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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Showing times and prices for 20 Jan
Cheapest price
£19
Average price
£35
Fastest journey
4 h 4 m
Average duration
4 h 4 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
359 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg 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 will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £19.
Fast trains
Of the 28 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Hamburg every day 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 359 km distance in an average of 4 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 4 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
£191One-way
1 change
ICE 20805:114h04
Cologne Hbf09:15Hamburg Hbf
£211One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain · FlixTrain08:148h20
Cologne Hbf16:34Hamburg Hbf
£241One-way
1 change
ICE 51618:114h04
Cologne Hbf22:15Hamburg Hbf
£291One-way
0 changes
ICE 20607:114h04
Cologne Hbf11:15Hamburg Hbf
£291One-way
0 changes
ICE 20805:114h04
Cologne Hbf09:15Hamburg Hbf
£211One-way
0 changes
ICE 51618:114h04
Cologne Hbf22:15Hamburg Hbf
£291One-way
0 changes
ICE 20607:114h04
Cologne Hbf11:15Hamburg Hbf
£291One-way
0 changes
ICE 20211:114h04
Cologne Hbf15:15Hamburg Hbf
£291One-way
0 changes
ICE 10815:114h04
Cologne Hbf19:15Hamburg Hbf
£291One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg 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 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a flight costs an average of £109.
Distance: 359 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£30 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £405 Average Price |
4h 43m Average total duration 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m 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 train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trains for today, Monday 19 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 06:49
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:15 Cologne Hbf | 8h00 | 21:15 Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h01 | 21:15 Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| 21:12 Cologne Hbf | 7h30 | 04:42 Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| 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 | 06:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 10:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Hamburg 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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
Fast connectionGood organisation for bomb disposalclean toiletsDisadvantages
nothingI took the ICE from Cologne to Hamburg last year and the journey was very good until a bomb was discovered outside Hamburg and all traffic was paralysed for all trains in that direction. The organisation of Deutsche Bahn was very good, as our train was fortunately able to stop at an intermediate station and so we didn't have to be stuck in the stuffy train. Furthermore, water was distributed by the service. In the end, we arrived in Hamburg 2 hours late, but otherwise it was a very fast and pleasant connection. The toilets were also very clean.
All in all, I can only recommend it.
Advantages
Comfortable seatsGood for workNice staffDisadvantages
Expensive priceI had to travel from Cologne to Hamburg by train at quite short notice. This made the ticket price a little more expensive. The journey was very pleasant and I had a seat in the quiet compartment. This was very practical as I had to work on the train. The power connection for charging my laptop was also very helpful. The journey went very quickly and the staff on the train were very nice. Highly recommended.
Advantages
Seats were comfortable and train was empty.Disadvantages
Train staff were unfriendlyThe train ride from Cologne main station to Hamburg was quite comfortable overall. The seats were comfortable and offered enough space for the passengers. There was enough luggage unloading to store it safely. The air conditioning in the train provided a pleasant temperature during the journey. The carriages were well insulated, which contributed to a pleasant rest. Price performance of the train journey from Cologne main station to Hamburg varies depending on the class booked and flexibility. Deutsche Bahn and other providers offer various ticket promotions to meet passengers' needs. Fares may vary depending on demand at the time of booking, but overall the trains on this route offer acceptable value for money. Connection between Cologne and Hamburg is usually reliable and punctual, which justifies the price.
Advantages
PunctualityCleanlinessDisadvantages
ReliabilityFortunately, this train arrived on time. After I had already had to book another train a few times at short notice because the one I had actually booked was cancelled at short notice. The train was very clean, only one toilet was very dirty. The wifi worked perfectly and I was able to relax and stream films. The seat reservation also worked great and the train arrived relatively punctually.
Advantages
Pleasant rideGood serviceDisadvantages
Slight delayNormally I tend to travel by car. However, due to sustainability, I wanted to try the train again. I am absolutely convinced of the Cologne to Hamburg connection. The trains are very clean, the staff are really friendly, the on-board bistro has delicious snacks and the comfort was just right. My seat had wifi and a power socket, so I was able to work on a few things on the side.
