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

Mon, Mar 30
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
EuroCity
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
EuroCity
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Showing times and prices for Mar 30

Cheapest price

€19

Average price

€29

Fastest journey

4 h 22 m

Average duration

4 h 33 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

354 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona will cost around €29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Hamburg Altona on Mon, Mar 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Mar 30 the direct trains cover the 354 km distance in an average of 4 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 22 m .

On Mon, Mar 30 the slowest trains will take 4 h 55 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 Bahn
    01:09AM4h55
    Cologne Hbf
    06:04AMHamburg Altona
    191One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    05:11AM4h22
    Cologne Hbf
    09:33AMHamburg Altona
    291One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    04:11AM4h23
    Cologne Hbf
    08:34AMHamburg Altona
    371One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €11, and a flight costs an average of €204.

Distance: 354 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€31

Average price

€492

Average price

€27

Average price

Cheapest

4h 46m

Average total duration

4h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

7h 58m

Average total duration

7h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona trains for tomorrow, Sunday, March 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn1:09 AM Cologne Hbf
4h55
6:04 AM Hamburg Altona0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn4:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h23
8:34 AM Hamburg Altona0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn5:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h22
9:33 AM Hamburg Altona0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona 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.

Mon
Mar 30
Tue
Mar 31
Wed
Apr 01
Thu
Apr 02
Fri
Apr 03
Sat
Apr 04
Sun
Apr 05

Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona.

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 Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona.
  • 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 Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona.

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 Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 but you can travel from only €11 by bus.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:41, the last at 22:27. The fastest train covers the 354 km distance in 4h 6m.

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
Bus from €11
Distance
354 km
Average train duration
4h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
€18
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
4h 6m
First train
00:41
Last train
22:27
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
Bus from €11

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona from €11. 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 Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Price
€18
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

Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 28m
Cheapest Price
€78
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH frequency
12 a day

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 17m
Cheapest Price
€70
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona 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 Hamburg Altona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona is €31; 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 train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona is 4h 6m to travel the 354 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona leaves at 12:41 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona leaves at 10:27 PM.
Yes,there are 7 direct trains a day from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Hamburg Altona. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Hamburg Altona from Cologne Hbf is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 6m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Cologne
Hamburg
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Hamburg.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyCologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train

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