The cheapest and fastest trains from Potsdam to Cologne
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
12 h 16 m
Average duration
12 h 16 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
452 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Potsdam to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Potsdam to Cologne will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 1 trains that leave Potsdam for Cologne on Fri, Nov 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 452 km distance in an average of 12 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 16 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 12 h 16 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.


Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Potsdam to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Potsdam to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 €29, and a flight costs an average of €50.
Distance: 280 miles (452 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€94 Average price | €191 Average price | €49 Average price Cheapest |
5h 46m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Potsdam to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Potsdam to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S 7 · ICE 654 | Delayed 5:11 AM Potsdam Hbf | 5h04 | 10:26 AM 10:26 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S 7 · S 9 · ICE 654 | Delayed 5:21 AM Potsdam Hbf | 4h54 | 10:26 AM 10:26 AMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 73716 · ICE 1052 | On time 5:31 AM Potsdam Hbf | 5h39 | 11:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 73804 · ICE 954 | Delayed 6:10 AM Potsdam Hbf | 5h02 | 11:23 AM 11:23 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S 7 · RE 3107 · ICE 954 | Delayed 6:11 AM Potsdam Hbf | 5h01 | 11:23 AM 11:23 AMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Potsdam to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Potsdam to Cologne
Trains from Potsdam to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $35 (€29) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 280 miles (452 km) distance in 4h 44m.
Distance 280 miles (452 km) |
Average train duration 5h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Potsdam to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Potsdam and Cologne from $35 (€29). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
FAQs: Trains from Potsdam to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Potsdam 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Potsdam to Cologne
- Domino's
- Mylia
- Avanti
- Quendel
- Pension Sanssouci
- Smiley's Pizza Profis
- Addy's Bistro und Café
- Bao An
- Theo's Inselcafé
- Holiday Inn Express
- The niu Amity
- Café Eselsohr
- Ulf's Café im HPI
- Bistro Wiesenstein
- Die Bohne
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Most popular train connections from Potsdam
More options for your journey from Potsdam to Cologne
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