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Hamburg to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)

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Cheap train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 13 Feb

Cheapest

£20

Average

£37

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.

Cheapest

FlixTrain

14:504h06

Hamburg Hbf

18:56Cologne Hbf

£201One-way

0 changes

Cheapest

FlixTrain

15:013h55

Hamburg Harburg

18:56Cologne Hbf

£201One-way

0 changes

ICE 105

06:464h01

Hamburg Hbf

10:47Cologne Hbf

£421One-way

1 change

EC 7

04:384h08

Hamburg Hbf

08:46Cologne Messe/Deutz

£521One-way

0 changes

ICE 731

07:544h04

Hamburg Hbf

11:58Cologne Hbf

£521One-way

0 changes

Hamburg to Cologne train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Thursday 13 February

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
Deutsche Bahn EC 7 Deutsche BahnEC 7	04:38 Hamburg Hbf	4h08	08:46 Cologne Messe/Deutz	0 changesDirect
Deutsche Bahn ICE 1031 Deutsche BahnICE 1031	06:11 Hamburg Hbf	3h35	09:46 Cologne Hbf	0 changesDirect
Deutsche Bahn ICE 105 Deutsche BahnICE 105	06:46 Hamburg Hbf	4h03	10:49 Cologne Hbf	0 changesDirect
Deutsche Bahn ICE 105 Deutsche BahnICE 105	06:46 Hamburg Hbf	4h01	10:47 Cologne Hbf	1 change
Deutsche Bahn ICE 583 Deutsche BahnICE 583	07:01 Hamburg Hbf	4h41	11:42 Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 changes
Deutsche Bahn ICE 517 Deutsche BahnICE 517	07:46 Hamburg Hbf	4h01	11:47 Cologne Hbf	0 changesDirect
Deutsche Bahn ICE 731 Deutsche BahnICE 731	07:54 Hamburg Hbf	4h04	11:58 Cologne Hbf	0 changesDirect
Deutsche Bahn ICE 91 Deutsche BahnICE 91	08:02 Hamburg Hbf	4h27	12:29 Cologne Hbf	1 change
Deutsche Bahn ICE 107 Deutsche BahnICE 107	08:45 Hamburg Hbf	4h04	12:49 Cologne Hbf	0 changesDirect
Deutsche Bahn ICE 107 Deutsche BahnICE 107	08:45 Hamburg Hbf	3h59	12:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 change
Deutsche Bahn ICE 585 Deutsche BahnICE 585	09:01 Hamburg Hbf	4h32	13:33 Cologne Messe/Deutz	2 changes
FlixTrain FlixTrain FlixTrainFlixTrain	14:50 Hamburg Hbf	4h06	18:56 Cologne Hbf	0 changesDirect
FlixTrain FlixTrain FlixTrainFlixTrain	15:01 Hamburg Harburg	3h55	18:56 Cologne Hbf	0 changesDirect
This is the last train of the day.

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Compare prices and tickets Hamburg to Cologne by train, coach or flight

Wed
12 Feb

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13 Feb

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14 Feb

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15 Feb

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Hamburg to Cologne is days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Hamburg to Cologne route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Hamburg to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Hamburg to Cologne.

Trains

from £25

Coaches

from £13

Flights

from £103

Train times from Hamburg to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 13 Feb

Fastest Journey

3 h 35 m

Average

4 h 7 m

Trains per day

Distance

360 km

Of the 13 trains that leave Hamburg for Cologne every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

Fastest

ICE 1031

06:113h35

Hamburg Hbf

09:46Cologne Hbf

£521One-way

0 changes

FlixTrain

15:013h55

Hamburg Harburg

18:56Cologne Hbf

£201One-way

0 changes

ICE 107

08:453h59

Hamburg Hbf

12:44Cologne Messe/Deutz

£521One-way

1 change

ICE 105

06:464h01

Hamburg Hbf

10:47Cologne Hbf

£421One-way

1 change

ICE 517

07:464h01

Hamburg Hbf

11:47Cologne Hbf

£521One-way

0 changes

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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hamburg to Cologne

The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.

Pro

WAN

Cons

Delay

Volume

Sockets

Toilets

Sat

Food

Staff

This train journey was an unpleasant experience. The train was late. Neither toilets, tables nor seats were cleaned. The noise level was too high. I also noticed the staff negatively, as they did not help me with my problems. The power sockets didn't work, but the wifi did. The food was also unappetising and cold. I do not recommend the trip to anyone.

Pro

Price

Cons

Comfort

The ICE journey from Hamburg to Cologne was terrible. There was really no comfort to speak of! Even though the price was really attractive, I cannot recommend such a journey. We had to deal with extreme delays and overcrowded compartments. The journey was very uncomfortable.

Pro

Power

Staff

Seats

Cons

Punctuality

The train journey from Hamburg to Cologne was quite good. On my tour in two days around the whole of Germany and neighbouring countries by train, the trains often arrive late, as they did on this train journey. But when the train finally arrived, the seats were very warm, which gives a plus point. The staff were super nice and even apologised for the train being late. Another plus point is the power supply on the train. When my smartphone battery was empty, I could easily charge it.

Pro

Nice conductor

Pleasant temperature in the train

Clean WC

Cons

15 min delay

I had two power sockets and USB ports at my seat, and the wifi was free and worked great. The seats were not particularly comfortable, but you could stand it and I was almost all alone on the train. The conductor was very nice and helpful. The hygiene in the train was great and in the toilets too, but the toilets were a bit small. The train was also 15 minutes late, which is not what I am used to.

Pro

Quick

Comfort

Friendly staff

WIFI

Cons

Price

The journey by ICE from Hamburg to Cologne was a pleasant experience overall. The train was on time and offered a fast and comfortable connection between the two cities. The seats were comfortable and offered enough legroom. The interior was modern and clean. The train staff were friendly and helpful. However, the price of the journey was not particularly cheap compared to other means of transport. However, this is to be expected as the ICE is a high quality train that offers a better travel experience. Overall, it was a good choice for someone who values comfort and reliability, even if the price is a bit higher.

Pro

Punctuality

Comfortable seats

WIFI

Clean WCs

Cons

Nothing

I really enjoyed this train journey as you had everything you needed for such a long journey. The seats were comfortably upholstered and easy to find by the friendly staff. The toilets were cleaned every now and then. There was a power socket next to the seats and you had a stable wifi connection with which you can also watch films. The train arrived without delay and arrived in Cologne without delay.

Pro

Very friendly staff

Cons

Unfortunately the seats were not adjustable

My business trip was over and I booked my return ticket on the flixtrain from Hamburg via Düsseldorf to Cologne online. As always, booking was extremely easy. The return journey was very pleasant, supported by the friendly on-board staff and the good entertainment on offer. The train was not overcrowded and I had enough space. I could therefore overlook the shortcoming that the seats were not adjustable. The toilets were always very clean, there was nothing to complain about. The price-performance ratio of the flixtrain is excellent.

Pro

Pleasant return journey

Cons

None

Pleasant business return journey from Hamburg to Düsseldorf on the Flixtrain. The announcements on the train were delivered with a witty, nice humour. The staff were very courteous. Seat reservations were made online and were no problem. Punctuality was also quite acceptable. The seats were comfortable but not adjustable.

Pro

Comfortable seats

On time

Cons

Nothing

The train ride was just great. The train arrived very punctually and I was greeted in a friendly manner when I asked for my reserved seat. The seats were very comfortable and I had a power socket right next to me where I could plug in my laptop. There was even wifi on the train, which ran smoothly, so I could watch movies on my laptop. The toilets seemed clean and there was no unpleasant smell in the air. In general, one can say that the price is completely fair for the very pleasant journey.

Pro

Punctuality

Cons

Space available

I really enjoy travelling with the Flixtrain and often use the route between Hamburg and Cologne. The trains have always been on time (compared to other trains). The staff have also always been very nice. The space available is not quite optimal for very tall people (but it's no better on other trains). I have also noticed the increased sense of humour of many Flixtrain train drivers; you get the impression that they enjoy their job. Even for a mini delay caused by other trains through no fault of their own (I didn't even notice the delay), you get a small compensation. Information is provided reliably by e-mail or through direct announcements. In my opinion, the price-performance ratio is unbeatable. Clear travel recommendation with Flixtrain from me.