Advantages
Direct connectionWifi on the trainSeat reservation possibleFriendly staffDisadvantages
Mostly a little lateBoard bistro occasionally closed due to lack of staffToilets slightly dirtyI am basically satisfied with the journey from Cologne to Hamburg. The service is friendly and courteous. If you have any problems or concerns, you can always contact the train staff. Every seat is equipped with a power socket. The reception and wifi are also sufficient for chatting or streaming videos. There is no need to change trains during the journey, but unfortunately there is often a delay on the connection. The toilets are slightly dirty, which unfortunately makes using the toilet a bit unpleasant for female guests. On the whole, however, I am satisfied.
Advantages
Comfortable seatsWIFIClean toiletsPower sockets on the squareDisadvantages
NothingI liked this train trip very much, the train arrived on time and went through without any problems. Upon entering the train, I was immediately greeted nicely by the staff. The seats were very comfortable and equipped with power sockets. There was also a very stable wifi connection, which allowed watching movies without any problems. The toilets were always cleaned by the staff and were therefore always fresh and clean. Therefore, the price was top.
Advantages
On timeQuietWIFIDisadvantages
ToiletThe train arrived in Cologne on time and arrived in Hamburg on time.
Wifi was available throughout the journey, which was sufficient for streaming.
A power socket at the seat was able to charge my laptop.
It was very quiet in my quiet compartment, which was very pleasant. The conductor asked noisy guests to be quiet.
Unfortunately, the toilet near the seat was broken. It was necessary to walk very far for this.
Advantages
nice trainfriendly employeesgood internetThat was my journey there in first class. The internet was very good, the train looked very nice from the inside and also from the outside. It was not too cold or too hot on the train. The food arrived very quickly, was fresh and also very cheap. In addition, the food was very cheap. I had a lot of space and room and also a lot of space for my luggage. The staff were very nice. It was definitely very clean on the train. I recommend this trip and rate it five stars.
Advantages
PriceStaffSeatsDisadvantages
ToiletsVolumeDelayThe train journey was really good. I had excellent wifi and also two power sockets. The seats were very comfortable.
They were soft and even smelled good. But the volume was very loud as there was a family next to my seat.
The food was also very good. The staff was friendly and gave me all the information I needed. I had a reservation option and used it. The toilets were unfortunately very dirty and stinky. I did not have to change trains, yet the train was not on time. Price was very good and value for money is good.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:59, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 359 km distance in 3h 54m.
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 359 km |
Average train duration 4h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 54m |
First train 04:59 |
Last train 21:38 |
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
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg 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
4h 3m
Cheapest Price
£42
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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
3h 54m
Cheapest Price
£12
FlixTrain frequency
4 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 train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £30.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg covers a distance of 359 km and takes approximately 3h 54m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg is 359 km.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg leaves at 4:59.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg departs at 21:38.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg. The service operates 10 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
To get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg 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 offers a mix of urban and natural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the picturesque Rhine River, charming German villages, and lush countryside along the way.
A day trip from Köln Hbf to Hamburg is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 54m. However, trains run 13 times per day.
In Hamburg, visitors can explore the vibrant nightlife of the Reeperbahn, take a scenic boat tour of the Port of Hamburg, and visit the lively Hamburg Fish Market. Discover the city's rich maritime history at the International Maritime Museum, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Alster Lakes, and visit top sights such as Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie, and Speicherstadt. St. Michael's Church offers sweeping views, while Planten un Blomen provides themed gardens and recreational activities.
A visit of three to four days is generally recommended to explore the main attractions in Hamburg, including the Miniatur Wunderland, the Elbphilharmonie, and the Port of Hamburg.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Hamburg
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.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
Hotel
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
Hotel
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hamburg and Cologne Hbf
Most popular train connections to Hamburg
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