Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Mon 12 Oct
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Oct

Cheapest price on 12 Oct

£13

Average ticket price on 12 Oct

£47

Fastest journey on 12 Oct

2 h 34 m

Average journey duration on 12 Oct

2 h 35 m

Trains on 12 Oct

28

Distance

249 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanover 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 Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.

Fast trains

On Mon 12 Oct, we found 28 trains from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf, including 11 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 249 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 34 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 35 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.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2444 · ICE 207
    19:403h08
    Hanover Hbf
    22:48Cologne Hbf
    £131One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2446 · ICE 209
    21:403h28
    Hanover Hbf
    1:08Cologne Hbf
    £131One-way
    1 change
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    18:233h34
    Hanover Hbf
    21:57Cologne Hbf
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    10:233h32
    Hanover Hbf
    13:55Cologne Hbf
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    14:233h33
    Hanover Hbf
    17:56Cologne Hbf
    £161One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:17, the last at 21:02. The fastest train covers the 249 km distance in 2h 34m.

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
249 km
Average train duration
3h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
2h 34m
First train
0:17
Last train
21:02
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
21 days
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

Live departures

Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Sunday 11 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 654
Delayed
6:43 8:40Hanover Hbf
2h34
9:20 9:20Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 954 · 17415
On time
9:31 Hanover Hbf
3h07
12:38 Cologne Hbf
1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain10:23 Hanover Hbf
3h32
13:55 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 652
Delayed
10:40 Hanover Hbf
2h35
11:18 11:18Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 952 · 17343
On time
11:31 Hanover Hbf
3h02
14:33 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 650
On time
12:40 Hanover Hbf
2h35
15:15 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 950 · 17351
On time
13:31 Hanover Hbf
3h02
16:33 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2048 · ICE 201
On time
13:40 Hanover Hbf
3h08
16:48 Cologne Hbf
1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain14:23 Hanover Hbf
3h33
17:56 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 558
On time
14:40 Hanover Hbf
2h35
17:15 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 858 · 17359
On time
15:31 Hanover Hbf
3h02
18:33 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2440 · ICE 203
On time
15:40 Hanover Hbf
3h08
18:48 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 556
Delayed
16:40 Hanover Hbf
2h35
17:18 17:18Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 856 · 17367
On time
17:31 Hanover Hbf
3h02
20:33 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2442 · ICE 205
On time
17:40 Hanover Hbf
3h07
20:47 Cologne Hbf
1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain18:23 Hanover Hbf
3h34
21:57 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 554
On time
18:40 Hanover Hbf
2h34
21:14 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 854
On time
19:31 Hanover Hbf
3h10
22:41 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 854 · 17435
On time
19:31 Hanover Hbf
3h07
22:38 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2444 · ICE 207
On time
19:40 Hanover Hbf
3h08
22:48 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 552
On time
20:40 Hanover Hbf
2h35
23:15 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 852
On time
21:31 Hanover Hbf
3h13
0:44 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 2446 · 89742 · S6 · 26844
On time
21:40 Hanover Hbf
4h39
2:19 Cologne Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 550
On time
22:40 Hanover Hbf
3h49
2:29 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Monday 12 October
Deutsche BahnICE 1540
On time
2:46 Hanover Hbf
3h32
6:18 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 103
On time
5:39 Hanover Hbf
3h07
8:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 656
On time
6:40 Hanover Hbf
2h35
9:15 Cologne Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 956 · 17327
On time
7:31 Hanover Hbf
3h02
10:33 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2042 · ICE 105
On time
7:40 Hanover Hbf
3h06
10:46 Cologne Hbf
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or WestfalenBahn offer trains services from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hanover 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 or WestfalenBahn to find the best option for your trip from Hanover 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 Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
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.
Advantages
IconShort travel time
IconComfort
IconPunctuality
Disadvantages
IconNo wifi
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne on the ICE 2044. The journey was in second class and without seat reservation. It was a very pleasant journey because it was extremely comfortable on the train. This was due to the pleasant temperatures and the ergonomic and comfortable seats. The journey took only a short 3 hours. The train was in a good and well-maintained condition. Unfortunately, there was no wifi.
Advantages
IconWIFI
IconPunctuality
Disadvantages
IconLittle choice at the bistro
The train journey from Hanover to Cologne with IC 2044 was nothing special. The train was average, the seats comfortable enough, but nothing extraordinary. The journey was on time. The on-board catering was standard. There was not too much choice. The staff on board were friendly and polite. The wifi worked throughout. It was basically a normal train journey with no particular highlights or disappointments.
Advantages
IconGood wifi
IconEnough seats
Disadvantages
IconUnpunctual
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne with the ICE 2044 in second class. I found the price very good. Unfortunately, the train was 15 minutes late. The train itself was clean, as were the toilets. I did not reserve a seat, but there were still plenty of seats available on the train. I had very good wifi the whole way.
Advantages
IconComfort
IconPunctuality
IconBoard bistro
Disadvantages
IconNone
Overall, my train journey from Hanover to Cologne was extremely satisfying. Comfortable seats, friendly staff and a smooth ticket purchase process made the journey a pleasant experience. The announcements were clearly understandable and informed about the next stops and possible delays. The train left Hanover on time and arrived in Cologne on time. There was a bistro where you could buy coffee and snacks.
Advantages
IconOn time
IconComfortable
Disadvantages
IconUnclean toilets
The train journey with IC 2044 from Hanover to Cologne was a pleasant experience overall. The train appeared modern and well maintained. Departure was on time, which was very pleasing. The seats were comfortable and offered sufficient legroom. They were also clean. The journey was mostly quiet and without any major jolts. Only on some sections of the route were there slight vibrations. However, the cleanliness of the toilets blew, which was a clear minus point.
Advantages
IconShort travel time
IconBoard bistro
IconPunctuality
Disadvantages
IconUnhygienic toilets
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne on the ICE 2044. It was a second-class journey. In itself, the journey was very pleasant, the journey time was just under 3 hours. The service on board was also good, there was an on-board bistro where coffee and snacks could be bought. There were no delays to my recollection. The train was clean inside, but not the toilets. They were quite dirty.
Advantages
IconGood price
IconGood train
IconEasy to use
Disadvantages
IconNone
We are going on a family holiday, like every year. The train is very good, we always take it because our relatives live in Cologne. The train is very hygienic and you get free wifi. You can also charge your mobile phone or laptop. There is also a first-raunt on the train, which is very cool. I can only recommend it. My family loves it too. The toilet is very clean and is cleaned very often during the journey. You can even ring the bell if you want it cleaned. We don't have to do a ticket check, which is also very good. The price is very good for so many people.
Advantages
Iconwifi
IconBoard bistro
IconDirect connection
Disadvantages
IconSocket had a loose contact
From Hanover to Cologne. Today I travelled from Hanover to Cologne by ICE to see the Cologne Cathedral. The Intercity Express was on time and there were enough free seats. I had a socket at my seat (it had a loose connection) to charge my mobile phone and wifi to go online. Toilets were available and worked perfectly. The staff was nice and friendly. I booked my tickets via the Deutsche Bahn app, where I could also have reserved seats. I bought chocolate bars in the dining car. The train was clean, air-conditioned and only slightly busy. It was a relaxed and beautiful journey.
Advantages
IconBoard bistro
IconNeat train
IconWIFI
Disadvantages
IconUnpunctual
I travelled from Hanover to Cologne with IC 2044. The journey was in second class. Fortunately, there was a bistro on board selling coffee and snacks. It was early, after all. The train itself was extremely well maintained and well equipped. There were power sockets and free wifi on board. Unfortunately, the train arrived unpunctually in Hanover and accordingly arrived late in Cologne. With that said, it was a pleasant journey.
Advantages
IconNo delay
IconFast connection
Disadvantages
IconUnclean
I travelled with ICE 2044 from Hanover to Cologne. The journey was in second class and I did not reserve a seat. However, there were also plenty of seats, so I didn't have to stand. What was positive was that the train was not delayed at all during the entire journey. I also liked the fact that the journey time was relatively short and that the connection was fast. However, I must criticise that the train was not really clean. There is room for improvement here.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn trains will get you between Hanover Hbf and Cologne Hbf from £5. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£6
Deutsche Bahn frequency
15 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.
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.
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.
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 FlixTrain Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£5
FlixTrain frequency
3 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

