The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h
Trains per day
33
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg to Cologne will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $28.
Of the 33 trains that leave Hamburg for Cologne every day 20 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 but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
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 103
ICE 921
ICE 209
ICE 515
ICE 105
FlixTrain
ICE 515
ICE 105
ICE 517
ICE 519Travel Information
Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from $25. 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 coach costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $164.
Distance: 360 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$65 Average Price | $40 Average Price Cheapest | $674 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, Saturday, 24 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1033 · ICE 125 | Delayed 10:10 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h10 | 2:34 pm 2:34 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1033 | On time 10:10 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 2:35 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 579 · ICE 650 | Delayed 10:29 am Hamburg Hbf | 3h46 | 2:36 pm 2:36 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 611 | Delayed 10:45 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 2:50 pm 2:50 pmCologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 201 | On time 11:45 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 3:48 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 589 · ICE 558 | Delayed 12:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 4:36 pm 4:36 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 771 · ICE 558 | Delayed 12:29 pm Hamburg Hbf | 3h46 | 4:36 pm 4:36 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 613 | On time 12:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 4:46 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 881 · ICE 858 · 17359 | On time 1:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 5:33 pm Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 203 | On time 1:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 5:48 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 681 · ICE 556 | Delayed 2:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 6:36 pm 6:36 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1037 · 17429 | On time 2:10 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h28 | 6:38 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 773 · ICE 556 | Delayed 2:29 pm Hamburg Hbf | 3h46 | 6:36 pm 6:36 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 615 | On time 2:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 6:46 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 883 · ICE 856 · 17367 | On time 3:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 7:33 pm Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 205 | On time 3:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 7:47 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 683 · ICE 554 | Delayed 4:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 8:36 pm 8:36 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 775 · ICE 554 | Delayed 4:29 pm Hamburg Hbf | 3h46 | 8:36 pm 8:36 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 617 | On time 4:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 8:47 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 885 · ICE 854 | On time 5:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 9:33 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 207 | On time 5:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h16 | 10:01 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 685 · ICE 552 | On time 6:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h43 | 10:44 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 2863 · ICE 552 | On time 6:01 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h43 | 10:44 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 619 | On time 6:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h38 | 11:23 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 209 | On time 7:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 4h56 | 12:41 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 921 | On time 9:45 pm Hamburg Hbf | 5h31 | 3:16 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday, 25 January | |||||
ICE 103 | On time 3:41 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 7:46 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 515 | On time 4:45 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 8:46 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 783 · ICE 946 · 17411 | On time 5:01 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h37 | 9:38 am Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 105 | On time 5:45 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 9:46 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 583 · ICE 654 | On time 6:01 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 10:15 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 517 | On time 6:45 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 10:46 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 785 · ICE 954 · 17415 | On time 7:01 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h37 | 11:38 am Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 107 | On time 7:42 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h05 | 11:47 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 585 · ICE 652 | Delayed 8:01 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 12:34 pm 12:34 pmCologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 519 | 8:45 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 12:46 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 787 · ICE 952 · 17343 | 9:01 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h32 | 1:33 pm Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 109 | 9:45 am Hamburg Hbf | 4h02 | 1:47 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
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, 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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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 $24 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 $24 |
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 $24. 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: Hamburg to Cologne train
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 route 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 away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Hamburg and 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
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Cologne
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