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

Thu, Dec 04
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Hamburg

Showing times and prices for Dec 05

Cheapest price

€33

Average price

€93

Fastest journey

3 h 36 m

Average duration

3 h 43 m

Trains per day

30

Distance

360 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 €93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €33.

Fast trains

Of the 30 trains that leave Cologne for Hamburg on Fri, Dec 05, 21 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Dec 05 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 3 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 36 m .

On Fri, Dec 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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 BahnRE 89747 · RE 26845 · ICE 920
01:08AM5h42
Cologne Messe/Deutz
06:50AMHamburg Hbf
€331One-way
2 transfers
FlixTrainFlixTrain
06:51AM4h04
Cologne Hbf
10:55AMHamburg Harburg
€431One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrainFlixTrain
06:51AM4h17
Cologne Hbf
11:08AMHamburg Hbf
€431One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2214
05:08AM4h06
Cologne Hbf
09:14AMHamburg Hbf
€651One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 100+MetronomME 82856
11:12PM6h45
Cologne Hbf
05:57AMHamburg Hbf
€671One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Hamburg

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a flight costs an average of €190.

Distance: 360 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€58

Average price

€31

Average price

Cheapest

€617

Average price

4h 41m

Average total duration

4h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 57m

Average total duration

5h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 31m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.2kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cologne to Hamburg train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg trains for today, Thursday, December 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:56 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 1028
On time
2:58 AM Cologne Hbf
4h36
7:34 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 541 · ICE 1088
On time
3:24 AM Cologne Hbf
4h32
7:56 AM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnIC 2214
On time
4:08 AM Cologne Hbf
4h06
8:14 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1038
On time
5:15 AM Cologne Hbf
3h36
8:51 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain5:51 AM Cologne Hbf
4h04
9:55 AM Hamburg Harburg0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain5:51 AM Cologne Hbf
4h17
10:08 AM Hamburg Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 208
On time
6:10 AM Cologne Hbf
4h04
10:14 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 616
Delayed
7:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h03
11:16 AM 11:16 AMHamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnIC 2310
On time
8:05 AM Cologne Hbf
3h54
11:59 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 206
On time
8:09 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h05
12:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 614
On time
9:05 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h09
1:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1022 · ICE 614
On time
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h03
1:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 557 · ICE 680
On time
9:19 AM Cologne Hbf
4h36
1:55 PM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 1020
On time
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf
3h40
2:51 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 559 · ICE 588
On time
11:17 AM Cologne Hbf
4h38
3:55 PM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 200
On time
12:11 PM Cologne Hbf
4h03
4:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 651 · ICE 586
On time
1:19 PM Cologne Hbf
4h37
5:56 PM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 1082:11 PM Cologne Hbf
4h03
6:14 PM Hamburg Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1030
On time
3:04 PM Cologne Hbf
3h45
6:49 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 518
On time
3:11 PM Cologne Hbf
4h03
7:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 653 · ICE 584
On time
3:18 PM Cologne Hbf
4h40
7:58 PM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnEC 8
On time
4:09 PM Cologne Hbf
4h05
8:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 516
On time
5:06 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h08
9:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 28 · ICE 516
On time
5:11 PM Cologne Hbf
4h03
9:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 655 · ICE 582
On time
5:18 PM Cologne Hbf
4h37
9:55 PM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 104
On time
6:11 PM Cologne Hbf
4h05
10:16 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 514
On time
7:09 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h05
11:14 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 657 · ICE 272
On time
7:33 PM Cologne Hbf
5h03
12:36 AM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 102+metronomME 82848 · ME 81604
On time
8:11 PM Cologne Hbf
8h10
4:21 AM Hamburg Hbf		2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 100 · ICE 1080
On time
10:12 PM Cologne Hbf
7h30
5:42 AM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnRE 26841 · ICE 920
On time
10:49 PM Cologne Hbf
7h01
5:50 AM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer
Friday, December 5
deutsche_bahnRE 89747 · RE 26845 · ICE 920
On time
12:08 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h42
5:50 AM Hamburg Hbf		2 transfers
deutsche_bahnRE 26801 · ICE 1028
On time
2:52 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h42
7:34 AM Hamburg Hbf		1 transfer

This is the last train 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.

Thu
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Wed
Dec 24

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Hamburg is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Hamburg route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Hamburg per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Hamburg.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Hamburg

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 if you book in advance.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 360 km distance in 3h 50m.

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
360 km
Average train duration
4h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
€21
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
3h 50m
First train
00:12
Last train
23:58
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, FlixTrain from Cologne to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne and Hamburg from €21. 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 40m
Cheapest Price
€40
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 54m
Cheapest Price
€13
FlixTrain frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Hamburg

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

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg can start from as little as €9 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Hamburg is €34; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cologne to Hamburg train time is 3 h 42 min   covering the 360 km long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Hamburg leaves at 00: 04. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Hamburg leaves at 23: 58.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cologne to Hamburg without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. There are 8 direct trains from Cologne to Hamburg each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Cologne to Hamburg train to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services between Cologne and Hamburg to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 58.

When departing from Cologne, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Cologne Hbf and Cologne Messe/Deutz. When arriving in Hamburg, you can end your route in train stations like Hamburg Hbf, Hamburg Harburg, Hamburg Altona and Hamburg Dammtor.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Hamburg Hbf, located 1.8 miles (2.9 km) 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 3 h 42 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Hamburg is July.
You have options as you can travel from Cologne to Hamburg 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Hamburg

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.
Köln HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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
address
Address
Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany
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.
Köln-EhrenfeldWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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
address
Address
Köln-Ehrenfeld, Stammstr. 1, 50968 Köln
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
  • Burger King
  • Café Franck
  • Eichendorf
Hotel
Hotel
  • Kölnotel
  • Black Hotels
Köln-Mülheim WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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
address
Address
Köln-Mülheim, Montanusstr., 51065 Köln-Mülheim
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
  • Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
  • Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
  • Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
  • Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Dining
Dining
  • Zum Piccolo
  • Kolpinghaus
  • Pizzeria Marco Polo
  • Grill Stube
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Europa
  • Hotel Geisler
  • The niu Mill

More options for your journey from Cologne to Hamburg

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Tickets and more information for trains to Hamburg

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