Travelling from London to Berlin by train
It may not be the quickest way to travel between these two capital cities, but taking the train from London to Berlin means less baggage restrictions, more comfortable seating and plenty of beautiful European countryside to spot along the way. You can even turn the journey into an extra part of your trip with an overnight stay in Brussels along the way.
In around nine hours, Eurostar and ICE high-speed trains can transport you to the centre of Berlin, so you’ll be able to start sightseeing straight away. Once you step out of Berlin Hbf, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the iconic Reichstag Building and a 20-minute stroll to the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Feeling inspired? Keep reading to find train times, ticket prices and journey information.
London to Berlin by train
| Journey time | From 9h 5m |
|---|---|
| Price | From $83.19 |
| Distance | 576 miles (927 km) |
| Frequency | 8 trains per day |
| First train | 09:01 |
| Last train | 20:01 |
| Departure station | London |
| Arrival station | Berlin |
| Changes | 2 changes |
| Train and bus operators | WestfalenBahn, Regiojet, Union Ivkoni (Bus), Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, Eurostar, Thalys, Flixbus, ÖBB, Traveleuro |
Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and Thalys trains from London to Berlin
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF
Thalys
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).
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.
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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Cheap train tickets from London to Berlin
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 London to Berlin 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.
FAQs for London to Berlin
How long does the train from London to Berlin take?
The average journey time by train between London and Berlin is 13 hours and 52 minutes, with around 8 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 London and Berlin by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Berlin is 9 hours and 5 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Berlin cost?
Train tickets from London to Berlin can start from as little as $83.19 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 London to Berlin?
No, there are no direct train services from London to Berlin. Travelling from London to Berlin by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from London to Berlin leave?
The first train from London to Berlin leaves at 09:01. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Berlin leave?
The last train from London to Berlin leaves at 20:01. 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 London and Berlin by train?
Trains travelling from London to Berlin cover a distance of around 576 miles (927 km) during the journey.