Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Thu 15 Oct
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Avanti West Coast
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WestfalenBahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct

Cheapest price on 15 Oct

£16

Average ticket price on 15 Oct

£47

Fastest journey on 15 Oct

2 h 34 m

Average journey duration on 15 Oct

2 h 35 m

Trains on 15 Oct

22

Distance

249 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hanover 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 Hanover Hbf will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.

Fast trains

On Thu 15 Oct, we found 22 trains from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf, including 12 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 249 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 34 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 35 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.

  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    12:143h27
    Cologne Hbf
    15:41Hanover Hbf
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    16:143h27
    Cologne Hbf
    19:41Hanover Hbf
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    8:143h27
    Cologne Hbf
    11:41Hanover Hbf
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 208 · IC 2445
    5:113h09
    Cologne Hbf
    8:20Hanover Hbf
    £161One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 657
    20:452h34
    Cologne Hbf
    23:19Hanover Hbf
    £201One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:02, the last at 21:54. The fastest train covers the 249 km distance in 2h 17m.

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
249 km
Average train duration
3h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
11
Fastest train
2h 17m
First train
2:02
Last train
21:54
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
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 Hanover Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf trains for today, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 857
On time
9:23 Cologne Hbf
3h05
12:28 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn17322 · ICE 857
On time
9:25 Cologne Hbf
3h03
12:28 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 557
On time
10:44 Cologne Hbf
2h35
13:19 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn17330 · ICE 859
On time
11:25 Cologne Hbf
3h03
14:28 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17338 · ICE 951
On time
13:25 Cologne Hbf
3h03
16:28 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 651
On time
14:44 Cologne Hbf
2h35
17:19 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 108 · IC 2045
On time
15:11 Cologne Hbf
3h09
18:20 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17346 · ICE 953
On time
15:25 Cologne Hbf
3h03
18:28 Hanover Hbf
1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain16:14 Cologne Hbf
3h27
19:41 Hanover Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 653
On time
16:44 Cologne Hbf
2h35
19:19 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn17354 · ICE 955
On time
17:25 Cologne Hbf
3h03
20:28 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 655
On time
18:44 Cologne Hbf
2h35
21:19 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn17430 · ICE 947
On time
19:21 Cologne Hbf
3h07
22:28 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 657
On time
20:45 Cologne Hbf
2h34
23:19 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1541
On time
23:27 Cologne Hbf
3h08
2:35 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 60403 · ICE 778
Delayed
22:04 23:53Cologne Hbf
7h12
7:05 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Thursday 15 October
Deutsche BahnICE 541
Delayed
4:12 Cologne Hbf
3h16
5:34 5:34Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 208 · IC 2445
On time
5:11 Cologne Hbf
3h09
8:20 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 853
On time
5:44 Cologne Hbf
2h44
8:28 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 553
On time
6:45 Cologne Hbf
2h34
9:19 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 206 · IC 2443
On time
7:11 Cologne Hbf
3h08
10:19 Hanover Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 855
On time
7:45 Cologne Hbf
2h43
10:28 Hanover Hbf
0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain8:14 Cologne Hbf
3h27
11:41 Hanover Hbf0 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 Hanover Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or WestfalenBahn offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Hanover 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 or WestfalenBahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Hanover 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf.

