- 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 23 Sept
£19
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£65
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
3 h 32 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
3 h 43 m
Trains on 23 Sept
34
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne 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 to Hamburg will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £19.
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 34 trains from Cologne to Hamburg, including 23 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 3 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 920
ICE 657 · 4440+
81958
ICE 618
ICE 1520
ICE 1022
ICE 1020
ICE 1036
ICE 1032Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a flight costs an average of £420.
Distance: 360 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £420 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 44m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Hamburg:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Hamburg costing on average £48.
A coach is £397 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Hamburg costing on average £420.
Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 14m.
Coach takes on average 7h 14m.
The journey is about 38m faster (4h 14m by train vs 4h 52m by car) and roughly £8 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£48 vs £57). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 557 · ICE 682 | On time 10:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 14:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 202 | Delayed 9:15 11:11Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 15:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 859 · ICE 880 | On time 11:38 Cologne Hbf | 4h19 | 15:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1020 | Delayed 10:17 12:09Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 14:00 14:00Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 612 | Delayed 10:24 12:11Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 14:26 14:26Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1032 | On time 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 16:39 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 17:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 610 | Delayed 12:13 14:11Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 18:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 651 · ICE 588 | On time 14:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 18:44 Hamburg Harburg | 1 change | |
ICE 108 | On time 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 19:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1520 | On time 16:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h32 | 19:39 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 | On time 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 20:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 653 · ICE 586 | On time 16:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 20:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
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 | |
ICE 655 · ICE 584 | On time 18:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 22:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 104 | On time 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 23:16 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 514 | On time 20:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 0:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 657 · 4440+ 81958 | On time 20:45 Cologne Hbf | 9h15 | 6:00 Hamburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2349 · 82848+ 82106 | On time 21:11 Cologne Hbf | 8h54 | 6:05 Hamburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2349 · 82848+ 81604 | On time 21:11 Cologne Hbf | 7h58 | 5:09 Hamburg Harburg | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
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 843 · ICE 888 | On time 5:26 Cologne Hbf | 4h31 | 9:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 853 · ICE 843 · ICE 888 | On time 5:38 Cologne Hbf | 4h19 | 9:57 Hamburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 618 | On time 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 | 7:40 Cologne Hbf | 3h57 | 11:37 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 616 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 12:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 6h36 | 14:50 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h21 | 15:35 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
ICE 1036 | On time 8:45 Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 12:38 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 204 | Delayed 7:16 9:11Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 13:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1022 | On time 10:14 Cologne Hbf | 3h35 | 13:49 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 18 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 360 km distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 15 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
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
Trains in Germany are an efficient way to travel between cities, with Deutsche Bahn offering both domestic and internationaltrain routes. Deutsche Bahn operates a regular daily trains from Cologne and Hamburg, so whenever you need to make the journey, a train will be available. Trains depart throughout the night, but the first direct service of the day leaves Cologne's Hauptbahnhof at 5:00 a.m. and takes a little over 4 hours to make the journey. After that, departures continue until the final direct train at 2:10 a.m. There are also indirect routes available, but it is far quicker to take the Cologne-Hamburg express.
Return trains from Hamburg to Cologne are also available.
All trains from Cologne to Hamburg depart from Cologne's Hauptbahnhof. The quickest route to the station from most parts of the city is to take the Metro or S-Bahn. Catching tram line 1 is a fast and efficient alternative.
If you love architecture and design, great nightlife, and sporting thrills, Hamburg is the place to visit. This north German city offers the bohemian attractions of the Reeperbahn, a dazzling array of modern and Baroque buildings and some of Germany's most welcoming pubs and bars. All trains from Cologne to Hamburg arrive at the Hauptbahnhof, which is a central hub on the excellent HVV transport network. The circular U3 Metro line is a useful route to get to central destinations, while the S-Bahn network serves all of Hamburg's suburbs. But for the best view of the city as you arrive, walking to your hotel is easily the most enjoyable option.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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 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 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.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz 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: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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