- 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
$49
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 46 m
Trains per day
39
Distance
479 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berlin to Cologne will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 39 trains that leave Berlin for Cologne on Sat, Jun 20, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 46 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.
ICE 1540
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 699 · ICE 618
ICE 942
ICE 846
ICE 644
ICE 844
ICE 940Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin 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 31m. 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 $86.
Distance: 297 miles (479 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$60 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $296 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 41m Average total duration 7h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Berlin to Cologne:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin to Cologne costing on average $60 (€49).
A bus is $247 (€202) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin to Cologne costing on average $296 (€243).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 36m.
Bus takes on average 7h 11m.
The journey is about 7m faster (6h 36m by train vs 6h 43m by car) and roughly $45 (€37) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($60 (€49) vs $105 (€86)). 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Berlin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 240 · 28513 | On time 6:14 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h15 | 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 644 | On time 6:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 9590 · ICE 726 | On time 7:11 AM Berlin Spandau | 5h03 | 12:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1548 | On time 7:12 AM Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station | 5h04 | 12:16 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 7:47 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1131 · ICE 724 | On time 8:00 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 148 · 28517 | On time 8:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h13 | 1:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 8:28 AM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h13 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:39 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h02 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:50 AM Berlin Spandau | 4h51 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1052 | On time 9:14 AM Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station | 5h05 | 2:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1135 · ICE 626 | On time 12:02 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h12 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 144 · 28525 | On time 12:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h13 | 5:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 12:22 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h21 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 548 | On time 12:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:49 PM Berlin Spandau | 4h54 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 848 | On time 1:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 6:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 142 · 28529 | On time 2:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h13 | 7:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 546 | On time 2:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1544 · 10228 · 28531 | On time 3:17 PM Berlin-Charlottenburg | 5h12 | 8:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 846 | On time 3:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h45 | 8:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1139 · ICE 528 | On time 4:00 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h14 | 9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 140 · 28533 | On time 4:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h13 | 9:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 4:28 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 5h12 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:39 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h01 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 4:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 4:50 PM Berlin Spandau | 7h00 | 11:50 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 4:50 PM Berlin Spandau | 4h50 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1542 | On time 5:17 PM Berlin-Charlottenburg | 5h00 | 10:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 844 | On time 5:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h46 | 10:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 | On time 6:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h48 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 842 · 26840 | On time 7:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h35 | 1:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 740 · ICE 921 | On time 8:15 PM Berlin Hbf | 7h15 | 3:30 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 699 · ICE 618 | On time 9:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 8h37 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1540 | On time 11:51 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h33 | 6:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
ICE 646 | On time 4:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h05 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 946 | On time 5:35 AM Berlin Hbf | 5h00 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Berlin to Cologne run on average 19 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 297 miles (479 km) distance in 4h 46m.
Distance 297 miles (479 km) |
Average train duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 4h 46m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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
The train connection between Berlin and Cologne offers a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two cities. With services provided by Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain, passengers can enjoy comfortable rides with various departure times throughout the day. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, allowing travelers to relax while taking in the scenic views of Germany's countryside along the route. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this rail link is an excellent choice for exploring both destinations.
Traveling from Berlin to Cologne takes approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes. There are 2 direct connections available each day, making it convenient for travelers. The departure stations include Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Südkreuz, Berlin Zoologischer Garten, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, and Berlin Spandau; while the arrival stations in Cologne are Köln Messe/Deutz and Köln Hbf.
The first daily train from Berlin to Cologne departs at 06:23, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of these two cities. The last journey of the day leaves at 20:41, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their evening in either city before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Berlin and Cologne is €21. The average ticket price typically hovers around €86, making it a cost-effective option if you book in advance.
Welcome to Cologne, where the magnificent Cologne Cathedral stands as a testament to Gothic architecture and centuries of devotion; construction began in 1248 and took over six centuries to complete, making it one of Germany's most iconic landmarks. Its towering spires reach an impressive height of 157 meters, drawing visitors from around the world who come not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As we stroll towards Hohenzollern Bridge, you'll notice thousands of love locks adorning its railings—a charming tradition that symbolizes eternal love among couples. This bridge has been pivotal since its completion in 1911, serving as both a vital transportation link across the Rhine River and an enchanting spot for stunning views of the cathedral against the skyline.
Finally, let’s explore Museum Ludwig, home to one of Europe’s most significant collections of modern art featuring works by Picasso and Warhol. Opened in 1976 within striking distance from our previous stops, this museum is unique not just for its extensive contemporary collection but also for how it seamlessly blends historical context with innovative exhibitions that challenge your perception at every turn.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin 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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