COLOGNE HBF to HAMBURG ALTONA train from £8 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Showing times and prices for 21 Dec

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£60

Fastest journey

3 h 49 m

Average duration

4 h 2 m

Trains per day

Distance

354 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona will cost around £60 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.

Fast trains

Of the 29 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Hamburg Altona every day 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 354 km distance in an average of 4 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 18 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

ICE 1541 · ICE 1080 · S7

23:277h36

Cologne Hbf

07:03Hamburg Altona

£221One-way

2 changes

ICE 2518

06:434h22

Cologne Hbf

11:05Hamburg Altona

£331One-way

0 changes

ICE 208

05:114h23

Cologne Hbf

09:34Hamburg Altona

£331One-way

0 changes

ICE 1028

04:004h34

Cologne Hbf

08:34Hamburg Altona

£401One-way

0 changes

17388 · ICE 920

01:525h12

Cologne Hbf

07:04Hamburg Altona

£441One-way

1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a flight costs an average of £119.

Distance: 354 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Flight
£57 Average Price	£20 Average Price Cheapest	£319 Average Price
4h 43m Average total duration 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Most popular airline
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Live departures

Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:04

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
ICE 2518	Delayed 05:43 05:11Cologne Hbf	4h22	10:05 10:05Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 612	On time 11:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	15:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
S11 · ICE 1020	Delayed 11:27 Cologne Hbf	3h56	15:29 15:29Hamburg Altona	1 change
ICE 1032	On time 11:45 Cologne Hbf	4h18	16:03 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 200	On time 12:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	16:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 610	On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	17:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 651 · ICE 588 · S3	On time 13:44 Cologne Hbf	4h34	18:18 Hamburg Altona	2 changes
ICE 108	On time 14:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	18:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 518	On time 15:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	19:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 653 · ICE 586 · S3	On time 15:44 Cologne Hbf	4h34	20:18 Hamburg Altona	2 changes
ICE 106	Delayed 16:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	20:35 20:35Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 516	On time 17:11 Cologne Hbf	4h22	21:33 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 655 · ICE 584 · S3	On time 17:44 Cologne Hbf	4h34	22:18 Hamburg Altona	2 changes
ICE 104	On time 18:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	22:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 514	On time 19:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	23:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
S6 · ICE 26 · 10235 · 14072	19:37 Cologne Hbf	6h31	02:08 Hamburg Altona	5 changes
ICE 1541+82856+S3	On time 22:27 Cologne Hbf	7h01	05:28 Hamburg Altona	2 changes
Sunday 21 December
17388 · ICE 920	00:52 Cologne Hbf	5h12	06:04 Hamburg Altona	1 change
ICE 1028	On time 03:00 Cologne Hbf	4h34	07:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 208	On time 04:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	08:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 843 · ICE 776 · S1	On time 04:26 Cologne Hbf	5h24	09:50 Hamburg Altona	2 changes
ICE 206	On time 06:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	10:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
IC 2310 · S3	06:40 Cologne Hbf	4h28	11:08 Hamburg Altona	1 change
ICE 616	On time 07:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	11:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 1036	On time 07:44 Cologne Hbf	4h18	12:02 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 204	On time 08:11 Cologne Hbf	4h23	12:34 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 1022	On time 09:30 Cologne Hbf	3h49	13:19 Hamburg Altona	0 changesdirect
ICE 557 · ICE 682 · S3	09:44 Cologne Hbf	4h34	14:18 Hamburg Altona	2 changes
This is the last train of the day.

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Germany

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 14:04. The fastest train covers the 354 km distance in 3h 49m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Distance

354 km

Average train duration

4h 13m

Cheapest ticket price

£8

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

3h 49m

First train

04:15

Last train

14:04

Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

3h 49m

Cheapest Price

£28

Deutsche Bahn frequency

11 a day

Luggage included

Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves

Luggage storage

Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?

Refund

If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.

Seat reservation

Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.

Pets

Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Hamburg Altona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.

The train journey from Köln Hbf to Hamburg-Altona offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the picturesque Rhine Valley with its rolling vineyards and charming villages, especially between Köln and Wuppertal. As the train progresses towards Hamburg, the landscape transitions to the lush greenery and fields of Lower Saxony, providing a pleasant and varied visual experience.

A day trip from Köln Hbf to Hamburg-Altona is not feasible due to the travel duration of 3h 49m each way. However, there are 12 trains available per day for this journey.

The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona is 354 km.

The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona covers a distance of 354 km and takes approximately 3h 49m. Trains run 12 per day.

Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.

The first train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona leaves at 4:15.

The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £57.

The last train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona departs at 14:04.

The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona is by train, costing approximately £8.

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona run approximately 12 times per day.

There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona.

To get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona

Cologne

Hamburg

The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Hamburg.

Köln Hbf

Amenities at train station

Wifi

Lockers

Shopping

Parking

Dining

ATM

Taxis

Accessibility

Hotel

Lounge

Lost and Found Office

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Bike Rental

Car Rental

Information Desk

information

Address

Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany

Ticket Office Hours

Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00

Distance to city center

1 km

Wifi

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.

Lockers

There are luggage lockers in the station.

Dining

asiagourmet
Coffee Fellows
dean&david
Dunkin' Donuts
KFC
McDonald's
Pizza Hut
Nordsee
Starbucks
Schweinske
& more

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Hotel

Wyndham Koeln
Hilton Cologne
Excelsior Hotel Ernst

Information Desk

One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf

Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Midi train

Cologne Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf train

Cologne Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal train

Cologne Hbf to Munich Hbf train

Cologne Hbf to Berlin train

Most popular trains to and from Hamburg Altona and Cologne Hbf

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Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Compare train with

Live departures

Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train times

Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona by train, coach or flight

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train

Is there a direct train between Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

Is the Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train scenic?

Can I do a day trip from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

How far is Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona by train?

How long is the train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

Do you need to book the train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona in advance?

When is the first train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

How much are train tickets from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

When is the last train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

What is the cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

How often do trains run from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

Is there a sleeper train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

How do I get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

Can you take the train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona?

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona

Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf

Most popular trains to and from Hamburg Altona and Cologne Hbf

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy