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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
£27
Average price
£84
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
3 h 54 m
Trains per day
26
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 £84 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Of the 26 trains that leave Hamburg for Cologne every day 23 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 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 37 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 3 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 92122:454h17Hamburg Hbf3:02Cologne Hbf£271One-way0 changes- ICE 103 · IC 20404:414h04Hamburg Hbf8:45Cologne Hbf£391One-way1 change
- ICE 5155:454h05Hamburg Hbf9:50Cologne Messe/Deutz£451One-way0 changes
- ICE 20920:454h03Hamburg Hbf0:48Cologne Hbf£511One-way0 changes
- ICE 1034:414h12Hamburg Hbf8:53Cologne Messe/Deutz£541One-way0 changes
- ICE 102116:093h37Hamburg Hbf19:46Cologne Hbf£1001One-way0 changes
FlixTrain11:013h55Hamburg Harburg14:56Cologne Hbf£831One-way0 changes- FlixTrain17:013h55Hamburg Harburg20:56Cologne Hbf£831One-way0 changes
- ICE 61919:454h01Hamburg Hbf23:46Cologne Messe/Deutz£591One-way0 changes
- ICE 20718:454h03Hamburg Hbf22:48Cologne Hbf£891One-way0 changes
Travel 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 £19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. 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 £19, and a flight costs an average of £273.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£32 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £600 Average Price |
5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m 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, Saturday 11 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 203 | Delayed 14:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 17:20 17:20Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 14:50 Hamburg Hbf | 4h06 | 18:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1037 | Delayed 15:10 Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 17:45 17:45Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1037 · 28529 | On time 15:10 Hamburg Hbf | 4h19 | 19:29 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 615 | Delayed 14:23 15:45Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 17:53 17:53Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1021 | Delayed 16:09 Hamburg Hbf | 3h37 | 18:26 18:26Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 205 | On time 16:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 20:50 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 2215 | On time 17:12 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 21:16 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 617 | On time 17:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 21:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 207 | On time 18:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 22:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 619 | On time 19:05 Hamburg Hbf | 4h42 | 23:47 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 777 · ICE 842 | On time 19:10 Hamburg Hbf | 5h23 | 0:33 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 209 | On time 20:21 Hamburg Hbf | 4h27 | 0:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1921 | On time 22:00 Hamburg Hbf | 5h02 | 3:02 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 273 · ICE 616+ 81643 | Delayed 0:09 22:33Hamburg Hbf | 9h32 | 8:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 103 · IC 2040 | Delayed 4:41 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 6:54 6:54Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 103 | On time 4:41 Hamburg Hbf | 4h12 | 8:53 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 515 | Delayed 5:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 7:53 7:53Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 105 | On time 6:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h08 | 10:53 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 517 | Delayed 7:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 9:53 9:53Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 107 | On time 8:42 Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 12:53 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 519 | Delayed 9:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 11:53 11:53Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 109 | On time 10:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h08 | 14:53 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 10:50 Hamburg Hbf | 4h06 | 14:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 11:01 Hamburg Harburg | 3h55 | 14:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1033 | On time 11:10 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 15:14 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 201 | On time 12:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 16:50 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 613 | On time 13:45 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 17:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
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Why should you book Hamburg to Cologne trains with Omio?
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 to Cologne.
- 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 to Cologne.
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 to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hamburg to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hamburg to Cologne
Punctual
PriceIt was very cleanThe train was slightly lateComfortablePunctualToiletsThe train was pretty punctualThe toilets were very dirtyFaster than a carMore comfortable than a carNot too crowdedVery expensive in the short termPunctualFastNo changeStuffy airPunctualReliablefastDirty toiletsGood service with on-board bistroCleanliness on the train and in the toiletsComfort and equipment goodDirty windowsDelayNo changeToiletsSeatFast connectionGood comfortNice serviceSlight delayLoud passengersToilet closedWANDelayVolumeSocketsToiletsSatFoodStaffPriceComfortPowerStaffSeatsPunctualityNice conductorPleasant temperature in the trainClean WC15 min delayQuickComfortFriendly staffWIFIPricePunctualityComfortable seatsWIFIClean WCsNothingVery friendly staffUnfortunately the seats were not adjustablePleasant return journeyNoneComfortable seatsOn timeNothingPunctualitySpace availableComfortable, stress-free train journeyDelaysSocketsGastronomyNice staffDelayJourney information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Hamburg to Cologne run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 11 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 55m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 5h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Hamburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Hamburg and Cologne from £16. 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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
Most Hamburg to Cologne trains use the Hamburg Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Hamburg and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Hamburg station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Hamburg Hbf from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg Hbf train station facilities and services
Hamburg 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 and drink
Food options include: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Getting to Hamburg-Harburg from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg train station facilities and services
Hamburg-Harburg 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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Getting to Hamburg-Altona from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Altona is 5 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Altona train station facilities and services
Hamburg-Altona 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 and drink
Food options include: Ethio, Trattoria Toscana, Marta, Pavillon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Altona. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Altona. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Altona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant, Hotel Hamburg Altona, Hotel Central, Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona.
Which Cologne station do trains from Hamburg arrive at?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Hamburg
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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