The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Hamburg
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£71
Fastest journey
4 h 21 m
Average duration
4 h 21 m
Trains per day
21
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 £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Of the 21 trains that leave Cologne for Hamburg every day 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 21 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.
ICE 9202:094h59Cologne Hbf7:08Hamburg Hbf£401One-way0 changes
ICE 1541 · ICE 108023:278h11Cologne Hbf7:38Hamburg Hbf£561One-way1 change
ICE 2085:114h21Cologne Hbf9:32Hamburg Hbf£571One-way0 changes
ICE 10284:004h39Cologne Hbf8:39Hamburg Hbf£631One-way0 changes
ICE 51420:115h11Cologne Hbf1:22Hamburg Hbf£631One-way0 changes
ICE 20013:114h21Cologne Hbf17:32Hamburg Hbf£781One-way0 changes
ICE 10815:114h21Cologne Hbf19:32Hamburg Hbf£781One-way0 changes
ICE 6186:114h21Cologne Hbf10:32Hamburg Hbf£711One-way0 changes
ICE 2085:114h21Cologne Hbf9:32Hamburg Hbf£571One-way0 changes
ICE 51816:114h21Cologne Hbf20:32Hamburg Hbf£781One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Hamburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £222.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest | £572 Average Price |
5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Hamburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg trains for today, Tuesday 23 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 104 | Delayed 18:01 19:11Cologne Hbf | 4h28 | 22:02 22:02Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 912 · 89737 · S1 · 4440 | Delayed 18:41 20:32Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h25 | 5:57 Hamburg Hbf | 4 changes | |
ICE 912 · 89737 · S1 · 4440 | Delayed 18:41 20:32Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h25 | 5:57 Hamburg Hbf | 4 changes | |
| Wednesday 24 June | |||||
ICE 920 | 2:09 Cologne Hbf | 4h59 | 7:08 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
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 618 | 6:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 10:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 206 | On time 7:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 11:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 616 | On time 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 12:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 204 | On time 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 13:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 614 | On time 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 14:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 15:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 612 | On time 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 16:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 17:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 610 | On time 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 18:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 108 | On time 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 19:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 | On time 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 20:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 106 | On time 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 21:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 516 | On time 18:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 22:32 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 104 | On time 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h28 | 23:39 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne 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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Why should you book Cologne 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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne 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 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 to Hamburg.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Hamburg

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Hamburg
Trains from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 12 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 33m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 3h 33m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Hamburg from £16. 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Trains from Cologne to Hamburg: Journey Details
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.
Taking the Train from Cologne
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.
Getting into Hamburg by Train
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.
FAQs: Cologne to Hamburg train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne 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
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 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
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