- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Cheapest price
£9
Average price
£47
Fastest journey
2 h 50 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
18
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 £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
Of the 18 trains that leave Hanover for Cologne every day 11 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 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 7 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 644 · 17413
ICE 642 · 17417
ICE 654
ICE 950
ICE 954
ICE 858
ICE 856
ICE 548 · 17425Omio 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 52m. 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 £243.
Distance: 250 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£17 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £313 Average Price |
4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration 4h 54m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Hanover to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday 25 August. 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 656 | On time 6:40 Hanover Hbf | 3h16 | 9:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 956 | On time 7:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h51 | 10:22 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1071 · ICE 728 | On time 7:41 Hanover Hbf | 3h39 | 11:20 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1071 · ICE 2528 | On time 7:41 Hanover Hbf | 3h39 | 11:20 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 644 · 17413 | On time 8:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h07 | 11:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 654 | On time 8:43 Hanover Hbf | 3h34 | 12:17 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 954 | On time 9:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h51 | 12:22 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 10:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h33 | 13:56 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 642 · 17417 | On time 10:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h07 | 13:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 652 | On time 10:43 Hanover Hbf | 3h26 | 14:09 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 952 | On time 11:31 Hanover Hbf | 2h51 | 14:22 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1073 · ICE 720 | On time 11:39 Hanover Hbf | 3h43 | 15:22 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 640 · 17421 | On time 12:31 Hanover Hbf | 3h07 | 15:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 18:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h17 | 21:40 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 18:23 Hanover Hbf | 3h25 | 21:48 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Hanover to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 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 2h 34m.
Distance 250 km |
Average train duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, Cologne
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.

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.
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 options include: Balzac Coffee, Burger King, McDonald's, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, asiahung, Mr. CLOU, Nordsee, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hannover Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover Hbf. Information desks are located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the main entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover Hbf: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Grand Hotel Mussmann, IntercityHotel Hannover, Hotel Loccumer Hof.
Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof is 2 km from Hanover city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Öz Antalya Kebap, Ricklinger Döner, China-Imbiss Jasmin, Coimbra
Wi-Fi is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. ATMs are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. Information desks are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Luggage storage is available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover-Linden/Fischerhof.
Hannover Anderten-Misburg is 8 km from Hanover city centre. Public transport options include:
Hannover Anderten-Misburg 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 options include: Aioli, Alter Bahnhof Anderten, Schützenhaus Anderten, Eiscafe Cortina da Stella
Wi-Fi is available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg. ATMs are available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg.
Ticket office support is available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg. Information desks are available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg.
Luggage storage is available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover Anderten-Misburg.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need