- Must visit
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Major art museum with European painting, modern works and temporary exhibitions, all within walking distance of the main station.
Cheapest price on 18 Oct
£16
Average ticket price on 18 Oct
£63
Fastest journey on 18 Oct
3 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 18 Oct
3 h 52 m
Trains on 18 Oct
29
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 £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
On Sun 18 Oct, we found 29 trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg, including 23 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 359 km distance in an average of 3 h 52 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.
ICE 920
ICE 1028
ICE 208
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 1122
ICE 1120
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 204Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. 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 18:11. The fastest train covers the 359 km distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 359 km |
Average train duration 4h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 0:09 |
Last train 18:11 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trains for today, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 | Delayed 0:15 2:15Cologne Hbf | 4h35 | 4:50 4:50Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 618 | Delayed 4:11 6:16Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 8:15 8:15Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 18 October | |||||
ICE 1028 | On time 4:00 Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 8:18 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 208 | On time 5:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 9:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 618 | 6:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 10:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 553 · ICE 686 | On time 6:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 10:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 206 | On time 7:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 11:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2310 | 7:12 Cologne Hbf | 4h34 | 11:46 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 616 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 12:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h21 | 15:35 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
ICE 555 · ICE 684 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 12:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 204 | On time 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 13:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1122 | On time 10:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h42 | 13:49 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 | On time 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 14:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:01 Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 15:08 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:01 Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 14:55 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 15:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1120 | On time 12:01 Cologne Hbf | 3h48 | 15:49 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 612 | On time 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 16:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 8h26 | 20:40 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
ICE 1032 | 12:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h29 | 16:54 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1032 | On time 12:25 Cologne Hbf | 4h14 | 16:39 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 559 · ICE 680 | On time 12:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 16:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 200 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 17:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 | On time 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 20:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h36 | 23:50 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 17:01 Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 20:55 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 17:01 Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 21:08 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 106 | On time 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 21:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 516 | On time 18:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 22:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Discover the best of Hamburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hamburg trip today.
Major art museum with European painting, modern works and temporary exhibitions, all within walking distance of the main station.
Striking contemporary art gallery in the HafenCity area, showing rotating exhibitions in a modern waterside building.
Interactive maritime museum in a historic warehouse, covering ship models, navigation, naval history and global sea trade.
Historic warehouse district of canals, bridges and red-brick buildings. Ideal for walks, photography and easy access to nearby museums.
Modern waterfront quarter with promenades, architecture and public plazas. Good for walking between the Elbe, museums and concert hall.
Long lakeside promenade by the Inner Alster, popular for strolling, boat views and classic city-centre scenery close to shops and arcades.
Hamburg’s pan-fried fillet of plaice, usually served with bacon, shrimps and potatoes. A classic North German fish dish tied to the port and nearby coast.
A hearty stew of pears, beans and bacon, often with potatoes. It is a beloved late-summer Hamburg and northern German comfort dish.
Traditional North German kale stew cooked with sausages and pork, usually served with potatoes. A winter favourite in and around Hamburg.
Historic fish restaurant by the harbour, known for classic Hamburg seafood and maritime atmosphere.
Well-known waterside restaurant focusing on northern German fish and seafood with a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Traditional St Pauli restaurant serving northern German dishes such as Labskaus in a lively, old Hamburg setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller cities, but public transport is efficient and daily food options remain manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is customary but modest: round up or add 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change in cafés.
Official public transport app
Hamburg Hbf -> Rathausmarkt, Hamburg
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.

Most Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trains use the Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Hamburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg 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 options include: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg 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 options include: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Hamburg-Altona is 5 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Altona 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 options include: Ethio, Trattoria Toscana, Marta, Pavillon
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Altona. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Altona. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Altona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Nearby hotels include Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant, Hotel Hamburg Altona, Hotel Central, Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need