ICE 555 · 62016 · 18366
FlixTrain+
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Cottbus among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $101 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $101, while a flight costs an average of $465.
Distance: 323 miles (520 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$185 Average price | $465 Average price | $101 Average price Cheapest | $122 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 42m Average total duration 13h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Cottbus:
A bus is $84 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Cottbus costing on average $185.
A bus is $364 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Cottbus costing on average $465.
Other travel options to Cottbus take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 27m.
Bus takes on average 13h 12m.
You'll arrive about 32m sooner (6h 27m by train vs 6h 59m by car). Tickets start at around $185 compared to roughly $122 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Cottbus trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 555 · 62016 · 18366 | On time 8:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h12 | 3:56 PM Cottbus Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 529 · ICE 692 · S4 · 18366 | On time 8:47 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h09 | 3:56 PM Cottbus Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 557 · 3122 | On time 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h11 | 4:55 PM Cottbus Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 623 · ICE 1134 · 3124 | Delayed 8:47 AM 10:45 AMCologne Messe/Deutz | 7h11 | 5:56 PM Cottbus Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 12h41 | 4:55 AM Cottbus, Bus Station | 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 Cottbus run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $106 but you can travel from only $78 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:16, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 323 miles (520 km) distance in 5h 32m.
Distance 323 miles (520 km) |
Average train duration 6h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 32m |
First train 12:16 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Cottbus — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cottbus trip today.
Museum in Branitz Palace presenting Prince Pückler’s life, interiors, and landscape vision in one of Cottbus’s top cultural sites.
City museum covering Cottbus history, urban development, and regional culture inside a former gate-related historic complex.
Art museum known for modern and contemporary exhibitions, especially East German art, in a striking power-station building.
Famous landscaped park by Prince Pückler with lakes, pyramids, and scenic paths; the city’s signature green attraction.
Cottbus’s main market square with historic facades, events, and a lively atmosphere; a natural starting point for exploring the center.
Main pedestrian shopping street connecting the station side and old town, good for architecture, people-watching, and everyday city life.
Spreewald gherkins are barrel-pickled cucumbers from nearby Spreewald, famous for their crisp texture and dill, mustard, or horseradish seasoning.
Quark with linseed oil and potatoes is a Lusatian farmhouse staple. The creamy curd and nutty oil reflect Sorbian country cooking around Cottbus.
Boiled potatoes with herb quark are a simple regional everyday meal, valued for local dairy and produce and common across Brandenburg and Lusatia.
Elegant restaurant in Branitz Park offering refined regional cuisine with a quieter upscale atmosphere near Fürst Pückler's park.
Historic brewery restaurant known for hearty regional dishes and house beer in a traditional, atmospheric setting near the old town.
Traditional inn-style venue serving German and regional favorites in a rustic, casual atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Berlin, while local transit and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is customary but modest: round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Small rounding up is common for taxis and cafes.
Official public transport app
Cottbus Hbf -> Altmarkt, Cottbus
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Cottbus 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 Cottbus, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Cottbus trains use the Köln Hbf to Cottbus Hauptbahnhof station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Cottbus 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-Weiden West is 9 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Weiden West 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: Stammhaus, Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof, GolfCity Bistro
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Weiden West. ATMs are available at Köln-Weiden West.
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Weiden West. Information desks are available at Köln-Weiden West.
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Weiden West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln-Weiden West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln-Weiden West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Weiden West.
Cottbus Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Esscobar, Ratskeller Cottbus
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Cottbus Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Cottbus Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cottbus Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cottbus Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cottbus Hauptbahnhof.
Nearby hotels include Radisson Blu Hotel Cottbus, Lindner Congress Hotel Cottbus, Sorat Hotel Cottbus.
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