- Must visit
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Internationally respected art museum with major works from medieval altarpieces to modern masters. Essential for art lovers in Hamburg.
Cheapest price
Kč760
Average price
Kč1164
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Hamburg will cost around Kč1164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only Kč760.
Of the 3 buses that leave Cologne for Hamburg on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 360 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 7 h 30 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio 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 bus with prices starting from Kč509. 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 bus costs an average of Kč509, and a flight costs an average of Kč6309.
Distance: 223 miles (360 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
Kč861 Average price Cheapest | Kč1394 Average price | Kč16284 Average price | Kč1610 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Hamburg:
A bus is Kč533 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Hamburg costing on average Kč1394.
A bus is Kč15423 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Hamburg costing on average Kč16284.
Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 0m.
Train takes on average 5h 8m.
Tickets start at around Kč861 compared to roughly Kč1610 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about Kč749. The journey takes 5h 0m versus 4h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč477 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč799 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč819 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 7h21 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price Kč889 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price Kč1124 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price Kč579 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price Kč751 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price Kč990 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price Kč955 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price Kč853 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:07PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 7h13 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price Kč876 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price Kč714 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price Kč639 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price Kč704 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price Kč1023 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price Kč613 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price Kč683 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1022 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1090 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price Kč799 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč760 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price Kč1022 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč785 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price Kč799 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price Kč768 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price Kč921 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price Kč785 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price Kč735 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price Kč1022 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price Kč819 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price Kč608 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč799 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 4:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 7h30 | 11:35 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 7h05 | 6:40 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
FlixBus | 4:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 6h40 | 10:45 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Buses from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at Kč509 but you can travel from only Kč464 by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 223 miles (360 km) distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 223 miles (360 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price Kč509 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Hamburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hamburg trip today.
Internationally respected art museum with major works from medieval altarpieces to modern masters. Essential for art lovers in Hamburg.
Large railway model world with intricate miniature cities, airports, and landscapes. Technically not a museum, but one of Hamburg’s top attractions.
Contemporary art museum in a former market hall, showing ambitious international exhibitions. A strong choice for modern art and photography.
Historic lakeside promenade and central square, ideal for people-watching, shopping, and views over the Inner Alster and city skyline.
Harborfront district with piers, ferries, and fish market atmosphere. A lively base for boat trips and classic views of the port.
Lakeside quarter around the Outer Alster, popular for strolling, sailing views, and elegant residential scenery close to the city center.
A rich fish soup from the old port, made with several fish species, vegetables and broth. It reflects Hamburg’s long maritime and fishing tradition.
Pan-fried fillet of North Sea plaice, often served with bacon, potatoes and salad. A classic Northern German fish dish common in Hamburg.
A sweet yeast pastry shaped like a knot, traditionally baked in Hamburg and often enjoyed with coffee. It is a long-standing local bakery specialty.
Two-Michelin-star dining with modern, highly refined tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting near the Inner Alster.
Historic fish hall on the Elbe known for fresh seafood platters, harbour views and classic Hamburg maritime atmosphere.
Beloved traditional inn serving robust Northern German classics such as Labskaus in a cozy, old-Hamburg setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and transit are reasonable versus major Western European capitals.
Service is often included, but rounding up or tipping 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Hamburg Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof -> Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Hamburg by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Hamburg buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Hamburg bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), Burger Lounge (0.3 km), Café Paris (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof.
Available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need