Berlin to Cologne to Prague
 

Hi all. Berlin to Cologne to Prague, what means of transport should i take?

Berlin: Full 3 days
Cologne: 2 nights
Prague: Full 3 days

Berlin to Cologne: Train ?
Cologne to Prague: Plane?

Is this effective?

1. Train from Cologne Central Station to Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal
2. Plane Düsseldorf to Prague

I was in Cologne in May and based on my experience would like to suggest Cologne --> Berlin --> Prague or the reverse via train. There are overnite buses from Cologne to Prague also, but I am not sure if you are used to sleeping on a chair entire night, which is how it feels on the buses, though its a cushioned chair.
Do you have to come back to berlin ? Would you be flying out of prague ?

Some more details would help.

Indeed Berlin Prague is close and easy by train.
Berlin Koeln - I'd take train too, you probably have good planes but time from center of town to and from airport + time in advance will negate any potential time saving.

Ja - hit Cologne first then head to Berlin by train and then train to Prague - all short enough trips that would be quicker than flying all in all.

You will not have much time in the latter two cities as transit to them will take a half a day.

for schedules see www.bahn.de/en - German Railways site and also for discounted train tickets that can be hugely cheaper than buying full fare as you go - other sites that are informative - www.seat61.com- sage advice about discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. Discounted tickets come in first class too so check them-sometimes not much more than 2nd class and a significant bit more whatever - fewer people riding in same size train car - easier stowing luggage, etc.

Actually, I fly into Berlin. Then out from Prague.

In that case, I'd take the train from Berlin to Cologne.

If you cannot find cheap flights from Cologne/Bonn airport to Prague, it's not much more of a hassle to get to Düsseldorf airport.

Just keep in mind that Düsseldorf airport has two train stations:

Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal -- directly in the terminal building for suburban trains only (S-Bahn)

Düsseldorf Flughafen -- on the main line - with a free connection via airport train to the terminals.

Using the latter is the fastest way from Cologne central station with direct RE trains + airport train. The change is easy, also with luggage. (appr. 50 min)
The most convenient but longer trip is the direct S-Bahn from Cologne to Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal. (1hr 21min)

Cologne to Frankfurt Airport is not long either - less than two hours or less. There is also an overnight train Frankfurt to Prague.

Berlin > Dresden > Prague is a whole lot easier. Just sayin'...

Berlin > Dresden > Prague is a whole lot easier. Just sayin'...>

Yup but OP has booked flights into Berlin and out of Cologne - live and learn!

I think is an overnight train from Cologne to Prague.
Because i am a light sleeper, thus wouldn't consider of night train.

I'm so torn. Desperately wish to visit Cologne...

Cologne a place where I have been on business umpteen times and is probably one of the least interesting German cities from a foreign tourist's point of view - except for the Cathedral. Oh it is a nice nice pleasant city but thoroughly modern - little of the old-world looks Americans at least love so much.

Agree with PalenQ, I was in Cologne for a week on business, and one fine Sunday managed to see most of Cologne, including a walking tour, boat ride, walk across the bridge to Koln triangle, walk on the riverside.Cathedral to name a few. It was summer and it was a long day.

The last leg of my vacation was Prague, and I boarded an overnight train from Prague to Cologne. So you can do Berlin --> Cologne train . Then spend a day in Cologne and take an overnight train to Prague from Cologne HbF.
And I assume you complete your vacations and fly out of Prague.

what is your interest in Cologne - just the cathedral? If so consider VIDHAMAA3's suggestion.

With all the feedback i received, i decided to skip Cologne, since
my only interest is the Cologne Cathedral.

Many thanks everyone :-)