Cologne is well connected with Berlin. You can get from Berlin to Cologne by bus, train, BlaBlaCar, flight, or rental car.
Cologne is a city known for many things, but the one thing that stands out, particularly, is the joyous and party spirit that permeates throughout the city! Cologne Carnival, kölsch beer, and, of course, the cathedral are just a few examples of this attitude.
There are numerous sights to see and experience in Cologne. The buildings in the old town are beautifully preserved in an atmospheric district, rich with the best restaurants and cafes.
Roman towers, Gothic churches, and exquisite specimens of contemporary architecture are all to be found here! Of course, a visit to Cologne wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Museum of Applied Art, the Ludwig Museum, and the Chocolate Museum!
The city on the Rhine boasts a vibrant cultural life and a strong tradition. Cologne is a city of music and art, so there will be plenty going on to entertain you in this historic German city!
With dramatic riverfronts and rich cultural offerings, it’s an excellent destination year-round.
Tip: Read here everything you need to know about how to get around in Germany.
Traveling between Berlin and Cologne is easy, and you can choose between a bus, train, BlaBlaCar, flight, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Berlin to Cologne.
How far is Cologne from Berlin?
The distance fromBerlin to Cologne is 356 miles or 573 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Berlin to Cologne
The following table outlines all transportation options from Berlin to Cologne:
| Method | Travel time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 8 hours 55 minutes | EUR 15+ |  |
| Train | 4 hours | EUR 18+ | |
| BlaBlaCar | ~6 hours | – | |
| Flight | 1 hour 5 minutes | EUR 60+ | |
| Rental Car | ~6 hours | – |
Getting to Cologne from Berlin
1. Bus from Berlin to Cologne
Journey Duration: 8 hours 55 minutes
Bus travel is the first and most affordable option from Berlin to Cologne.
With the company FlixBus, you can select a trip between Berlin and Cologne that works for you, whether you want to travel early in the morning or at night.
The first bus leaves at 02:55 AM, while the final bus departs at 11:00 PM. The shortest travel time between Berlin and Cologne is 8 hours and 55 minutes.
A bus ticket costs just EUR 15, which is significantly less than other modes of transportation.
After settling into your seat, you can unwind while taking advantage of the many onboard amenities.
With FlixBus, getting from Berlin to Cologne is swift, clean, and pleasant, and purchasing a ticket couldn’t be simpler!
Book online and avoid crowded times to get the best ticket deals!
How much does a bus from Berlin to Cologne cost?
A bus ticket from Berlin to Cologne costs EUR 15+.
2. Train from Berlin to Cologne
Journey Duration: 4 hours
Another popular option is to take a train from Berlin to Cologne!
In Germany, trains are a convenient means to go between cities, and Deutsche Bahn provides several daily departures. In addition, anyone may easily travel around Germany thanks to the fast and effective high-speed trains that run between Berlin and Cologne.
Between Berlin and Cologne, there are roughly 20 trains every day that travel the distance in 4 hours. You can settle down and enjoy the ride as soon as you board the train because direct trains are available!
You can also catch a slower connecting train on some of the busiest lines. You might discover a lower fare if you have a little additional time. However, it might take a bit longer than the direct high-speed routes.
You’ll probably be riding with ICE, DB, or FlixTrain during your trip because these are the primary rail companies on this route.
Train ticket prices can vary, but you can find the cheapest tickets for only EUR 18. If you purchase your train tickets in advance, you can save money!
Want to purchase rail tickets right away? Just begin your search with us right now and book online!
How much does a train from Berlin to Cologne cost?
A train ticket from Berlin to Cologne costs EUR 18+.
3. BlaBlaCar Carsharing from Berlin to Cologne
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
Carpooling is an excellent method to get around. It’s a time-efficient, pleasant, and inexpensive way to travel from Berlin to Cologne. And BlaBlaCar can assist you in choosing the ideal journey!
By contacting other travelers using the car-sharing app BlaBlaCar who are traveling from Berlin to Cologne, you can secure a cheap reservation!
Be alert for any updates as your departure day approaches! Drivers frequently advertise their journeys a few days before their scheduled departure!
After booking a spot on the shared trip, you will have all the details you need. It takes around 6 hours to travel directly from Berlin to Cologne, so be on the lookout for direct trips only.
To get a spot on a shared ride from Berlin to Cologne, visit the BlaBlaCar website or download the app!
4. Flight from Berlin to Cologne
Journey Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
Taking a flight is the fastest way to go from Berlin to Cologne!
Flying may be the best option for people willing to spend money on trips and desire luxury travel due to its convenience and general efficiency.
On this route, a few airlines offer both direct and connecting flights, with Eurowings having the greatest popularity.
Although the price of a plane ticket might be as low as EUR 60, you should consider it when choosing your travel date because costs can vary significantly throughout the year and can rocket to high levels.
There are some direct flights among the numerous daily departures from Berlin to Cologne, making it simple to avoid journeys requiring multiple transfers. It wouldn’t be very convenient to take a connecting trip, such as those run by Air Portugal, as it would take more than a day to go to Cologne with all the transfers along the way.
However, direct flights only take an hour to complete the route!
So, if you decide to take a trip from Berlin to Cologne, be sure to plan ahead and select a direct route!
Search flights on Omio or on Skyscanner!
How much does a plane from Berlin to Cologne cost?
You can find the cheapest flight from Berlin to Cologne for EUR 60+.
Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner
5. Driving with Rental Car from Berlin to Cologne
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
As a last option, you can get a rental car and drive yourself from Berlin to Cologne!
If you don’t stop along the way and avoid traffic, you should be able to get from Berlin to Cologne in roughly 6 hours. Despite this, give yourself extra time if you must stop elsewhere.
Even if this is your first time driving in these areas, the trip should go without a hitch despite the relatively long distance. The roads are in great shape, and getting around is not too difficult.
Additionally, you’ll be able to locate a rental at a fair price! Just make sure you have all of your documentation on you.
Now that you’re prepared for a road trip, choose your vehicle and embark on a journey from Berlin to Cologne!
Best day tours in Cologne, Germany
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cologne, Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Berlin to Cologne?
The fastest way to get from Berlin to Cologne is by plane. A direct flight from Berlin to Cologne takes only 1 hour and 5 minutes!
What is the cheapest way to get from Berlin to Cologne?
The cheapest way to get from Berlin to Cologne is by bus. The cheapest bus tickets are available for only EUR 15!
How long does it take to drive from Berlin to Cologne?
The direct drive from Berlin to Cologne takes a little under 6 hours.
Is there a direct train from Berlin to Cologne?
Yes, a direct train does run from Berlin to Cologne.
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