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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Mar 02
Cheapest price
€24
Average price
€84
Fastest journey
3 h 26 m
Average duration
3 h 41 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
360 km
Cheap tickets
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 €84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.
Fast trains
Of the 20 trains that leave Hamburg for Cologne on Mon, Mar 02, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 02 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 26 m .
On Mon, Mar 02 the slowest trains will take 3 h 51 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 92110:57PM4h05
Hamburg Harburg03:02AMCologne Hbf
€241One-way
0 transfers
ICE 20908:45PM5h30
Hamburg Hbf02:15AMCologne Hbf
€241One-way
0 transfers
ICE 61907:45PM4h04
Hamburg Hbf11:49PMCologne Hbf
€271One-way
0 transfers
ICE 20706:45PM4h14
Hamburg Hbf10:59PMCologne Hbf
€531One-way
0 transfers
ICE 20504:45PM4h03
Hamburg Hbf08:48PMCologne Hbf
€741One-way
0 transfers
ICE 152108:19AM3h26
Hamburg Harburg11:45AMCologne Hbf
€1061One-way
0 transfers
ICE 92712:19PM3h27
Hamburg Harburg03:46PMCologne Hbf
€1061One-way
0 transfers
IC 231101:27PM3h50
Hamburg Harburg05:17PMCologne Hbf
€801One-way
0 transfers
ICE 10910:57AM3h51
Hamburg Harburg02:48PMCologne Hbf
€1061One-way
0 transfers
ICE 10506:57AM3h51
Hamburg Harburg10:48AMCologne Hbf
€1061One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, 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 train with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. 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 train costs an average of €19, and a flight costs an average of €298.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€30 Average price Cheapest | €33 Average price | €594 Average price |
5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m 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, Sunday, March 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 12:04 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 2311 | Delayed 12:41 PM 12:27 PMHamburg Harburg | 3h50 | 4:20 PM 4:20 PMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 613 | On time 12:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 4:48 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 | 4h03 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 205 | On time 3:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 617 | On time 4:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 207 | On time 5:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 619 | On time 6:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 10:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 209 | On time 7:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 11:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 921 | On time 9:57 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h05 | 2:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 103 | On time 3:53 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h55 | 7:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 515 | On time 4:57 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h51 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 105 | On time 5:57 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h51 | 9:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1521 | On time 7:19 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h26 | 10:45 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 8:57 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h51 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 109 | On time 9:57 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h51 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 611 | On time 10:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 927 | On time 11:19 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h27 | 2:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 201 | 11:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 3:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg to Cologne by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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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Why should you book Hamburg to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Metronom offer trains services from Hamburg to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hamburg to Cologne.
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 Metronom to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg to Cologne.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Hamburg to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Metronom to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hamburg to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne?
The best time to book your train from Hamburg to Cologne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Hamburg to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Hamburg to Cologne 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 Hamburg to Cologne.
Trains
from €29Buses
from €15Flights
from €117Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Hamburg to Cologne run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
There are 9 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 55m.
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 5h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 00:01 |
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, Metronom from Hamburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom trains will get you between Hamburg and Cologne from €18. 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 1m
Cheapest Price
€18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
15 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
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
€20
FlixTrain frequency
1 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 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.
Cheap train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Hamburg to Cologne is €30; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Hamburg to Cologne is 3h 55m to travel the 360 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Hamburg to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Hamburg to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes,there are 9 direct trains a day from Hamburg to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Hamburg to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Hamburg and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Hamburg is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Hamburg to Cologne is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Hamburg and Cologne including taking a bus, train, and flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hamburg to Cologne
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.
Hamburg-Harburg
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
Hotel
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
Hamburg-Altona
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
Hotel
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
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.
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Hamburg
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Hamburg
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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