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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Showing times and prices for Dec 21
Cheapest price
€40
Average price
€80
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
357 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around €80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.
Fast trains
Of the 36 trains that leave Hamburg Hbf for Cologne Hbf on Sun, Dec 21, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Dec 21 the direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 37 m .
On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 4 h 1 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 92110:23PM4h39
Hamburg Hbf03:02AMCologne Hbf
€401One-way
0 transfers
ICE 20908:45PM4h03
Hamburg Hbf12:48AMCologne Hbf
€491One-way
0 transfers
ICE 10304:41AM4h07
Hamburg Hbf08:48AMCologne Hbf
€491One-way
0 transfers
ICE 103 · IC 204004:41AM4h04
Hamburg Hbf08:45AMCologne Hbf
€491One-way
1 transfer
ICE 51505:45AM4h01
Hamburg Hbf09:46AMCologne Hbf
€551One-way
0 transfers
ICE 102104:09PM3h37
Hamburg Hbf07:46PMCologne Hbf
€931One-way
0 transfers
ICE 61111:45AM3h58
Hamburg Hbf03:43PMCologne Hbf
€931One-way
0 transfers
ICE 61301:45PM4h00
Hamburg Hbf05:45PMCologne Hbf
€931One-way
0 transfers
ICE 51505:45AM4h01
Hamburg Hbf09:46AMCologne Hbf
€551One-way
0 transfers
ICE 51707:45AM4h01
Hamburg Hbf11:46AMCologne Hbf
€841One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €16, and a flight costs an average of €120.
Distance: 357 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€63 Average price | €28 Average price Cheapest | €457 Average price |
5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 3:12 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 103 | Delayed 3:42 AM 3:41 AMHamburg Hbf | 4h07 | 7:49 AM 7:49 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 103 · IC 2040 | Delayed 3:42 AM 3:41 AMHamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 7:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 515 | On time 4:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 8:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 783 · ICE 956 | On time 5:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 9:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 583 · ICE 654 | On time 6:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 10:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1521 | 7:09 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 107 | On time 7:42 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h06 | 11:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 519 | On time 8:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 12:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 787 · ICE 952 | On time 9:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 1:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 109 | On time 9:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 587 · ICE 650 | On time 10:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1033 | On time 10:10 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h08 | 2:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 611 | On time 10:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h58 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 927 | On time 11:09 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h37 | 2:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 201 | On time 11:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 3:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 589 · ICE 558 | On time 12:01 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2311 | On time 12:12 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 4:17 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 613 | On time 12:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h00 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 881 · ICE 858 | On time 1:01 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 5:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 203 | On time 1:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 5:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
 FlixTrain | 1:50 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h06 | 5:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1037 | On time 2:10 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1021 | On time 3:09 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h37 | 6:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 205 | On time 3:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 683 · ICE 554 | On time 4:01 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 8:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 617 | On time 4:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 885 · ICE 854 | On time 5:01 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 9:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 207 | On time 5:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 685 · ICE 552 | On time 6:01 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 619 | On time 6:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 10:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 209 | On time 7:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 11:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 921 · 26846 | On time 9:21 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h52 | 2:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1707 · ICE 1540 | On time 9:50 PM Hamburg Hbf | 7h23 | 5:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €16 but you can travel from only €16 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:46, the last at 21:37. The fastest train covers the 357 km distance in 4h 0m.
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 €16
Distance 357 km |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €16 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 0m |
First train 03:46 |
Last train 21:37 |
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 €16
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom trains will get you between Hamburg Hbf and Cologne Hbf from €16. 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 0m
Cheapest Price
€20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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.
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.
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.
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
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
4h 6m
Cheapest Price
€22
FlixTrain frequency
2 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
Metronom
About
Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH is a German railway company that has been connecting Northern Germany since 2003. Based in Uelzen, it focuses exclusively on passenger transport, operating services from Hamburg to Bremen, Lüneburg, Uelzen, Hanover, and Göttingen. The company also runs services under the brand Enno from Wolfsburg to Hanover and Hildesheim. Metronom is partly state-owned, with its trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, being rented from the state transport company Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG). They are known for their yellow and blue double-decker trains, offering amenities like extra legroom and refreshments.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Metronom frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one large piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
FAQs: Trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Cologne Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap train tickets from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf can start from as little as €9 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf is €33; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train travel time is 3 h 35 min for the 356 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf leaves at 02: 54. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf leaves at 21: 37.
Yes, there are 6 direct trains a day from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Take the Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the journey to Cologne Hbf from Hamburg Hbf as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 37.
A trip to Cologne Hbf from Hamburg Hbf is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 35 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf by train is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Cologne Hbf from Hamburg Hbf including taking a train, coach or flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Hamburg
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Hamburg is Hamburg Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Hamburg Hbf for your trip from Hamburg to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
Information Desk
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Hamburg.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Most popular train connections from Hamburg Hbf
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf
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