WestfalenBahn

About
WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average WestfalenBahn Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest WestfalenBahn Price
£23
WestfalenBahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
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 require ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

FAQs: Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hanover 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf covers a distance of 249 km and takes approximately 2h 34m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf is 249 km.
The first train from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf leaves at 0:17.
The last train from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf departs at 21:02.
Trains from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf run approximately 15 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Hanover Hbf and Cologne Hbf. The service operates 10 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
There is no night train service from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Booking trains from Hanover 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 Hannover Hbf to Köln Hbf offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Lower Saxony countryside and the scenic Rhine Valley as you approach Cologne, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, you can take the train from Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Hanover Hbf and Cologne Hbf

Most Hanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains use the Hannover Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Hanover Hbf and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Hanover
Arrival train stations in Cologne
Hannover HbfErnst-August-Platz 1, 30159, Hannover, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Hannover Hbf from Hanover city centre

Bus120 · 10m · every ~10 min
170, 700, 500, 300 · 12m · every ~35 min

Hannover Hbf train station facilities and services

Hannover 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: Balzac Coffee, Burger King, McDonald's, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, asiahung, Mr. CLOU, Nordsee, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hannover Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Hannover Hbf. Information desks are located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the main entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Hannover Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Hannover Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover Hbf: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Grand Hotel Mussmann, IntercityHotel Hannover, Hotel Loccumer Hof.

More options for your journey from Hanover 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 Hanover Hbf

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyHanover Hbf to Cologne Hbf train

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