The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanover to Cologne
Cheapest price
£18
Average price
£52
Fastest journey
2 h 41 m
Average duration
2 h 59 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanover to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hanover to Cologne will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Of the 10 trains that leave Hanover for Cologne every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 250 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 17 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.
FlixTrain18:233h58Hanover Hbf22:21Cologne Hbf£181One-way0 changes
FlixTrain14:233h20Hanover Hbf17:43Cologne Hbf£191One-way0 changes
FlixTrain10:233h18Hanover Hbf13:41Cologne Hbf£211One-way0 changes
ICE 646 · 174096:213h17Hanover Hbf9:38Cologne Hbf£521One-way1 change
ICE 9567:312h41Hanover Hbf10:12Cologne Hbf£541One-way0 changes
ICE 9567:312h41Hanover Hbf10:12Cologne Hbf£541One-way0 changes
ICE 95211:312h41Hanover Hbf14:12Cologne Hbf£761One-way0 changes
ICE 644 · 174138:313h07Hanover Hbf11:38Cologne Hbf£641One-way1 change
ICE 642 · 1741710:313h07Hanover Hbf13:38Cologne Hbf£701One-way1 change
ICE 646 · 174096:213h17Hanover Hbf9:38Cologne Hbf£521One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Hanover to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hanover to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 3h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a flight costs an average of £234.
Distance: 250 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £410 Average Price |
4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration 4h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Hanover to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Hanover to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday 11 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 646 · 17409 | On time 6:21 Hanover Hbf | 3h17 | 9:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 956 | Delayed 7:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h41 | 8:23 8:23Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 644 · 17413 | On time 8:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h07 | 11:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 10:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h18 | 13:41 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 642 · 17417 | On time 10:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h07 | 13:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 652 | Delayed 10:43 Hanover Hbf | 3h24 | 12:14 12:14Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 952 | Delayed 11:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h41 | 12:23 12:23Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1073 · ICE 720 | On time 11:39 Hanover Hbf | 3h35 | 15:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 14:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h20 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 18:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h58 | 22:21 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hanover 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.
11 Jul
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Why should you book Hanover 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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hanover 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 Hanover to Cologne.
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 to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Hanover to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hanover to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Hanover to Cologne
Trains from Hanover to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 250 km distance in 3h 17m.
Distance 250 km |
Average train duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Hanover to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Hanover and Cologne from £9. 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Hanover to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hanover 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 Hanover and Cologne
Most Hanover to Cologne trains use the Hannover Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Hanover and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Hanover station do trains to Cologne leave from?
Getting to Hannover Hbf from Hanover city centre
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.
Getting to Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof from Hanover city centre
Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof is 2 km from Hanover city centre. Public transport options include:
Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof train station facilities and services
Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof 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: Öz Antalya Kebap, Ricklinger Döner, China-Imbiss Jasmin, Coimbra
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. ATMs are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. Information desks are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Getting to Hannover-Nordstadt from Hanover city centre
Hannover-Nordstadt is 2 km from Hanover city centre. Public transport options include:
Hannover-Nordstadt train station facilities and services
Hannover-Nordstadt 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: Werkhof Restaurant, Hashigo Sushi, Asia Imbiss Kok, Klitsche
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hannover-Nordstadt. ATMs are available at Hannover-Nordstadt.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hannover-Nordstadt. Information desks are available at Hannover-Nordstadt.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hannover-Nordstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hannover-Nordstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hannover-Nordstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover-Nordstadt.
Which Cologne station do trains from Hanover 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.
Most popular train connections from Hanover
More options for your journey from Hanover to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
