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Trains from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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  3. Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf

How to travel from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf? Look no further.

There are around 18 trains per day running between Köln Hbf and Bern Hbf, which usually take 5 hours 24 minutes to complete the 277 miles (445 km) journey. It can take as little as 5 hours 1 minute on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Bern Hbf from Köln Hbf, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. All or part of your journey will be on board a DB train, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £54.86. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Bern Hbf from Köln Hbf

It takes an average of 5h 24m to travel from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf by train, over a distance of around 277 miles (445 km). There are normally 18 trains per day travelling from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £54.86 when you book in advance.

First train

02:41

Last train

23:55

Departure stationKöln Hbf
Arrival stationBern Hbf
Journey time

From 5h 1m

Distance

277 miles (445 km)

Frequency

18 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £54.86

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf?

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

How do you get to Bern Hbf from Köln Hbf?

To travel to Bern Hbf from Köln Hbf, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 5 hours and 24 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 5 hours and 1 minute. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf?

Trains from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf take an average of 5 hours and 24 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours and 1 minute. You'll usually find 18 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf by train?

Train tickets from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf can start from £54.86 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Köln Hbf and Bern Hbf by train?

The quickest journey time between Köln Hbf and Bern Hbf by train is 5 hours and 1 minute.

What are the train times from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf?

Check out the next trains departing from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:5512:565h 1m, 1 change
08:5513:565h 1m, 2 changes
09:5514:565h 1m, 1 change
10:5515:565h 1m, 2 changes
11:5516:565h 1m, 1 change
12:5517:565h 1m, 1 change
13:5519:215h 26m, 3 changes
13:5519:265h 31m, 2 changes
14:5519:565h 1m, 1 change
15:5520:565h 1m, 1 change

Deutsche Bahn and EC (Eurocity) trains from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf

You can travel from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf on Deutsche Bahn 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.

Photo: JoachimKohlerBremen, 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.

More information

Photo: Qualle, 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.

More information

What Eurocity (EC) classes are there from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurocity (EC) when travelling from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf.

Second Class

Travelling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power sockets and a bar carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.

  • SnowflakeSnowflakeAir-conditioning
  • PlugPlugPower sockets
  • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
  • LegRoomLegRoomAdjustable seats/footrests
  • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
  • SeatSeatSeat reservation

    First Class

    Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and at-seat catering service.

    • SnowflakeSnowflakeAir-conditioning
    • PlugPlugPower sockets
    • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
    • LegRoomLegRoomAdjustable seats/footrests
    • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
    • SeatSeatSeat reservation

      What are the onboard services on Eurocity (EC)?

      Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf.

      LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

      You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

      Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

      Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

      RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

      With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

      In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

      DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

      WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

      Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on their EC trains.

      ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

      When travelling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

      On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.

      ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

      When travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

      Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

      PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

      If you’re travelling on a EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

      Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

      WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

      The Mobility Service can help you with board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

      How do I find cheap train tickets from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf?

      If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

      1. Book in advance

      The price of train tickets from Köln Hbf to Bern Hbf starts at £54.86§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

      2. Be flexible with your travel times

      If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

      3. Buy a rail pass

      If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

      4. Choose a slower or connecting train

      On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

      5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

      Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

      6. Take a night train

      Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

      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.

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