The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanover to Cologne
Cheapest price
£15
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 6 m
Trains per day
7
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 £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Of the 7 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 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 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.
FlixTrain10:233h18Hanover Hbf13:41Cologne Hbf£151One-way0 changes
FlixTrain18:233h17Hanover Hbf21:40Cologne Hbf£151One-way0 changes
ICE 6448:313h02Hanover Hbf11:33Cologne Hbf£251One-way0 changes
IC 2044 · ICE 1079:403h08Hanover Hbf12:48Cologne Hbf£331One-way1 change
ICE 64210:313h03Hanover Hbf13:34Cologne Hbf£331One-way0 changes
ICE 9449:313h02Hanover Hbf12:33Cologne Hbf£331One-way0 changes
ICE 6448:313h02Hanover Hbf11:33Cologne Hbf£251One-way0 changes
ICE 64210:313h03Hanover Hbf13:34Cologne Hbf£331One-way0 changes
IC 2044 · ICE 1079:403h08Hanover Hbf12:48Cologne Hbf£331One-way1 change
FlixTrain18:233h17Hanover Hbf21:40Cologne Hbf£151One-way0 changes
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 £237.
Distance: 250 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £417 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 today, Tuesday 26 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60471 · ICE 618+ 15160 | Delayed 22:30 0:30Hanover Hbf | 5h34 | 6:04 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1540 | Delayed 0:46 2:46Hanover Hbf | 3h26 | 4:12 4:12Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 27 May | |||||
ICE 644 | On time 8:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h02 | 11:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1548 | On time 8:56 Hanover Hbf | 3h20 | 12:16 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 9:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h02 | 12:33 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2044 · ICE 107 | On time 9:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h08 | 12:48 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 10:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h18 | 13:41 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 642 | On time 10:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h03 | 13:34 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 18:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h17 | 21:40 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
27 May
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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
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 20:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located near the main entrance.
- Balzac Coffee
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- asiahung
- Mr. CLOU
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Pizza Hut
- & many more
- Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Grand Hotel Mussmann
- IntercityHotel Hannover
- Hotel Loccumer Hof
- Located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.
- Öz Antalya Kebap
- Ricklinger Döner
- China-Imbiss Jasmin
- Coimbra
- Werkhof Restaurant
- Hashigo Sushi
- Asia Imbiss Kok
- Klitsche
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Hanover
More options for your journey from Hanover to Cologne
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