1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
Showing times and prices for 20 Jan
Cheapest price
£16
Average price
£56
Fastest journey
3 h 42 m
Average duration
4 h
Trains per day
29
Distance
357 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf 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 Hbf will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
Fast trains
Of the 29 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Hamburg Hbf every day 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 4 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 108023:227h20
Cologne Hbf06:42Hamburg Hbf
£161One-way
1 change
FlixTrain · FlixTrain08:148h20
Cologne Hbf16:34Hamburg Hbf
£241One-way
1 change
26843 · S1 · Bus RE1 · 2206500:495h59
Cologne Hbf06:48Hamburg Hbf
£271One-way
4 changes
ICE 657+
81646+ICE 90020:455h01
Cologne Hbf01:46Hamburg Hbf
£431One-way
2 changes
ICE 10419:114h05
Cologne Hbf23:16Hamburg Hbf
£441One-way
0 changes
ICE 152016:073h42
Cologne Hbf19:49Hamburg Hbf
£731One-way
0 changes
ICE 20607:114h04
Cologne Hbf11:15Hamburg Hbf
£461One-way
0 changes
ICE 51420:114h04
Cologne Hbf00:15Hamburg Hbf
£461One-way
0 changes
ICE 51618:114h04
Cologne Hbf22:15Hamburg Hbf
£511One-way
0 changes
ICE 20211:114h04
Cologne Hbf15:15Hamburg Hbf
£511One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a flight costs an average of £109.
Distance: 357 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£66 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest | £454 Average Price |
4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m 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 Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf trains for today, Monday 19 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 17:51
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 104 | Delayed 18:12 18:11Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 22:17 22:17Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 514 | Delayed 19:26 19:11Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 23:24 23:24Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 657+81646+ICE 900 | On time 19:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h48 | 00:33 Hamburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 1541 · ICE 1080 | On time 22:22 Cologne Hbf | 7h20 | 05:42 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 619 · S6 · IC 60470 | On time 22:54 Cologne Hbf | 7h59 | 06:53 Hamburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 26843 · S1 · Bus RE1 · 22065 | Delayed 23:49 Cologne Hbf | 5h59 | 05:50 05:50Hamburg Hbf | 4 changes | |
| Tuesday 20 January | |||||
| ICE 1028 | On time 03:00 Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 07:18 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 208 | On time 04:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 08:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 618 | 05:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 09:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 553 · ICE 686 | On time 05:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 09:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 206 | On time 06:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 10:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 616 | On time 07:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 11:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 07:14 Cologne Hbf | 8h20 | 15:34 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 555 · ICE 684 | On time 07:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 11:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 204 | On time 08:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 12:16 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 614 | On time 09:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 13:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 557 · ICE 682 | On time 09:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 13:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 202 | 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 14:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 612 | On time 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 15:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 559 · ICE 680 | On time 11:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 15:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 200 | On time 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 16:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 610 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 17:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 651 · ICE 588 | On time 13:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 17:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 108 | On time 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 18:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1520 | On time 15:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h42 | 18:49 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 518 | On time 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 19:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 653 · ICE 586 | On time 15:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 19:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 106 | On time 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 20:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 516 | On time 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 21:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 655 · ICE 584 | On time 17:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 21:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Tue
20 Jan
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan
24 Jan
Sun
25 Jan
25 Jan
Mon
26 Jan
26 Jan
Tue
27 Jan
27 Jan
Wed
28 Jan
28 Jan
Thu
29 Jan
29 Jan
Fri
30 Jan
30 Jan
Sat
31 Jan
31 Jan
Sun
01 Feb
01 Feb
Mon
02 Feb
02 Feb
Tue
03 Feb
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
05 Feb
Fri
06 Feb
06 Feb
Sat
07 Feb
07 Feb
Sun
08 Feb
08 Feb
Mon
09 Feb
09 Feb
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 357 km distance in 3h 36m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Distance 357 km |
Average train duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 36m |
First train 00:09 |
Last train 22:12 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf from £12. 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 36m
Cheapest Price
£25
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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.
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.
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.
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
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 7m
Cheapest Price
£12
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf covers a distance of 357 km and takes approximately 3h 36m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf is 357 km.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf leaves at 0:09.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf departs at 22:12.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
To get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic sections along the Rhine River and through the varied landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.
A day trip from Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 36m. However, there are 5 train journeys available per day for this route, covering a distance of 357 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf
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.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- 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.
The major train station for arrivals in Hamburg is Hamburg Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Hamburg Hbf for your journey to Hamburg from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
Information Desk
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hamburg Hbf and Cologne Hbf
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
