Cologne to Hamburg bus with FlixBus

Mon, Sep 21
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Avanza
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Hamburg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 21

Cheapest price on Sep 21

€25

Average ticket price on Sep 21

€27

Fastest journey on Sep 21

6 h 40 m

Average journey duration on Sep 21

7 h 5 m

Buses on Sep 21

3

Distance

360 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Hamburg will cost around €27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.

Fast buses

On Mon, Sep 21, we found 3 buses from Cologne to Hamburg, including 3 direct services.

On Mon, Sep 21 the direct buses cover the 360 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .

On Mon, Sep 21 the slowest buses will take 7 h 30 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    4:05 PM7h30
    Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    11:35 PMHamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof
    251One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:35 PM7h05
    Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    6:40 AMHamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof
    271One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    4:05 AM6h40
    Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    10:45 AMHamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof
    281One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Hamburg

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €25 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, while a flight costs an average of €467.

Distance: 360 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train
Driving

€25

Average price

Cheapest

€467

Average price

€54

Average price

€63

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 44m

Average total duration

7h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 22m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 44m

Average total duration

4h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 52m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Hamburg is a bus with an average price of €28.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Hamburg:

A bus is €15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Hamburg costing on average €43.

A bus is €473 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Hamburg costing on average €501.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Hamburg is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 40m.

Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 59m.

Train takes on average 5h 9m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Hamburg including taking a train, bus, and flight.

Live departures

Cologne to Hamburg bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg buses for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus4:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
7h30
11:35 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
7h05
6:40 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof0 transfersDirect
Monday, September 21
FlixBusFlixBus4:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
6h40
10:45 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Hamburg by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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 Cologne to Hamburg buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Hamburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Hamburg.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Hamburg.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cologne to Hamburg

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €10 but you can travel from only €7 by train.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 360 km distance in 6h 30m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €7
Distance
360 km
Average bus duration
7h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
€10
Buses per day
2
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
6h 30m
First bus
12:10 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
70 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €7

Bus providers: FlixBus from Cologne to HamburgYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Hamburg with FlixBus for as low as €5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
6h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€10
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Hamburg

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Hamburg by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cologne to Hamburg can start from as little as €15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cologne to Hamburg is €28; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Cologne to Hamburg is 6h 40m to travel the 360 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cologne to Hamburg leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cologne to Hamburg leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Cologne to Hamburg with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cologne to Hamburg, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Hamburg. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cologne and Hamburg and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cologne , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Bergisch Gladbach, Busbahnhof (Bensberg U) . When arriving in Hamburg , you can end your trip in coach stations like Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof, Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), which is located around 13 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Hamburg from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cologne to Hamburg is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Hamburg including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cologne to Hamburg:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cologne to Hamburg for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cologne to Hamburg depends on the coach companies:
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cologne to Hamburg.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cologne to Hamburg:
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cologne to Hamburg:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cologne to Hamburg. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cologne to Hamburg with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cologne to Hamburg with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cologne to Hamburg with the following coach company: FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cologne to Hamburg

Most Cologne to Hamburg buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Hamburg bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cologne
Arrival bus stations in Hamburg

Which Cologne station do buses to Hamburg leave from?

Buses from Cologne to Hamburg leave from Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). The station is 13 km from Cologne city centre at Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)Kennedystrasse, Koln, GermanyWifiParkingATMAccessibilityWC
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) from Cologne city centre

Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 8m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · €4

Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) bus station facilities and services

Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, GermanyWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) from Cologne city centre

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 16m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 20m · €4
Re · 21m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 27m · €5

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) bus station facilities and services

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Hamburg

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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