The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanover to Cologne Hbf
Cheapest price
€10
Average price
€10
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
4 h 9 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
249 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanover 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 Hanover to Cologne Hbf will cost around €10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.
Of the 2 trains that leave Hanover for Cologne Hbf on Sat, Jan 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jan 24 the direct trains cover the 249 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 37 m .
On Sat, Jan 24 the slowest trains will take 4 h 40 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Hanover to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hanover to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a flight costs an average of €251.
Distance: 249 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€17 Average price | €16 Average price Cheapest | €375 Average price |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Hanover to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Hanover to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Friday, January 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 556 | Delayed 4:19 PM 3:40 PMHanover Hbf | 2h35 | 6:58 PM 6:58 PMCologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1544 | Delayed 4:32 PM 3:56 PMHanover Hbf | 4h23 | 8:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 856 · 17367 | Delayed 4:42 PM 4:31 PMHanover Hbf | 3h02 | 7:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 5:23 PM Hanover Hbf | 3h27 | 8:50 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, January 24 | |||||
![]() | 2:17 PM Hanover | 3h37 | 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hanover 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.
Jan 24
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hanover to Cologne Hbf
Trains from Hanover to Cologne Hbf run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €6 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:23, the last at 19:31. The fastest train covers the 249 km distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 249 km |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €6 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 08:23 |
Last train 19:31 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Hanover to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Hanover and Cologne Hbf from €6. 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
FAQs: Trains from Hanover to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hanover 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hanover to Cologne Hbf
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 20:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located near the main entrance.
- Balzac Coffee
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- asiahung
- Mr. CLOU
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Pizza Hut
- & many more
- Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Grand Hotel Mussmann
- IntercityHotel Hannover
- Hotel Loccumer Hof
- Located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.
- Öz Antalya Kebap
- Ricklinger Döner
- China-Imbiss Jasmin
- Coimbra
- Werkhof Restaurant
- Hashigo Sushi
- Asia Imbiss Kok
- Klitsche
- 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.
Most popular train connections from Hanover
More options for your journey from Hanover to Cologne Hbf
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