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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Showing times and prices for 30 May
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£64
Fastest journey
4 h 25 m
Average duration
4 h 25 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
357 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Fast trains
Of the 20 trains that leave Hamburg Hbf for Cologne Hbf 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 357 km distance in an average of 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 25 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 20920:234h25Hamburg Hbf0:48Cologne Hbf£331One-way0 changes- ICE 92122:234h43Hamburg Hbf3:06Cologne Hbf£331One-way0 changes
FlixTrain8:304h26Hamburg Hbf12:56Cologne Hbf£411One-way0 changes- ICE 61918:034h40Hamburg Hbf22:43Cologne Hbf£421One-way0 changes
- ICE 20718:234h43Hamburg Hbf23:06Cologne Hbf£451One-way0 changes
- ICE 5177:234h25Hamburg Hbf11:48Cologne Hbf£891One-way0 changes
- ICE 20516:234h25Hamburg Hbf20:48Cologne Hbf£691One-way0 changes
- ICE 1056:234h25Hamburg Hbf10:48Cologne Hbf£891One-way0 changes
- ICE 20920:234h25Hamburg Hbf0:48Cologne Hbf£331One-way0 changes
- ICE 1078:234h25Hamburg Hbf12:48Cologne Hbf£891One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a flight costs an average of £204.
Distance: 357 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£36 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £558 Average Price |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Friday 29 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1707 · 93157 · ICE 1540 | Delayed 22:50 Hamburg Hbf | 7h22 | 4:14 4:14Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| Saturday 30 May | |||||
| ICE 103 | On time 4:21 Hamburg Hbf | 4h27 | 8:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 515 | On time 5:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 9:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 105 | On time 6:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 10:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 517 | On time 7:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 11:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 107 | On time 8:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 12:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 8:30 Hamburg Hbf | 4h26 | 12:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 519 | On time 9:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 13:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 109 | On time 10:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 14:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 611 | On time 11:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 15:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 201 | On time 12:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 16:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 613 | On time 13:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 17:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 203 | On time 14:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 18:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 615 | On time 15:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 19:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 205 | On time 16:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 20:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 617 · 89741 | On time 17:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h39 | 22:02 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 619 | On time 18:03 Hamburg Hbf | 4h40 | 22:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 207 | On time 18:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h43 | 23:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 777 · ICE 842 | On time 18:44 Hamburg Hbf | 5h47 | 0:31 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 209 | On time 20:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 0:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 921 | On time 22:23 Hamburg Hbf | 4h43 | 3:06 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) and more offer trains services from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
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, metronom or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
- 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 Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, metronom or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:21, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 357 km distance in 3h 55m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £15
Distance 357 km |
Average train duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 2:21 |
Last train 22:33 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £15
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Hamburg Hbf and Cologne Hbf from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 1m
Cheapest Price
£16
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
£26
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
metronom
About
Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH is a German railway company that has been connecting Northern Germany since 2003. Based in Uelzen, it focuses exclusively on passenger transport, operating services from Hamburg to Bremen, Lüneburg, Uelzen, Hanover, and Göttingen. The company also runs services under the brand Enno from Wolfsburg to Hanover and Hildesheim. Metronom is partly state-owned, with its trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, being rented from the state transport company Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG). They are known for their yellow and blue double-decker trains, offering amenities like extra legroom and refreshments.
Luggage & cancellation policy
metronom frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one large piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 4m
Cheapest Price
£64
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Cologne Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £36.
The train journey from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf covers a distance of 357 km and takes approximately 3h 55m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf is 357 km.
The first train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf leaves at 2:21.
The last train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf departs at 22:33.
Trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Hamburg Hbf and Cologne Hbf. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Hamburg Hbf to Köln Hbf offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque Lower Saxony countryside and the charming landscapes around the River Rhine.
A day trip from Hamburg Hbf to Köln Hbf is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 55m each way. There are 5 trains available per day covering the 357 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Hamburg Hbf and Cologne Hbf
Hamburg
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Hamburg is Hamburg Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Hamburg Hbf for your trip from Hamburg to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
Information Desk
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Hamburg.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Most popular train connections from Hamburg Hbf
More options for your journey from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf
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