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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Hamburg
Showing times and prices for 18 Jun
Cheapest price
47S$
Average price
87S$
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
360 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Hamburg will cost around 87S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 47S$.
Fast trains
Of the 20 trains that leave Cologne for Hamburg every day 19 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 4 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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.
FlixTrain9:01 AM4h27Cologne Hbf1:28 PMHamburg Hbf47 S$1One-way0 changes- FlixTrain9:01 AM4h15Cologne Hbf1:16 PMHamburg Harburg47 S$1One-way0 changes
ICE 9202:09 AM4h59Cologne Hbf7:08 AMHamburg Hbf50 S$1One-way0 changes- ICE 5148:11 PM4h21Cologne Hbf12:32 AMHamburg Hbf70 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 6186:11 AM4h21Cologne Hbf10:32 AMHamburg Hbf80 S$1One-way0 changes
- FlixTrain9:01 AM4h15Cologne Hbf1:16 PMHamburg Harburg47 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 2001:11 PM4h21Cologne Hbf5:32 PMHamburg Hbf90 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 6186:11 AM4h21Cologne Hbf10:32 AMHamburg Hbf80 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 61212:11 PM4h21Cologne Hbf4:32 PMHamburg Hbf100 S$1One-way0 changes
- ICE 2085:11 AM4h21Cologne Hbf9:32 AMHamburg Hbf80 S$1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Hamburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 20S$. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. 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 coach costs an average of 20S$, and a flight costs an average of 245S$.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
54S$ Average Price | 33S$ Average Price Cheapest | 632S$ Average Price |
5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m 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
Cologne to Hamburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg trains for today, Wednesday, 17 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:28 PM Cologne | 7h14 | 4:42 AM Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:50 PM Cologne | 7h40 | 5:30 AM Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:27 PM Cologne | 6h52 | 5:19 AM Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:28 PM Cologne | 7h33 | 6:01 AM Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday, 18 June | |||||
| ICE 1028 | On time 3:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h11 | 8:39 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 26801 · ICE 1028 | On time 3:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h50 | 8:39 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 208 | On time 5:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 9:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 206 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 11:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 616 | On time 8:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 12:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h15 | 1:16 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h27 | 1:28 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 204 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 1:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 614 | On time 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 2:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 202 | On time 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 3:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 612 | On time 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 4:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 200 | On time 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 5:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 610 | On time 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 6:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 518 | On time 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 8:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 106 | On time 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 9:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 516 | On time 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 10:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 104 | On time 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h28 | 11:39 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 514 | On time 8:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 12:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Hamburg by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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 Cologne to Hamburg trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Hamburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Hamburg.
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Hamburg.
- 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 Cologne to Hamburg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Hamburg.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Hamburg is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Hamburg route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Hamburg 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 Cologne to Hamburg.
Trains
from 26S$Coaches
from 13S$Flights
from 141S$Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Hamburg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 18S$ if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 360 km distance in 3h 33m.
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 8m |
Cheapest ticket price 18S$ |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 3h 33m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Hamburg from 18S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 33m
Cheapest Price
18S$
Deutsche Bahn frequency
14 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
25S$
FlixTrain frequency
3 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
70S$
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Cologne to Hamburg train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg can start from as little as 18S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Hamburg is 54S$; 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 Cologne to Hamburg is 3h 33m 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 Cologne to Hamburg leaves at 12:12 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Hamburg leaves at 11:58 pm.
Yes, there are 12 direct trains a day from Cologne to Hamburg with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Hamburg, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Hamburg. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Hamburg and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Hamburg from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 33m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Hamburg is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Hamburg including taking a train, coach and flight.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Hamburg
Cologne
Hamburg
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Hamburg.
Köln Hbf
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
The major train station for arrivals in Hamburg is Hamburg Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Hamburg Hbf for your journey to Hamburg from Cologne.
Hamburg Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Hamburg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hamburg and Cologne
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