is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
How to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen? Look no further.
You'll usually find 20 trains per day running between Cologne (Germany) and Bremen, which usually take 3 hours 19 minutes to complete the 269 km journey. It can take as little as 3 hours 3 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. During your journey, you're likely to be traveling with ICE, DB or FlixTrain, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from $11.40. 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 train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Cologne (Germany) to Bremen by train
It takes an average of 3h 19m to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen by train, over a distance of around 167 miles (269 km). There are normally 20 trains per day traveling from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen and tickets for this journey start from $11.40 when you book in advance.
| First train | 2:09 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:13 pm | |
| Departure station | Cologne (Germany) | |
| Arrival station | Bremen | |
| Journey time | From 3h 3m | |
| Distance | 167 miles (269 km) | |
| Frequency | 20 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $11.40 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), FlixTrain and IC (Intercity) trains from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
FlixTrain
IC (Intercity)
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
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.
More information
Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.
More information
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.
More information
Intercity Express (ICE), Intercity (IC), Eurocity (EC) and FlixTrain classes from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Express (ICE), Intercity (IC), Eurocity (EC) and FlixTrain when traveling from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen.
Intercity Express (ICE)
Intercity (IC)
Eurocity (EC)
FlixTrain
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Second Class
Enjoy comfortable seats with power outlets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Second Class
Traveling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power outlets and a bar car where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
First Class
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and an in-seat meal service.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
Standard Class
Although Flixtrain have only one class (Standard), they offer plenty of amenities on board, including free WiFi, power outlets and a bar car supplying snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
Onboard services on Intercity Express (ICE), Intercity (IC), Eurocity (EC) and FlixTrain
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen.
Intercity Express (ICE)
Intercity (IC)
Eurocity (EC)
FlixTrain
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling 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.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
You will find an extensive menu 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.
If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.
You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra 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 additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling 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.
Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the onboard 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.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all EC trains.
When traveling 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.
When traveling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and a 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.
If you’re traveling on an 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 traveling 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.
The Mobility Service can help you with boarding, disembarking and changing trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
When traveling with Flixtrain, you can take the following baggage for free: 1x carry-on bag with max dimensions 42 x 30 x 18 cm and 7kg (16.5 x 11.8 x 7 inches and 15.4 pounds) and 1x checked bag with max dimensions 80 x 50 x 30 cm and 20kg (31.4 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches and 44 pounds).
For safety reasons, you must stow your carry-on bag beneath your seat, or in the overhead compartment above your seat.
Currently, FlixTrain does not offer a food and drink service. However, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
On FlixTrain services, you can connect to the free WiFi to surf the internet, chat with friends, check your emails and more.
If you’re worried about your battery life, you can charge your devices by connecting to the power sockets or USB outlets at your seat.
Children up to 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children between 6 and 14 years old can travel alone with a declaration of consent from their parent or guardian. Keep an eye out for special discounts, as FlixTrain offer cheap tickets for children less than 15 years old.
All FlixTrains are equipped with reservable bicycle storage. Bikes must be standard size and not exceed 20kg (45 pounds). To bring your bicycle on board, you must reserve a space with FlixTrain.
In Germany, passengers may take pets that are up to the size of a house cat carried in a secure container at no cost. If you want to take a dog with you on the train which is larger than a house cat, provided it is on a leash and wearing a muzzle, you can purchase an extra ticket at the child's price. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.
In Sweden, pets may not be transported on trains. The only exception is for guide and assistance dogs.
Passengers with limited mobility who require assistance with boarding and embarking should contact FlixTrain to book one of the designated seats provided. FlixTrain transport foldable wheelchairs, walking aids and other mobility devices for free.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen
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 Cologne (Germany) to Bremen 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 Cologne (Germany) to Bremen
Want to know more about your journey from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen? 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 Cologne (Germany) to Bremen take?
The average journey time by train between Cologne (Germany) and Bremen is 3 hours and 19 minutes, with around 20 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 Cologne (Germany) and Bremen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen is 3 hours and 3 minutes.
How much does the train from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen cost?
Train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen can start from as little as $11.40 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 Cologne (Germany) to Bremen?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen without having to change trains. There are 19 direct trains from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen leave?
The first train from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen leaves at 02:09. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen leave?
The last train from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen leaves at 23:13. 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 Cologne (Germany) and Bremen by train?
Trains travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Bremen cover a distance of around 167 miles (269 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bremen to Cologne (Germany).
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.