Travel Guide: Berlin To Cologne, Easy Ways To Get There

Berlin and Cologne are two of Germany's most popular cities to visit. Getting from one to the other is relatively straightforward, with several transport options available. The best way to travel between the two cities depends on your budget and time constraints. Here are the different ways to get from Berlin to Cologne:

By Train

The train is the best option for those without a car. The journey takes around 4-5 hours and costs between $11 and $45 for a single ticket. There are around 18 trains per day, and the first train usually leaves at around 04:25, with the last departure at around 00:22. The Berlin to Cologne train is direct, and there are up to 75 trains per day, leaving approximately every 4 minutes.

By Plane

For those short on time, flying is the fastest way to get between the two cities, with the journey taking just over 3 hours. However, the flight costs between $55 and $280, making it a more expensive option.

By Bus

Taking the bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing between $12 and $50. However, the journey takes much longer, at around 9-12 hours. There are 3 buses per day, and the journey is direct.

By Car

Finally, you could drive from Berlin to Cologne. The distance is around 350 miles, and the drive takes approximately 5 hours.

Travel by train

Taking the train is a great way to get from Berlin to Cologne. The journey is approximately 476 kilometres or 295 miles, and the fastest trains will get you there in under four hours.

Tickets

You can find tickets for as little as $10/€10, although prices can vary depending on the time of day, route, and class. The average price of a single ticket is around $12 (€10) to $18.

Train Companies

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), FlixTrain, and IC (Intercity) all operate on this route. FlixTrain is a good option for eco-conscious travellers, as it provides 100% green energy connections.

Onboard Amenities

All train options come with comfortable seating and ample luggage space. Many also have dining cars, children's compartments, power sockets, and free WiFi.

Schedule

Trains run frequently, with about 75 trains per day. The first train usually leaves Berlin around 04:25, and the last train leaves around 00:22. This schedule typically stays the same on weekends.

Direct Trains

Direct trains are available and usually take about four to five hours. The fastest direct train will get you from Berlin to Cologne in 3 hours and 59 minutes.

Alternative Options

If you're looking for other ways to get from Berlin to Cologne, you can also consider travelling by plane, bus, car, or rideshare.

Travel by bus

Overview

There are several bus companies that offer services from Berlin to Cologne, including FlixBus and Ecolines. The journey takes between 7 hours 40 minutes and 12 hours 10 minutes, with some trips involving transfers. The distance between the two cities is around 350 miles, and tickets start at €17.49.

Stations

Berlin

Berlin has 9 bus stations:

• Berlin (Ostbahnhof)
• Berlin Alexanderplatz
• Berlin Alt-Tegel (metro station)
• Berlin Central Station (Invalidenstraße)
• Berlin S-Treptower Park (Puschkinallee)
• Berlin Südkreuz train station
• Berlin Wannsee (Wannsee station)
• Berlin central bus station
• Berlin zoo train station

Cologne

Cologne has 3 bus stations:

• Cologne Airport CGN (Terminal 2)
• Cologne East (Bergisch Gladbach, Refrath)
• Leverkusen Mitte station

Tickets and Onboard Services

Tickets can be purchased online or via a mobile app, and some operators allow payment onboard. Onboard services vary by operator but may include:

• Wi-Fi
• Power outlets
• Toilets
• Air conditioning
• Entertainment system

Luggage

Each passenger is allowed one checked bag and one piece of hand luggage free of charge. Additional or oversized luggage may incur a fee.

Travel by plane

Flying is the fastest way to get from Berlin to Cologne. The flight time from Berlin to Cologne is on average 1 hour and 5 minutes for the 296-mile (478 km) long journey. The distance by air is 460 miles (739 km). The earliest flight leaves Berlin at 4:35 a.m. and the latest flight at 7:50 p.m. There are approximately 10 flights per day, 6 of which are direct.

Flights from Berlin to Cologne depart from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). The average price of a plane ticket is $275 (€242), but prices vary depending on the time of day and class. The cheapest tickets can be as low as $54 for a one-way flight. Eurowings, easyJet, TUIfly, Lufthansa, Smartwings, Eurowings Europe, airmax, and Air Baltic are some of the airlines that service this route.

When booking a flight, it's recommended to book in advance and check-in online. This will save you time at the airport and may give you a better choice of seats. It's also a good idea to get to the airport at least 1.5 hours in advance to account for security checks.

Travel by car

The road distance from Berlin to Cologne is around 355-358 miles, and the journey should take approximately 5 hours. Here are some tips and highlights for your road trip:

• The direct route from Berlin to Cologne is around 357 miles, but there are several interesting stops you can make along the way.
• Potsdam is a popular city en route, located less than an hour from Berlin and 5 hours from Cologne. It's known for its historical significance and houses the Sanssouci Palace, once the summer residence of King Frederick the Great of Prussia.
• Wolfsburg is a city in northern Germany, known as the headquarters of Volkswagen. Here, you can visit the Autostadt, an automobile-themed park with a classic car museum and driving track.
• Hannover, the biggest city and capital of Lower Saxony, is another great stop. With a population of over 500,000 people, it's the 13th largest city in Germany.
• Wernigerode is a charming town in the Harz district, characterised by its half-timbered houses, including the medieval Town Hall and the leaning Crooked House. Wernigerode Castle offers museum exhibits and stunning views of the town.
• Dortmund is known for its Westfalen Stadium, home to the Borussia soccer team. Nearby Westfalen Park features the Florian Tower, with an observation platform offering panoramic views.
• Essen has a rich industrial history. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex provides an immersive glimpse into the city's coal mining and steel production past.
• Oberhausen is a city in the Ruhr area, known for the Gasometer Oberhausen, a former gas storage facility turned exhibition space. The LVR Industrial Museum explores the city's manufacturing history.
• Wuppertal is recognised for its Schwebebahn, a suspension monorail dating back to 1901. The Von der Heydt Museum showcases works by impressionists and Dutch Masters, while the Museum of Early Industrialization displays textile machinery and steam engines.

Practical Information:

• The fastest route from Berlin to Cologne takes approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes via the A2.
• Remember to review the local traffic rules and regulations before embarking on your journey.
• Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for your trip, including a valid driver's license and registration.
• Keep some cash or a credit card on hand for any tolls or parking fees you may encounter.
• Plan your breaks and stay alert while driving. It's important to take regular breaks to stay refreshed and avoid driver fatigue.
• Be mindful of any road closures or construction that may impact your route, and consider adjusting your itinerary accordingly.

Enjoy your road trip from Berlin to Cologne!

Travel by rideshare

If you're looking to travel from Berlin to Cologne by rideshare, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the distance between the two cities is approximately 350 miles, and the road distance is around 355 miles. The estimated time for this journey is between 6 hours and 7 minutes, and 6 hours and 29 minutes.

Ridesharing is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities, with prices ranging from $24 to $40. This is a great option if you don't have a driver's license or want to avoid public transport. You can use Blablacar's carpooling service to find rideshare options.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the prices for carpooling may vary, so it's a good idea to check for the latest information and book in advance if possible.

Frequently asked questions