The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£58
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
359 km
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 £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
Of the 20 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Hamburg every day 16 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 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus16:147h36Cologne Hbf23:50Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport£341One-way1 change
ICE 51420:114h21Cologne Hbf0:32Hamburg Hbf£361One-way0 changes
FlixTrain+
FlixBus12:148h26Cologne Hbf20:40Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport£371One-way1 change
ICE 10419:114h28Cologne Hbf23:39Hamburg Hbf£441One-way0 changes
ICE 9202:114h59Cologne Hbf7:10Hamburg Hbf£441One-way0 changes
FlixTrain9:014h15Cologne Hbf13:16Hamburg Harburg£591One-way0 changes
ICE 20013:114h21Cologne Hbf17:32Hamburg Hbf£671One-way0 changes
ICE 10815:114h21Cologne Hbf19:32Hamburg Hbf£671One-way0 changes
ICE 10617:114h21Cologne Hbf21:32Hamburg Hbf£451One-way0 changes
ICE 51420:114h21Cologne Hbf0:32Hamburg Hbf£361One-way0 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 £12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a flight costs an average of £185.
Distance: 359 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£31 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £501 Average Price |
4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m 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, Wednesday 3 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 | Delayed 0:11 2:10Cologne Hbf | 4h59 | 5:10 5:10Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 618 | Delayed 4:29 6:26Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 8:50 8:50Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 | Delayed 14:32 16:16Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 20:37 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 106 | 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 21:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 516 | On time 18:16 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 22:37 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 104 | On time 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h28 | 23:39 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 514 | On time 20:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 0:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 4 June | |||||
ICE 1028 | On time 4:00 Cologne Hbf | 4h39 | 8:39 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 208 | On time 5:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 9:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 843 · ICE 888 | On time 5:26 Cologne Hbf | 5h10 | 10:36 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 206 | On time 7:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 11:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h21 | 15:35 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
ICE 616 | On time 8:16 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 12:37 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:01 Cologne Hbf | 4h27 | 13:28 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:01 Cologne Hbf | 4h15 | 13:16 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 8h26 | 20:40 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
ICE 200 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 17:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 610 | On time 14:16 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 18:37 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 108 | On time 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 19:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h36 | 23:50 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
ICE 518 | On time 16:16 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 20:37 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.
03 Jun
04 Jun
05 Jun
06 Jun
07 Jun
08 Jun
09 Jun
Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trains with Omio?
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, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 359 km distance in 3h 42m.
Distance 359 km |
Average train duration 4h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 3h 42m |
First train 0:09 |
Last train 22:56 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Hamburg
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
- 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
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- 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
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
- 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
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