Cologne to Hamburg train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Fri, 13 Nov
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Hamburg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Nov
Cheapest price on 13 Nov
€24
Average ticket price on 13 Nov
€68
Fastest journey on 13 Nov
3 h 27 m
Average journey duration on 13 Nov
3 h 37 m
Trains on 13 Nov
42
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 €68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only €24.

Fast trains

On Fri, 13 Nov, we found 42 trains from Cologne to Hamburg, including 25 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 3 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 27 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 853 · ICE 843 · ICE 888
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 920
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 657+metronom81646
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 208
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1028
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Hamburg

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Hamburg run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.

There are 16 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 23m.

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
4h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
€7
Trains per day
20
Direct trains
16
Fastest train
3h 23m
First train
12:12 AM
Last train
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
70 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

Live departures

Cologne to Hamburg train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg trains for today, Thursday, 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 1022
Delayed
9:22 AM 10:14 AMCologne Hbf
3h35
1:04 PM 1:04 PMHamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 557 · ICE 682
Delayed
10:44 AM Cologne Hbf
4h13
1:59 PM 1:59 PMHamburg Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 202
Delayed
10:51 AM 11:11 AMCologne Hbf
4h04
2:51 PM 2:51 PMHamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1020
Delayed
11:13 AM 12:09 PMCologne Hbf
3h40
2:55 PM 2:55 PMHamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus12:14 PM Cologne Hbf
8h26
8:40 PM Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1032
On time
12:45 PM Cologne Hbf
3h54
4:39 PM Hamburg Harburg		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 200
Delayed
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
4h04
4:17 PM 4:17 PMHamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 610
Delayed
2:07 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h08
5:17 PM 5:17 PMHamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 926 · ICE 610
Delayed
2:11 PM Cologne Hbf
4h04
5:17 PM 5:17 PMHamburg Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 651 · ICE 588
On time
2:44 PM Cologne Hbf
4h00
6:44 PM Hamburg Harburg		1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus4:14 PM Cologne Hbf
7h36
11:50 PM Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport1 change
Friday, 13 November
Deutsche BahnICE 1028
On time
3:55 AM Cologne Hbf
4h23
8:18 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 208
On time
5:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h04
9:15 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 843 · ICE 888
On time
5:26 AM Cologne Hbf
4h31
9:57 AM Hamburg Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 853 · ICE 843 · ICE 888
On time
5:44 AM Cologne Hbf
4h13
9:57 AM Hamburg Hbf		2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 553 · ICE 686
On time
6:45 AM Cologne Hbf
4h12
10:57 AM Hamburg Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 206
On time
7:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h04
11:15 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 616
On time
8:07 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
4h08
12:15 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus8:14 AM Cologne Hbf
7h21
3:35 PM Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1036
On time
8:45 AM Cologne Hbf
3h53
12:38 PM Hamburg Harburg		0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain9:01 AM Cologne Hbf
3h54
12:55 PM Hamburg Harburg0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain9:01 AM Cologne Hbf
4h06
1:07 PM Hamburg Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 204
On time
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
4h04
1:15 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne to Hamburg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or metronom 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 metronom 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or metronom to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Hamburg.
  • 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.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom from Cologne to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom trains will get you between Cologne and Hamburg from €7. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
3h 23m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€7
Deutsche Bahn frequency
18 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.
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.
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.
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 FlixTrain Duration
3h 46m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
€8
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

metronom

About
Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH is a German railway company that has been connecting Northern Germany since 2003. Based in Uelzen, it focuses exclusively on passenger transport, operating services from Hamburg to Bremen, Lüneburg, Uelzen, Hanover, and Göttingen. The company also runs services under the brand Enno from Wolfsburg to Hanover and Hildesheim. Metronom is partly state-owned, with its trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, being rented from the state transport company Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG). They are known for their yellow and blue double-decker trains, offering amenities like extra legroom and refreshments.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average metronom Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest metronom Price
€18
metronom frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one large piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Hamburg

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Cologne to Hamburg, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom 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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Hamburg is €53; 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 23m 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 16 direct trains a day from Cologne to Hamburg with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, you can take a night train from Cologne to Hamburg with Deutsche Bahn. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.
A trip to Hamburg from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 23m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
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

Most Cologne to Hamburg trains use the Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Hamburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Hamburg

Which Cologne station do trains to Hamburg leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Hamburg leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

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.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · €3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · €2 · every ~52 min

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.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · €4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · €5

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 Cologne

Cologne to Brussels train
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More options for your journey from Cologne to Hamburg

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