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 Hanover Hbf.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
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
IconShort travel time
IconComfort
IconPunctuality
Disadvantages
IconNo wifi
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne on the ICE 2044. The journey was in second class and without seat reservation. It was a very pleasant journey because it was extremely comfortable on the train. This was due to the pleasant temperatures and the ergonomic and comfortable seats. The journey took only a short 3 hours. The train was in a good and well-maintained condition. Unfortunately, there was no wifi.
Advantages
IconWIFI
IconPunctuality
Disadvantages
IconLittle choice at the bistro
The train journey from Hanover to Cologne with IC 2044 was nothing special. The train was average, the seats comfortable enough, but nothing extraordinary. The journey was on time. The on-board catering was standard. There was not too much choice. The staff on board were friendly and polite. The wifi worked throughout. It was basically a normal train journey with no particular highlights or disappointments.
Advantages
IconGood wifi
IconEnough seats
Disadvantages
IconUnpunctual
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne with the ICE 2044 in second class. I found the price very good. Unfortunately, the train was 15 minutes late. The train itself was clean, as were the toilets. I did not reserve a seat, but there were still plenty of seats available on the train. I had very good wifi the whole way.
Advantages
IconComfort
IconPunctuality
IconBoard bistro
Disadvantages
IconNone
Overall, my train journey from Hanover to Cologne was extremely satisfying. Comfortable seats, friendly staff and a smooth ticket purchase process made the journey a pleasant experience. The announcements were clearly understandable and informed about the next stops and possible delays. The train left Hanover on time and arrived in Cologne on time. There was a bistro where you could buy coffee and snacks.
Advantages
IconOn time
IconComfortable
Disadvantages
IconUnclean toilets
The train journey with IC 2044 from Hanover to Cologne was a pleasant experience overall. The train appeared modern and well maintained. Departure was on time, which was very pleasing. The seats were comfortable and offered sufficient legroom. They were also clean. The journey was mostly quiet and without any major jolts. Only on some sections of the route were there slight vibrations. However, the cleanliness of the toilets blew, which was a clear minus point.
Advantages
IconShort travel time
IconBoard bistro
IconPunctuality
Disadvantages
IconUnhygienic toilets
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne on the ICE 2044. It was a second-class journey. In itself, the journey was very pleasant, the journey time was just under 3 hours. The service on board was also good, there was an on-board bistro where coffee and snacks could be bought. There were no delays to my recollection. The train was clean inside, but not the toilets. They were quite dirty.
Advantages
IconGood price
IconGood train
IconEasy to use
Disadvantages
IconNone
We are going on a family holiday, like every year. The train is very good, we always take it because our relatives live in Cologne. The train is very hygienic and you get free wifi. You can also charge your mobile phone or laptop. There is also a first-raunt on the train, which is very cool. I can only recommend it. My family loves it too. The toilet is very clean and is cleaned very often during the journey. You can even ring the bell if you want it cleaned. We don't have to do a ticket check, which is also very good. The price is very good for so many people.
Advantages
Iconwifi
IconBoard bistro
IconDirect connection
Disadvantages
IconSocket had a loose contact
From Hanover to Cologne. Today I travelled from Hanover to Cologne by ICE to see the Cologne Cathedral. The Intercity Express was on time and there were enough free seats. I had a socket at my seat (it had a loose connection) to charge my mobile phone and wifi to go online. Toilets were available and worked perfectly. The staff was nice and friendly. I booked my tickets via the Deutsche Bahn app, where I could also have reserved seats. I bought chocolate bars in the dining car. The train was clean, air-conditioned and only slightly busy. It was a relaxed and beautiful journey.
Advantages
IconBoard bistro
IconNeat train
IconWIFI
Disadvantages
IconUnpunctual
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne with IC 2044. The journey was in second class. Fortunately, there was a bistro on board selling coffee and snacks. It was early, after all. The train itself was extremely well maintained and well equipped. There were power sockets and free wifi on board. Unfortunately, the train arrived unpunctually in Hanover and accordingly arrived late in Cologne. With that said, it was a pleasant journey.
Advantages
IconNo delay
IconFast connection
Disadvantages
IconUnclean
I travelled with ICE 2044 from Hanover to Cologne. The journey was in second class and I did not reserve a seat. However, there were also plenty of seats, so I didn't have to stand. What was positive was that the train was not delayed at all during the entire journey. I also liked the fact that the journey time was relatively short and that the connection was fast. However, I must criticise that the train was not really clean. There is room for improvement here.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hanover Hbf from £5. 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
2h 17m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£11
Deutsche Bahn frequency
24 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
3h 27m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£5
FlixTrain frequency
3 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

WestfalenBahn

About
WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average WestfalenBahn Duration
3h 37m
Cheapest WestfalenBahn Price
£22
WestfalenBahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
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 muzzle
Quiet zone

FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hanover 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 Hanover Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf covers a distance of 249 km and takes approximately 2h 17m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf is 249 km.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf leaves at 2:02.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf departs at 21:54.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf run approximately 18 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Hanover Hbf. The service operates 11 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf.
Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Hanover 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 Hannover Hbf is moderately scenic, offering views of the rolling landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, including glimpses of the Rhine River and pastoral countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Hanover Hbf

Most Cologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Hannover Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Hanover 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 Hanover
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 Hanover Hbf

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Hanover Hbf and Cologne Hbf

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyCologne Hbf to Hanover Hbf train

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