The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
£20
Average price
£91
Fastest journey
3 h 39 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Trains per day
42
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg to Cologne will cost around £91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.
Of the 42 trains that leave Hamburg for Cologne every day 26 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 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 1 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 921
ME 82139+
IC 2448 · RE 26846
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 581 · ICE 656
ICE 1021
ICE 927
ICE 517
ICE 615
ICE 619Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Hamburg to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg to Cologne 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 51m. 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 £120.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £492 Average Price |
5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m 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
Hamburg to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Cologne trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1031 | On time 05:11 Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 08:46 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 105 | On time 05:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 09:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 583 · ICE 654 | On time 06:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h17 | 10:18 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 517 | On time 06:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h00 | 10:46 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 731 | On time 06:54 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 10:58 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 91 · ICE 944 · RE 17415 | On time 07:02 Hamburg Hbf | 4h36 | 11:38 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 107 | On time 07:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 11:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 519 | On time 08:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 12:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 787 · ICE 942 · RE 17419 | On time 09:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h37 | 13:38 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 109 | On time 09:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 13:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 587 · ICE 650 | On time 10:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h17 | 14:18 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1285 · ICE 758 | On time 10:28 Hamburg Hbf | 4h50 | 15:18 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 927 | On time 10:53 Hamburg Hbf | 3h56 | 14:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 789 · ICE 940 · RE 17423 | On time 11:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h37 | 15:38 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 201 | On time 11:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 15:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2311 | On time 11:50 Hamburg Hbf | 4h07 | 15:57 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 689 · ICE 558 | On time 12:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h17 | 16:18 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 613 | On time 12:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 16:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 203 | On time 13:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 17:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 13:50 Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 18:22 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 14:01 Hamburg Harburg | 4h21 | 18:22 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 615 | On time 14:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h00 | 18:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1021 | On time 15:10 Hamburg Hbf | 3h39 | 18:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 205 | On time 15:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 19:48 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2215 | On time 15:50 Hamburg Hbf | 4h07 | 19:57 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 683 · ICE 554 | On time 16:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h17 | 20:18 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 617 | On time 16:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 20:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 885 · ICE 844 | On time 17:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 21:33 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 207 | On time 17:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 21:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 685 · ICE 542 | On time 18:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 22:33 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 619 | On time 18:46 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 22:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 887 · ICE 842 | On time 19:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h56 | 23:57 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 921 | On time 21:46 Hamburg Hbf | 5h02 | 02:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 28 November | |||||
EC 7 | 03:38 Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 07:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 581 · ICE 656 | 03:54 Hamburg Hbf | 4h27 | 08:21 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg to Cologne 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.
27 Nov
28 Nov
29 Nov
30 Nov
01 Dec
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
05 Dec
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
09 Dec
10 Dec
11 Dec
12 Dec
13 Dec
14 Dec
15 Dec
16 Dec
17 Dec
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hamburg to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Cologne
Trains from Hamburg to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 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 360 km distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom from Hamburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom trains will get you between Hamburg and Cologne from £17. 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
Metronom
Trains from Hamburg to Cologne: Journey Details
Trains in Germany are an efficient way to travel between cities, with Deutsche Bahn providing domestic and international train routes in Germany. Hamburg and Cologne are only 430 km apart, so it's quick and easy to catch the train between these two German cities. Trains from Hamburg to Cologne are operated by Deutsche Bahn, and a direct connection will take just over 4 hours to make the journey. The earliest departures leave Hamburg before 4 a.m., and the last train of the day leaves after midnight.
Return trains from Cologne to Hamburg are also available.
Taking the Train from Hamburg
All trains between Hamburg and Cologne depart from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof and arrive at Cologne Hauptbahnhof. Reaching your train is easy if you are coming from central Hamburg. The Hauptbahnhof is located on all 4 of Hamburg's U-Bahn lines, but it is central enough to reach by foot from many hotels. If you are coming from outside the center, the circular U3 line will be the best option. The underground runs until late, but for departures in the middle of the night a taxi is advisable.
Getting into Cologne by Train
Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, and also one of the most beautiful. Although it is most famous for its gorgeous cathedral, the city is filled with art galleries and museums, it has a wonderful botanical gardens and markets selling local produce and crafts. It's also a great place to start Rhine River tours, and produces some of the finest beer in Europe. The quickest route into town from the station is to catch the Cologne S-Bahn - which takes only 5 to 10 minutes to reach the center. For other journeys, the city has a superb bus and tram network. Be sure to purchase a WelcomeCard to travel as cheaply as possible.
FAQs: Hamburg to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Hamburg and Cologne
- 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
- Most wanted Burger
- LüttLiv
- T.R.U.D.E.
- Schweinske Barmbek
- Hotel am Stadtpark
- IntercityHotel Hamburg-Barmbek
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Essino
- Schanzenbäcker
- Novum Hotel Belmondo Hamburg
- Mercure Hamburg City
- Eleazar Novum
- Terminus
- McDonald's
- St. Pauli
- Scoom
- McCafé
- Leonardo Inn Airport
- 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
- Hunt Coffee
- Haerlin
- Gran Sasso
- Double Coffee
- Hotel Hanseatin
- Renaissance
- Hotel Preuß
- Hotel Amsterdam
- 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: 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
- Monday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Casa Vecchia
- Burger Lounge
- Il mío
- Olivo
- Sachsentor
- Hotel Hanseat
- O Pescador
- Asia Quick
- Paulaner's
- Burger King
- Hotel Stella Maris
- Empire Riverside Hotel
- Hotel St. Joseph
- Auto-Parkhotel
- Chez Nathalie
- Due Baristi
- Schweinske Eimsbüttel
- La Classe Capanna
- Park Hotel Hamburg Arena
- Aparion Apartments
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Essino
- Schanzenbäcker
- Novum Hotel Belmondo Hamburg
- Mercure Hamburg City
- Ambassador
- City Haus
- Café Bom Dia
- Oktober Harburg
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- Cafe Schmidt
- Block House
- Röperhof
- L'Europeo
- Hotel Schmidt
- O Pescador
- Hunt Coffee
- Paulaner's
- Haerlin
- Hotel Steigenberger
- Hotel Stella Maris
- Hotel Hanseatin
- Renaissance
- McDonald's
- BLOCK HOUSE
- China-Restaurant Ming Dynastie
- Jam Jam
- Hotel Tiefenthal
- Villa Wandsbek Hotel Garni
- DARZ GästeZimmer
- Hotel Marco Polo
- Asia Quick
- Burger King
- KFC
- Hesburger
- Empire Riverside Hotel
- Hotel St. Joseph
- Auto-Parkhotel
- East Hotel
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Kirchenallee and Steintorwall.
- Block House
- Schweinske
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg
- Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-14 for long-distance trains
- Hall 3: U-Bahn connections
- U-Bahn: Line U1, Line U2, Line U3
- S-Bahn: Line S1, Line S2, Line S3
- Bus: Several lines available
- Der Kebap
- Erfrischungsraum Oldtimertankstelle Brandshof
- 100/200
- Der Simo
- Elbegalerie
- Bridge Inn
- 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.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- 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
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- 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
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Heinemann
- Mühlenhof
- Dalmatien
- Longericher Grillstation
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


