The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Berlin
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$151
Fastest journey
4 h 58 m
Average duration
5 h 5 m
Trains per day
14
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 $151 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 14 trains that leave Cologne for Berlin on Thu, Apr 02, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 479 km distance in an average of 5 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 58 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 5 h 20 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.
FlixTrain12:14 PM5h20Cologne Hbf5:34 PMBerlin Spandau$941One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain12:14 PM5h36Cologne Hbf5:50 PMBerlin Hbf$941One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:14 PM5h52Cologne Hbf10:06 PMBerlin Südkreuz station$971One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:14 PM5h29Cologne Hbf9:43 PMBerlin Spandau$971One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:14 PM5h41Cologne Hbf9:55 PMBerlin Hbf$971One-way0 transfers
ICE 84911:28 AM4h58Cologne Hbf4:26 PMBerlin Hbf$2411One-way0 transfers
ICE 8479:27 AM5h00Cologne Hbf2:27 PMBerlin Hbf$2411One-way0 transfers
ICE 5458:25 AM5h04Cologne Hbf1:29 PMBerlin Hbf$2411One-way0 transfers
ICE 54710:24 AM5h05Cologne Hbf3:29 PMBerlin Hbf$2411One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain12:14 PM5h20Cologne Hbf5:34 PMBerlin Spandau$941One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 $24, and a flight costs an average of $62.
Distance: 297 miles (479 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$50 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $288 Average price |
4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 57m Average total duration 7h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m 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, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 6:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h37 | 11:51 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 6:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h20 | 11:34 AM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 6:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h51 | 12:05 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 6:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h04 | 11:29 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 7:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h01 | 2:02 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 847 | On time 7:27 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h00 | 12:27 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
28510 · ICE 1547 | On time 7:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 1:01 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 547 | On time 8:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 1:29 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 849 | On time 9:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 2:26 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 2:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h52 | 8:06 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 2:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h29 | 7:43 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 2:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h41 | 7:55 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 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.
Apr 01
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Why should you book Cologne to Berlin trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Österreichische Bundesbahnen to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Berlin.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Berlin.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Berlin.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Berlin?
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 16 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 10 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 56m.
Distance 297 miles (479 km) |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 4h 56m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
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 $22 (€18). 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
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.
- 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
- 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
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 22:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:00
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
- backWERK
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Einstein Kaffee
- Le Crobag
- McDonald's
- Hans im Glück
- Pret A Manger
- Starbucks
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof
- Located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
- 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
- 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
- Unvernunft
- Taverna Teloneio
- Burger King
- Hasir
- Hotel Benn
- Hotel Herbst
- Hotel Lindenufer
- Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau
More options for your journey from Cologne to Berlin
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