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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Cheapest price on Aug 29
€28
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€81
Fastest journey on Aug 29
4 h 1 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
4 h 1 m
Trains on Aug 29
37
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 €81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 37 trains from Hamburg to Cologne, including 19 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 4 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 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.
FlixTrain3:01 PM4h42Hamburg Harburg7:43 PMCologne Hbf€281One-way0 transfers- FlixTrain9:01 AM4h22Hamburg Harburg1:23 PMCologne Hbf€391One-way0 transfers
ICE 6197:45 PM4h04Hamburg Hbf11:49 PMCologne Hbf€401One-way0 transfers- ICE 209 · 268428:45 PM5h42Hamburg Hbf2:27 AMCologne Hbf€401One-way1 transfer
- ICE 209 · 268408:45 PM4h45Hamburg Hbf1:30 AMCologne-Ehrenfeld€401One-way1 transfer
- ICE 61111:45 AM4h01Hamburg Hbf3:46 PMCologne Hbf€1501One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5155:45 AM4h01Hamburg Hbf9:46 AMCologne Hbf€731One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6131:45 PM4h01Hamburg Hbf5:46 PMCologne Hbf€1381One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5199:45 AM4h01Hamburg Hbf1:46 PMCologne Hbf€951One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5177:45 AM4h01Hamburg Hbf11:46 AMCologne Hbf€951One-way0 transfers
Travel 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 an average ticket price of €31 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, while a flight costs an average of €523.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€36 Average price | €31 Average price Cheapest | €523 Average price |
5h 57m Average total duration 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 2h 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 tomorrow, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 103 | On time 4:41 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h07 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 515 | On time 5:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 783 · ICE 956 | On time 6:13 AM Hamburg Harburg | 4h09 | 10:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 105 | On time 6:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 10:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 583 · ICE 644 · 17413 | On time 7:13 AM Hamburg Harburg | 4h25 | 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 517 | On time 7:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 11:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 785 · ICE 954 | On time 8:13 AM Hamburg Harburg | 4h09 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 107 | On time 8:42 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h06 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Hamburg Harburg | 4h22 | 1:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 585 · ICE 642 · 17417 | On time 9:13 AM Hamburg Harburg | 4h25 | 1:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 519 | On time 9:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 1:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus+FlixTrain | 9:49 AM Hamburg-Bergedorf | 11h59 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 787 · ICE 952 | On time 10:13 AM Hamburg Harburg | 4h09 | 2:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 109 | On time 10:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1033 · 17421 | On time 11:23 AM Hamburg Harburg | 4h15 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 611 | On time 11:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 3:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 789 · ICE 950 | On time 12:13 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h08 | 4:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 201 | On time 12:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 2311 · 17425 | On time 1:23 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h15 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+FlixTrain | 1:40 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 6h03 | 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 613 | On time 1:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 5:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 881 · ICE 858 | On time 2:13 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h09 | 6:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 203 | On time 2:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 3:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h42 | 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 3:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 6h04 | 9:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1037 · 17429 | On time 3:23 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h15 | 7:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 615 | On time 3:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 7:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 883 · ICE 856 | On time 4:13 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h09 | 8:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 205 | On time 4:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 617 | On time 5:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h10 | 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 885 · ICE 854 | On time 6:13 PM Hamburg Harburg | 4h09 | 10:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 207 | On time 6:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 10:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 619 | On time 7:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 11:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 209 · 26842 | On time 8:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 5h42 | 2:27 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 209 · 26840 | On time 8:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h45 | 1:30 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 921 | On time 10:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 3:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Aug 29
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Sep 18
Why should you book Hamburg to Cologne 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, metronom or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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 train, bus 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, metronom or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus 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?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Hamburg to Cologne run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €8 if you book in advance.
There are 13 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 26m.
Distance 360 km |
Average train duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price €8 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 3h 26m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Hamburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Hamburg and Cologne from €8. 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hamburg to Cologne
Most Hamburg to Cologne trains use the Hamburg Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Hamburg and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Hamburg station do trains to Cologne leave from?
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.
Which Cologne station do trains from Hamburg arrive at?
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.
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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