- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$107
Average price
$107
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 46 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
481 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Schönefeld to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Schönefeld to Cologne will cost around $107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $107.
It's difficult to get from Schönefeld to Cologne without transferring at least once.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Schönefeld to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. 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 $43, and a flight costs an average of $196.
Distance: 298 miles (481 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$173 Average price | $243 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 58m Average total duration 6h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 43m Average total duration 10h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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 Schönefeld to Cologne:
A bus is $112 (€92) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Schönefeld to Cologne costing on average $173 (€142).
A bus is $182 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Schönefeld to Cologne costing on average $243 (€199).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 28m.
Bus takes on average 10h 13m.
Tickets start at around $173 (€142) compared to roughly $105 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-67.86 (€-55.56). The journey takes 6h 28m versus 5h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Schönefeld to Cologne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:27 PM Schönefeld | 6h11 | 1:38 AM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:47 PM Schönefeld | 7h25 | 6:12 AM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 3:02 AM Schönefeld | 6h31 | 9:33 AM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:36 AM Schönefeld | 5h59 | 10:35 AM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:47 AM Schönefeld | 5h46 | 11:33 AM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:07 AM Schönefeld | 6h09 | 12:16 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:47 AM Schönefeld | 5h46 | 12:33 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:47 AM Schönefeld | 5h47 | 1:34 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:07 AM Schönefeld | 6h12 | 2:19 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:47 AM Schönefeld | 5h45 | 2:32 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:47 AM Schönefeld | 5h47 | 3:34 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:47 AM Schönefeld | 5h46 | 4:33 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:47 AM Schönefeld | 5h48 | 5:35 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:47 PM Schönefeld | 5h46 | 6:33 PM Cologne | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, 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 Schönefeld to Cologne run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $142 (€116) but you can travel from only $43 (€35) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 298 miles (481 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 298 miles (481 km) |
Average train duration 6h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $142 (€116) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 5h 20m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Schönefeld 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.

Most Schönefeld to Cologne trains use the Flughafen BER - Terminal 1-2 to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Schönefeld and Cologne 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/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.
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.
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