The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Berlin
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
3 h 58 m
Average duration
4 h 7 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
479 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Berlin will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 35 trains that leave Cologne for Berlin on Mon, Dec 15, 24 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 15 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 4 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 58 m .
On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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 1541
ICE 1541 · 3704
ICE 619 · ICE 698
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 1155
ICE 1159
ICE 1157
ICE 553
ICE 551Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Berlin
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 €21, and a flight costs an average of €90.
Distance: 297 miles (479 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€58 Average price | €37 Average price Cheapest | €240 Average price |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Berlin train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Berlin trains for today, Sunday, December 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 721 · ICE 1140 | Delayed 1:49 PM 1:45 PMCologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 7:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 953 | On time 2:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 7:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 8:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h20 | 8:34 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h08 | 8:22 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1059 | On time 3:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 7:31 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 653 | On time 3:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h20 | 8:04 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 725 · ICE 792 | On time 3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h41 | 9:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 201 · ICE 792 | Delayed 4:23 PM 3:54 PMCologne Hbf | 5h32 | 9:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 127 · ICE 832 | On time 4:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h26 | 9:54 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 727 · ICE 832 | On time 4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 9:54 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1159 | On time 5:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h19 | 10:37 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 655 | On time 5:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 11:18 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 729 · ICE 592 | On time 5:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h45 | 11:30 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 957 | On time 6:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h27 | 12:13 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 657 | On time 7:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h22 | 1:07 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1541 · 3704 | On time 10:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h16 | 4:43 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1541 | On time 10:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h21 | 4:48 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 619 · ICE 698 | Delayed 11:04 PM 10:54 PMCologne Hbf | 8h12 | 7:06 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 619 · S6 · IC 60470 · ICE 649 | Delayed 11:04 PM 10:54 PMCologne Hbf | 7h58 | 6:52 AM Berlin Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 619 · S6 · IC 60470+ 83503 | Delayed 11:04 PM 10:54 PMCologne Hbf | 7h52 | 6:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| Monday, December 15 | |||||
ICE 551 | On time 3:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h10 | 7:55 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1155 | On time 5:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 9:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 553 | On time 5:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h10 | 9:55 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 855 | On time 6:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 11:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2206 · ICE 1545 | On time 6:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 11:42 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 12:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h26 | 12:40 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 12:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 555 | On time 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 11:55 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 857 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 1:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 8:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h56 | 1:42 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 557 | On time 9:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 1:55 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 623 · ICE 1134 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 3:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 859 | 10:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 3:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1157 | 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h08 | 3:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 559 | 11:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 3:55 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Berlin by bus, train, or flight
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Berlin

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Berlin
Trains from Cologne to Berlin run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€22) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 8 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 32m.
Distance 297 miles (479 km) |
Average train duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€22) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 4h 32m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Cologne to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Cologne and Berlin from $26 (€21). 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.
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Train tickets from Cologne to Berlin: when to book to save $
The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:
- Buying your train ticket from Cologne - Berlin 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 24% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
- If you book a ticket Cologne - Berlin with 2 months in advance you save up to about 40% compared to the initial price.
- By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 91%.
- On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Berlin
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Berlin
- 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.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- AVCI Bistro
- Restaurant Athos
- Yoko Sushi
- Payamlino Bistro
- Hotel Nova
- Pension Adamshof
- Pension Zum Lichtenberger
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Jäger & Lustig
- BLOCK HOUSE
- Pizza und Pasta
- Lang Van II
- Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
- Armony Hotel
- Nu hotel berlin
- Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
- Haus der 100 Biere
- Ach!NikO!Ach!
- Ristorante Salve
- Mommsen-Eck
- Hotel Orion
- Come Inn Berlin Kurfürstendamm Opera
- Ku’ Damm 101 Design-Hotel Berlin
- EnergieHotel
More options for your journey from Cologne to Berlin
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