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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Hamburg
Cheapest price
€50
Average price
€111
Fastest journey
3 h 31 m
Average duration
3 h 49 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
360 km
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 €111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €50.
Of the 23 trains that leave Cologne for Hamburg on Sun, Jul 19, 21 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 31 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 4 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.
ICE 2085:11 AM4h04Cologne Hbf9:15 AMHamburg Hbf€501One-way0 transfers- ICE 10284:00 AM4h18Cologne Hbf8:18 AMHamburg Hbf€571One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6186:11 AM4h04Cologne Hbf10:15 AMHamburg Hbf€631One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain5:01 PM3h54Cologne Hbf8:55 PMHamburg Harburg€801One-way0 transfers- ICE 5148:11 PM4h04Cologne Hbf12:15 AMHamburg Hbf€901One-way0 transfers
- ICE 102012:09 PM3h31Cologne Hbf3:40 PMHamburg Harburg€1341One-way0 transfers
- ICE 15204:07 PM3h32Cologne Hbf7:39 PMHamburg Harburg€1121One-way0 transfers
- FlixTrain5:01 PM3h54Cologne Hbf8:55 PMHamburg Harburg€801One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6102:11 PM4h04Cologne Hbf6:15 PMHamburg Hbf€1341One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6168:11 AM4h04Cologne Hbf12:15 PMHamburg Hbf€1001One-way0 transfers
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 €20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. 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 €20, and a flight costs an average of €245.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€54 Average price | €33 Average price Cheapest | €632 Average price |
5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  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, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 920 | Delayed 12:09 AM 2:09 AMCologne Hbf | 4h41 | 4:50 AM 4:50 AMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 618 | Delayed 4:11 AM 6:01 AMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 8:15 AM 8:15 AMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 12:55 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 204 | Delayed 7:12 AM 9:11 AMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 1:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 614 | On time 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 2:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 202 | On time 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 3:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1020 | On time 12:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h31 | 3:40 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 612 | On time 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 4:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1032 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 4:39 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 200 | On time 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 5:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 17418 · ICE 941 · ICE 788 | On time 1:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h40 | 6:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 610 | On time 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 6:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 3:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 6:55 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 108 | On time 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 7:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 518 | On time 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 8:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 106 | On time 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 9:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 955 · ICE 784 | On time 5:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h16 | 10:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 516 | On time 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 10:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 104 | On time 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h05 | 11:16 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 514 | On time 8:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 12:15 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1541+ 82856 | On time 11:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h25 | 5:52 AM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
| ICE 920 | 2:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h41 | 6:50 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1028 | On time 4:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 8:18 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 208 | On time 5:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 9:15 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 206 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 11:15 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 616 | On time 8:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 12:15 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Jul 18
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Why should you book Cologne to Hamburg trains with Omio?
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 FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Hamburg.
- 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 to Hamburg.
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 to Hamburg.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Hamburg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
There are 12 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 33m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 3h 33m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Hamburg from €18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Hamburg
Most Cologne to Hamburg trains use the Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Hamburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Hamburg leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Hamburg station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Hamburg Hbf from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg Hbf train station facilities and services
Hamburg 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 and drink
Food options include: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Getting to Hamburg-Harburg from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg train station facilities and services
Hamburg-Harburg 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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Getting to Hamburg-Altona from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Altona is 5 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Altona train station facilities and services
Hamburg-Altona 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 and drink
Food options include: Ethio, Trattoria Toscana, Marta, Pavillon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Altona. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Altona. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Altona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant, Hotel Hamburg Altona, Hotel Central, Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Hamburg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hamburg and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Hamburg
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