- Must visit
Landesmuseum Hannover
Major art museum with European painting, prints and notable modern works, plus a significant children’s picture-book collection.
Cheapest price
£15
Average price
£45
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 53 m
Trains per day
32
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Hanover is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Hanover will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Of the 32 trains that leave Cologne for Hanover every day 19 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 250 km distance in an average of 2 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 53 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
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
17420 · ICE 641
ICE 953
ICE 957
ICE 857
ICE 859
ICE 951
ICE 953Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hanover among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, and a flight costs an average of £227.
Distance: 250 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price | £320 Average Price |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration 4h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hanover trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920+ 95773 | Delayed 0:09 2:12Cologne Hbf | 4h38 | 6:50 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
17404 · ICE 543 | On time 6:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 9:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 855 | On time 7:35 Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 10:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 555 | On time 7:36 Cologne Hbf | 3h44 | 11:20 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:48 Cologne Hbf | 3h53 | 11:41 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17408 · ICE 545 | On time 8:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 11:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 557 | On time 9:40 Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 13:20 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17412 · ICE 547 | On time 10:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 13:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 11:35 Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 15:41 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 859 | On time 11:35 Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 14:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 559 | On time 11:42 Cologne Hbf | 3h38 | 15:20 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17416 · ICE 549 | On time 12:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 15:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 627 · ICE 1072 | On time 12:35 Cologne Hbf | 3h41 | 16:16 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 951 | On time 13:35 Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 16:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 651 | On time 13:36 Cologne Hbf | 3h44 | 17:20 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 951 | On time 13:45 Cologne Hbf | 2h43 | 16:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 651 | Delayed 14:19 Cologne Hbf | 3h00 | 15:20 15:20Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17420 · ICE 641 | On time 14:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 17:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 19:41 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 953 | On time 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 18:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 3h27 | 19:41 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17424 · ICE 643 | On time 16:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 19:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 725 · ICE 1070 | On time 16:35 Cologne Hbf | 3h41 | 20:16 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 955 | On time 17:35 Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 20:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17428 · ICE 645 | On time 18:21 Cologne Hbf | 3h07 | 21:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 957 | On time 19:36 Cologne Hbf | 2h52 | 22:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
89737 · S1 · Bus S1 | 20:07 Cologne Hbf | 5h13 | 1:20 Hanover Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 514 · 4445 | On time 20:11 Cologne Hbf | 5h29 | 1:40 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
17432 · 89737 · S1 · Bus S1 | 20:21 Cologne Hbf | 4h59 | 1:20 Hanover Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 657 | On time 20:45 Cologne Hbf | 2h34 | 23:19 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2349 | 21:10 Cologne Hbf | 3h10 | 0:20 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17434 · 89739+ 89863+ S1 | 21:21 Cologne Hbf | 4h38 | 1:59 Hanover Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 100 · ICE 1541 | On time 23:16 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 2:35 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1541 | 23:27 Cologne Hbf | 3h08 | 2:35 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 619 · 15548 · IC 60470 | On time 23:54 Cologne Hbf | 5h35 | 5:29 Hanover Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 619 · S3 · IC 60470 | On time 23:54 Cologne Hbf | 5h35 | 5:29 Hanover Hbf | 2 changes | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
ICE 920+ 95773 | 2:09 Cologne Hbf | 4h41 | 6:50 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1028 · ICE 541 | On time 4:10 Cologne Hbf | 3h18 | 7:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 853 | On time 5:34 Cologne Hbf | 2h54 | 8:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 553 | On time 6:00 Cologne Hbf | 3h20 | 9:20 Hanover 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 Hanover run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 250 km distance in 3h 27m.
Distance 250 km |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 3h 27m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Hanover — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hanover trip today.
Major art museum with European painting, prints and notable modern works, plus a significant children’s picture-book collection.
Large city museum complex spanning European art from medieval to modern, set in a landmark building by Maschsee.
Contemporary art museum in a former indoor swimming hall, showing changing exhibitions by international and regional artists.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, seasonal events and wide green spaces; excellent for walks and skyline views.
Historic old town lanes with half-timbered buildings, small squares and churches; a compact area for an easy central walk.
Elegant forest garden with broad lawns, mature trees and the famous avenue of lime trees leading to the Leibniz Temple.
A hearty kale stew from Lower Saxony, traditionally cooked with smoked sausages and pork. A cold-season favourite in Hanover and across the region.
A regional sausage made from pork and offal, lightly smoked and often served with kale. It is especially associated with Hanover and Lower Saxony.
Marinated beef roulade filled with gherkin, onion, bacon and mustard, then braised. A classic north German Sunday dish found in traditional Hanover kitchens.
Elegant restaurant in the Neues Rathaus known for seasonal German cuisine and polished service in a refined historic atmosphere.
Traditional brewery restaurant in the centre serving hearty Lower Saxony dishes and house beers in a lively, historic setting.
Popular historic beer hall and restaurant with substantial German plates, local beers and a busy, convivial atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, and local transport is reasonable for city breaks and business trips.
Service is not usually included. Round up or tip 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés.
Official public transport app
Hannover Hbf -> Kröpcke, Hannover
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Hanover 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Hanover trains use the Köln Hbf to Hannover Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Hanover 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.
Hannover 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: Balzac Coffee, Burger King, McDonald's, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, asiahung, Mr. CLOU, Nordsee, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hannover Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover Hbf. Information desks are located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the main entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover Hbf: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Grand Hotel Mussmann, IntercityHotel Hannover, Hotel Loccumer Hof.
Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof is 2 km from Hanover city centre. Public transport options include:
Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof 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: Öz Antalya Kebap, Ricklinger Döner, China-Imbiss Jasmin, Coimbra
Wi-Fi is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. ATMs are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. Information desks are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Luggage storage is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Hannover-Nordstadt is 2 km from Hanover city centre. Public transport options include:
Hannover-Nordstadt 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: Werkhof Restaurant, Hashigo Sushi, Asia Imbiss Kok, Klitsche
Wi-Fi is available at Hannover-Nordstadt. ATMs are available at Hannover-Nordstadt.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover-Nordstadt. Information desks are available at Hannover-Nordstadt.
Luggage storage is available at Hannover-Nordstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover-Nordstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover-Nordstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover-Nordstadt.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need