The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
€22
Average price
€74
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h 59 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg to Cologne will cost around €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €22.
Of the 35 trains that leave Hamburg for Cologne on Fri, Jan 16, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 16 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Fri, Jan 16 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 209
ICE 619
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 581 · ICE 656
ICE 103
ICE 1521
ICE 515
ICE 105
ICE 517
ICE 519Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Hamburg to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg to Cologne 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 51m. 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 €130.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€52 Average price | €32 Average price Cheapest | €535 Average price |
5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m 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
Hamburg to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, January 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 515 | Delayed 4:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 8:49 AM 8:49 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 783 · ICE 956 · 17327 | On time 5:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 105 | On time 5:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 583 · ICE 654 | On time 6:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 10:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517 | On time 6:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 10:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1521 | On time 7:09 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h50 | 10:59 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 107 | On time 7:42 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 11:47 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 585 · ICE 652 | On time 8:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 | On time 8:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 12:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 787 · ICE 952 · 17343 | On time 9:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 109 | On time 9:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 1:47 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 611 | On time 10:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 2:47 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 789 · ICE 950 · 17351 | On time 11:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 | |
ICE 613 | On time 12:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 4:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 203 | On time 1:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 5:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 615 | On time 2:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 6:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 205 | On time 3:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 7:47 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 | 4h02 | 8:47 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 885 · ICE 854 | On time 5:01 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 9:33 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 | Delayed 9:20 PM Hamburg Hbf | 5h00 | 2:55 AM 2:55 AMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, January 16 | |||||
ICE 103 | 3:41 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 7:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 581 · ICE 656 | 4:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 8:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg to Cologne 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.
Jan 15
Jan 16
Jan 17
Jan 18
Jan 19
Jan 20
Jan 21
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Feb 01
Feb 02
Feb 03
Feb 04
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Cologne
Trains from Hamburg to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 360 km distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom from Hamburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom trains will get you between Hamburg and Cologne from €19. 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
Metronom
FAQs: Trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

When departing from Hamburg, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Hamburg Hbf, Hamburg Harburg, Hamburg Altona and Hamburg Dammtor. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your trip in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne Süd.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Hamburg Hbf, which is located around 1.8 miles (2.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hamburg to Cologne
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Hamburg
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Cologne
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