Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RB,RE)

Sun 18 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Oct

Cheapest price on 18 Oct

£51

Average ticket price on 18 Oct

£87

Fastest journey on 18 Oct

3 h 42 m

Average journey duration on 18 Oct

3 h 56 m

Trains on 18 Oct

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 £87 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.

Fast trains

On Sun 18 Oct, we found 29 trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf, including 21 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 1028
    4:004h18
    Cologne Hbf
    8:18Hamburg Hbf
    £511One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 208
    5:114h04
    Cologne Hbf
    9:15Hamburg Hbf
    £511One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 920
    2:154h35
    Cologne Hbf
    6:50Hamburg Hbf
    £561One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 618
    6:114h04
    Cologne Hbf
    10:15Hamburg Hbf
    £621One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 657 · 4440+metronom81958
    20:459h15
    Cologne Hbf
    6:00Hamburg Hbf
    £651One-way
    2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 357 km distance in 3h 35m.

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
357 km
Average train duration
4h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
3h 35m
First train
0:09
Last train
22:52
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 days
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

Live departures

Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf trains for today, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 651 · ICE 588
On time
14:44 Cologne Hbf
4h13
18:57 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain15:01 Cologne Hbf
4h07
19:08 Hamburg Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 108
On time
15:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
19:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 518
On time
16:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
20:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 653 · ICE 586
On time
16:44 Cologne Hbf
4h13
20:57 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 106
On time
17:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
21:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 516
On time
18:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
22:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 655 · ICE 584
On time
18:44 Cologne Hbf
4h13
22:57 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 104
Delayed
19:11 Cologne Hbf
4h05
21:18 21:18Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 514
On time
20:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
0:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn17432 · 10235 · 14072+metronom8194620:21 Cologne Hbf
6h22
2:43 Hamburg Hbf3 changes
Deutsche Bahn10931 · ICE 912 · IC 2349 · 8284820:22 Cologne Hbf
7h58
4:20 Hamburg Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1541+metronom82856
On time
23:01 Cologne Hbf
7h04
6:05 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17438 · ICE 1541+metronom8285623:21 Cologne Hbf
6h44
6:05 Hamburg Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1541+metronom82856
On time
23:27 Cologne Hbf
6h38
6:05 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1028
On time
4:00 Cologne Hbf
4h18
8:18 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 208
On time
5:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
9:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 6186:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
10:15 Hamburg Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 553 · ICE 686
On time
6:45 Cologne Hbf
4h12
10:57 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 206
On time
7:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
11:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 616
On time
8:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
12:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 555 · ICE 684
On time
8:44 Cologne Hbf
4h13
12:57 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 204
On time
9:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
13:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1122
On time
10:07 Cologne Hbf
3h42
13:49 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 614
On time
10:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
14:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 557 · ICE 682
On time
10:44 Cologne Hbf
4h13
14:57 Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 202
On time
11:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
15:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1120
On time
12:01 Cologne Hbf
3h48
15:49 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 612
On time
12:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
16:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 200
On time
13:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
17:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 610
On time
14:11 Cologne Hbf
4h04
18:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, metronom, NordWestBahn and more offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, metronom or NordWestBahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, metronom or NordWestBahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, NordWestBahn from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, NordWestBahn trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf from £7. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
3h 32m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£7
Deutsche Bahn frequency
13 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

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 FlixTrain Duration
4h 6m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£8
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

metronom

About
Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH is a German railway company that has been connecting Northern Germany since 2003. Based in Uelzen, it focuses exclusively on passenger transport, operating services from Hamburg to Bremen, Lüneburg, Uelzen, Hanover, and Göttingen. The company also runs services under the brand Enno from Wolfsburg to Hanover and Hildesheim. Metronom is partly state-owned, with its trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, being rented from the state transport company Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG). They are known for their yellow and blue double-decker trains, offering amenities like extra legroom and refreshments.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average metronom Duration
5h 1m
Cheapest metronom Price
£16
metronom frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one large piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

NordWestBahn

About
NordWestBahn is a German train company that operates in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse. NordWestBahn offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. The most popular routes for NordWestBahn are from Hanover to Dortmund, from Hanover to Cologne, and from Hanover to Frankfurt. These routes offer travelers a convenient way to travel between major cities in Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average NordWestBahn Duration
6h 7m
Cheapest NordWestBahn Price
£46
NordWestBahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Hand luggage and one piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible before first day of validity
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket and must be leashed
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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf covers a distance of 357 km and takes approximately 3h 35m. Trains run 14 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 22:52.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf run approximately 14 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf. The service operates 10 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.
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.
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

Most Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Hamburg
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

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

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyCologne Hbf to Hamburg Hbf train

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