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Travel from Berlin to Cologne by train in 12 hours 30 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Berlin to Cologne by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Berlin to Cologne by train is 17 hours 49 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 12 hours 30 minutes. You'll usually find 15 trains per day traveling the 812 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Cologne. You're likely to be traveling with Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia to Cologne. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Berlin to Cologne in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from $161.28. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Berlin to Cologne by train

It takes an average of 17h 49m to travel from Berlin to Cologne by train, over a distance of around 504 miles (812 km). There are normally 15 trains per day traveling from Berlin to Cologne and tickets for this journey start from $161.28 when you book in advance.

First train

6:49 am

Last train

11:14 pm

Departure station

Berlin

Arrival station

Cologne

Journey time

From 12h 30m

Distance

504 miles (812 km)

Frequency

15 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From $161.28

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, ÖBB, Italo, Trenord, SBB CFF FFS, Meridian, Regiojet

Berlin to Cologne train times

Check out the next trains departing from Berlin to Cologne for martes ago 6º 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
9:17 am 4:34 am 19h 17m, 3 changes
2:03 pm 6:19 am 16h 16m, 2 changes
5:28 pm 9:59 am 16h 31m, 6 changes
5:28 pm 11:19 am 17h 51m, 5 changes
5:56 pm 1:19 pm 19h 23m, 5 changes
6:10 pm 2:19 pm 20h 9m, 3 changes
7:06 pm 2:19 pm 19h 13m, 4 changes
7:06 pm 3:19 pm 20h 13m, 3 changes
8:14 pm 2:19 pm 18h 5m, 5 changes
8:26 pm 3:19 pm 18h 53m, 5 changes

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains from Berlin to Cologne

You can travel from Berlin to Cologne on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.

PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.

PhotoQualle, under licence CC3.0

EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.

Frecciarossa, Italo, Regional trains and Trenord classes from Berlin to Cologne

Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Regional trains and Trenord when traveling from Berlin to Cologne.

Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Regional trains and Trenord

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Berlin to Cologne.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant cars.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat.
  • If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • Italo trains offer free WiFi and a free entertainment portal called ItaloLive, where you can choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat.
  • Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
  • You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
PetPetPets
  • Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage
  • Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenitalia's regional trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Trenitalia's regional trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Kids under 4 can travel for free if they’re accompanied by an adult and a seat is not assigned to them. Children aged 4-11 can get 50% off. Older children will need to have a full-price ticket.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can take your bike, hoverboard, monowheel or e-scooter free of charge if it can be folded and doesn’t exceed these dimensions: 120 x 80 x 45cm (47.2 x 31.4 x 17.7 inches).
  • If your bike can’t be folded, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket or another Second Class ticket.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on Trenitalia's regional trains.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
  • You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
  • Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
  • If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
  • Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
  • Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Passengers with disabilities can:

  • Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
  • Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
  • Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)

To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.

Cheap train tickets from Berlin to Cologne

The price of train tickets from Berlin to Cologne starts at $161.28 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Berlin to Cologne by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

FAQs for Berlin to Cologne

Want to know more about your journey from Berlin to Cologne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Berlin to Cologne take?

The average journey time by train between Berlin and Cologne is 17 hours and 49 minutes, with around 15 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Berlin and Cologne by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Berlin to Cologne is 12 hours and 30 minutes.

How much does the train from Berlin to Cologne cost?

Train tickets from Berlin to Cologne can start from as little as $161.28 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.

Is there a direct train from Berlin to Cologne?

No, there are no direct train services from Berlin to Cologne. Travelling from Berlin to Cologne by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Berlin to Cologne leave?

The first train from Berlin to Cologne leaves at 06:49. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Berlin to Cologne leave?

The last train from Berlin to Cologne leaves at 23:14. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Berlin and Cologne by train?

Trains travelling from Berlin to Cologne cover a distance of around 504 miles (812 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cologne to Berlin.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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