- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$150
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
5 h 59 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
477 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Interlaken to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Interlaken to Cologne will cost around $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 5 trains that leave Interlaken for Cologne on Mon, Jun 01, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 477 km distance in an average of 5 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 6 h 1 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Interlaken to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 16m. 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 train costs an average of $59, and a flight costs an average of $78.
Distance: 296 miles (477 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$124 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price | $199 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Interlaken to Cologne:
A train is $61 (€49) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Interlaken to Cologne costing on average $186 (€149).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 9m.
The journey is about 41m faster (6h 9m by train vs 6h 50m by car) and roughly $75 (€60) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($124 (€100) vs $199 (€160)). 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 Interlaken to Cologne trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 811 · ICE 372 · ICE 2617 · ICE 720 | On time 8:04 AM Interlaken West | 8h33 | 4:37 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
IC 612 · ICE 108 | On time 8:34 AM Interlaken West | 6h31 | 3:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 4215 · EC 30060 · ICE 370 · ICE 28 | On time 9:33 AM Interlaken West | 8h33 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 106 | On time 11:04 AM Interlaken West | 6h01 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 · IC 1941 | On time 11:04 AM Interlaken West | 8h05 | 7:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 819 · IC 970 · ECE 4 · ICE 1572 | Delayed 12:04 PM Interlaken West | 8h53 | 7:30 PM 7:30 PMCologne Messe/Deutz | 4 transfers | |
IC 819 · IC 186 · ICE 514 | Delayed 12:04 PM Interlaken West | 8h02 | 6:12 PM 6:12 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 819 · IC 970 · ECE 4 · ICE 104 | On time 12:04 PM Interlaken West | 7h01 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 972 · EC 150 · ICE 1649 | On time 1:04 PM Interlaken West | 8h15 | 9:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 972 · EC 150 · ICE 1649 · ICE 514 | Delayed 1:04 PM Interlaken West | 7h02 | 6:12 PM 6:12 PMCologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Interlaken to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 (€47) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 296 miles (477 km) distance in 5h 55m.
Distance 296 miles (477 km) |
Average train duration 6h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€47) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 5h 55m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
One of Germany’s important fine art museums, with medieval painting, Baroque masters, and strong 19th-century holdings in the city center.
Key archaeological museum for Cologne’s Roman heritage. The main building has been under redevelopment, but the collection remains a city highlight.
Popular riverside promenade and steps on the Deutz side, famous for one of the best panoramic views of Cologne Cathedral and the skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional façades and lively public space, ideal for soaking up Cologne’s central atmosphere.
Large central square in the Old Town, often used for events and a convenient base for exploring nearby historic streets and the riverfront.
Cologne’s iconic pale ale, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is a Rhineland favorite.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye roll with Gouda cheese, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a traditional brauhaus snack served with Kölsch.
A respected fine-dining restaurant offering creative modern cuisine and tasting menus, representing Cologne’s upscale food scene.
Historic brewery tavern with its own Kölsch, appreciated for authentic Cologne food, old-world atmosphere, and communal wooden tables.
A long-established, casual local favorite especially known for large schnitzels and hearty Rhineland comfort food in a friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and dining in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Interlaken to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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