- Must visit
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Major art museum with European painting, modern works and temporary exhibitions, all within walking distance of the main station.
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 £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
On Sat 07 Nov, we found 37 trains from Cologne to Hamburg, including 22 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 35 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.
ICE 514
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ICE 651 · ICE 588
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IC 2349 · 82848+
81602
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ICE 920
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ICE 1541+
82856
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ICE 1022
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ICE 1020
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ICE 106
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ICE 1036
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FlixTrain
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Trains from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
There are 16 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 23m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 3h 23m |
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Hamburg.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg trains for today, Friday 6 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 202 | Delayed 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 14:18 14:18Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 8h26 | 20:40 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h41 | 19:55 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 1 change | |
ICE 1032 | On time 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 16:39 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 | Delayed 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 16:19 16:19Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 610 | Delayed 14:07 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h08 | 17:18 17:18Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 926 · ICE 610 | Delayed 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 17:18 17:18Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 651 · ICE 588 | On time 14:27 Cologne Hbf | 4h17 | 18:44 Hamburg Harburg | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 15:01 Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 19:08 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 15:01 Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 18:55 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 108 | Delayed 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 18:19 18:19Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 | Delayed 16:07 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h08 | 19:18 19:18Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1520 | 16:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h32 | 19:39 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 228 · ICE 518 | Delayed 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 19:18 19:18Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 7h36 | 23:50 Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 6h51 | 23:05 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 1 change | |
ICE 653 · ICE 586 | On time 16:27 Cologne Hbf | 4h30 | 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 18:07 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h08 | 22:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 28 · ICE 516 | On time 18:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 22:15 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 655 · ICE 584+ 82140 | On time 18:27 Cologne Hbf | 4h25 | 22:52 Hamburg Harburg | 2 changes | |
ICE 104 | Delayed 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 22:22 22:22Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 514 | On time 20:07 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h08 | 0:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 657 · 82848+ 81600 | On time 20:39 Cologne Hbf | 6h30 | 3:09 Hamburg Harburg | 2 changes | |
ICE 1541+ 82856 | On time 23:27 Cologne Hbf | 6h25 | 5:52 Hamburg Harburg | 1 change | |
ICE 1028 | Delayed 4:00 Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 7:23 7:23Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 208 | On time 5:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 9:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 618 | On time 6:07 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h08 | 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 855 · ICE 886 | On time 7:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 11:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1915 · ICE 886 | On time 7:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 11:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 616 | On time 8:07 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h08 | 12:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
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 | |
FlixTrain | 9:01 Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 12:55 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:01 Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 13:07 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 204 | On time 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 13:15 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1022 | On time 10:14 Cologne Hbf | 3h35 | 13:49 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 557 · ICE 682 | On time 10:44 Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 14:57 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.
Check train stations information for Cologne and Hamburg, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need