Pro

Comfortable, stress-free train journey

Cons

Delays

The train journey from Hamburg to Pulheim via Cologne was satisfactory overall. Despite an unpleasant delay of over 60 minutes. However, the seating comfort was good and the journey was quiet. There were only a few stops, which made the journey more pleasant. Although the delay was annoying, the positive impression was maintained by the comfortable seat and the relaxed journey. Good value for money, thanks to the super saver price.

Pro

Sockets

Gastronomy

Nice staff

Cons

Delay

The train journey from Hamburg to Cologne was very comfortable. A journey time of around 4 hours is a very good value. The seats were comfortable, the wifi and power sockets worked perfectly and the toilets were clean. The rest of the train also looked very clean and hygienic. Once again, the train staff were very nice and cheerful, which made the journey a pleasant experience. I didn't have to change trains. It was pleasant that there were enough free seats and that a seat reservation would have been necessary. The catering on offer was very varied. Every traveller will find something here. You can even buy organic food here. It was annoying that we were delayed by around 25 minutes. The ticket price was fair and acceptable. The earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket. The train is also a very good alternative to travelling by car on this route.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Hamburg to Cologne

Trains from Hamburg to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.

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

Distance

360 km

Average train duration

4h 40m

Cheapest ticket price

£12

Trains per day

Direct trains

Train providers

Fastest train

3h 36m

First train

00:01

Last train

23:58

Price information

Train providers: Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain trains Hamburg to Cologne

Find the best trains from Hamburg to Cologne with Omio's travel partners Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain from £12. We can find you the best deals, timetables and tickets when comparing and booking the best route.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main operator of train services in Germany, making on average 40,000 journeys per day. A special feature of Deutsche Bahn is its wide range of ticket types, savings offers including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares and discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50 and 100, which you can also use for your train between Hamburg and Cologne. DB uses different types of trains such as the ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn) on its routes, which differ in terms of comfort and the time required to travel. For example, while toilets are standard amenities, services like an onboard restaurant or free WiFi are only available on certain trains.

Train information from Hamburg to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn:

Average Duration: 3 h 40 min
Cheapest Price: £49
Deutsche Bahn frequency: 16 a day

Flixtrain GmbH is a German railway company owned by Flixmobility. FlixTrain already connects many cities in Germany with its green trains. The trains run on 100 percent renewable energy. Onboard facilities: FlixTrain trains are equipped with air conditioning, toilets, USB and sockets and have plenty of legroom. You will find free WiFi on most trains and a range of food and drinks is available. There is a standard ticket that guarantees you a seat. You can take luggage with you free of charge, provided it can be stowed in the luggage racks. Find the current FlixTrain timetable for your train between Hamburg and Cologne at Omio and easily book FlixTrain train tickets online.

FlixTrain from Hamburg to Cologne train information:

Average Duration: 3 h 55 min
Cheapest Price: £12
FlixTrain frequency: 1 a day

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

FAQs: Travel by train from Hamburg to Cologne easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Hamburg to Cologne.

Cheap train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Hamburg to Cologne is £26; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Hamburg to Cologne train travel time is 3 h 55 min for the 223 mile long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Hamburg to Cologne leaves at 00: 01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Hamburg to Cologne leaves at 23: 58.

Yes, it is possible to travel from Hamburg to Cologne without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. There are 7 direct trains from Hamburg to Cologne each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.

Take the Hamburg to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the trip between Hamburg and Cologne as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 58.

When departing from Hamburg, you have various train station options to start your route from including Hamburg Hbf, Hamburg Harburg, Hamburg Altona and Hamburg Dammtor. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your trip in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne Süd.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Hamburg Hbf, which is located around 1.8 miles (2.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Cologne from Hamburg is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 55 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month to travel from Hamburg to Cologne by train is September.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Hamburg and Cologne including taking a train, coach or flight.

Important Stations and Airports in Hamburg and Cologne

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.

Hamburg Hbf Wifi