The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Hanover
Cheapest price
£46
Average price
£65
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
5
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 £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Hanover every day 3 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 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 9 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 204 · IC 2441
ICE 857
ICE 555
ICE 557
17322 · ICE 857
ICE 555
ICE 557
17322 · ICE 857
ICE 857
ICE 204 · IC 2441Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Hanover
Omio 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 coach with prices starting from £9. 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 coach costs an average of £9, and a flight costs an average of £217.
Distance: 250 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£23 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest | £393 Average Price |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 3h 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.
Live departures
Cologne to Hanover train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hanover trains for today, Tuesday 13 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 13:15 Cologne | 4h20 | 17:35 Hanover | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:14 Cologne | 3h27 | 17:41 Hanover | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 20:49 Cologne | 3h34 | 00:23 Hanover | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 21:12 Cologne | 3h23 | 00:35 Hanover | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 14 January | |||||
ICE 555 | 07:44 Cologne Hbf | 2h35 | 10:19 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 204 · IC 2441 | On time 08:11 Cologne Hbf | 3h09 | 11:20 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 857 | 08:22 Cologne Hbf | 3h06 | 11:28 Hanover Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17322 · ICE 857 | 08:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h03 | 11:28 Hanover Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Hanover 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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Hanover?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Hanover

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Hanover
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 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 250 km distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 250 km |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne to Hanover trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne and Hanover from £5. 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
FAQs: Cologne to Hanover train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Hanover
- 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 - Sat: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 20:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located near the main entrance.
- Balzac Coffee
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- asiahung
- Mr. CLOU
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Pizza Hut
- & many more
- Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Grand Hotel Mussmann
- IntercityHotel Hannover
- Hotel Loccumer Hof
- Located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.
- Öz Antalya Kebap
- Ricklinger Döner
- China-Imbiss Jasmin
- Coimbra
- Werkhof Restaurant
- Hashigo Sushi
- Asia Imbiss Kok
- Klitsche
More options for your journey from Cologne to Hanover
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