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

Sat, Nov 15
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
SNCF TER
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona

Showing times and prices for Nov 15

Cheapest price

€9

Average price

€59

Fastest journey

3 h 54 m

Average duration

4 h 13 m

Trains per day

4

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 €59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €9.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Hamburg Altona on Sat, Nov 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 15 the direct trains cover the 354 km distance in an average of 4 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 54 m .

On Sat, Nov 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 20 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
01:00PM3h54
Cologne Hbf
04:54PMHamburg Altona
91One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
07:05AM4h20
Cologne Hbf
11:25AMHamburg Altona
681One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
08:11AM4h19
Cologne Hbf
12:30PMHamburg Altona
681One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
06:11AM4h19
Cologne Hbf
10:30AMHamburg Altona
901One-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 €12. 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 €12, and a flight costs an average of €130.

Distance: 354 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€62

Average price

€347

Average price

€22

Average price

Cheapest

4h 43m

Average total duration

4h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

5h 50m

Average total duration

5h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

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 today, Friday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:46 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn12:11 PM Cologne Hbf
3h53
4:04 PM Hamburg Altona0 transfersDirect
Saturday, November 15
deutsche_bahn6:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h19
10:30 AM Hamburg Altona0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn7:05 AM Cologne Hbf
4h20
11:25 AM Hamburg Altona0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn8:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h19
12:30 PM 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.

Sat
Nov 15
Sun
Nov 16
Mon
Nov 17
Tue
Nov 18
Wed
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21

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 12 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. 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 04:15, the last at 14:04. The fastest train covers the 354 km distance in 3h 49m.

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
Distance
354 km
Average train duration
4h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
€9
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
3h 49m
First train
04:15
Last train
14:04
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona from €9. 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
3h 49m
Cheapest Price
€30
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 a day
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

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 €51; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Hamburg Altona from Cologne Hbf is on average 4 h 9 min   for the 353 km long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona leaves at 00: 22. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona leaves at 21: 13.
Yes, there are 5 direct trains a day from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the best Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona train to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain or National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 13.
A trip to Hamburg Altona from Cologne Hbf is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 9 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg Altona is November.
You have options as you can travel between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Altona 3 different ways: train, coach or 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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