The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 47 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
359 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf to Hamburg will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 31 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Hamburg on Thu, Jan 08, 24 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jan 08 the direct trains cover the 359 km distance in an average of 3 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 35 m .
On Thu, Jan 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 4 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 1541 · ICE 1080
ICE 618
ICE 920
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 1022
ICE 1020
ICE 1520
FlixTrain
ICE 618Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €12, and a flight costs an average of €120.
Distance: 223 miles (359 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€33 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €444 Average price |
4h 43m Average total duration 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Hamburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trains for tomorrow, Thursday, January 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 | 1:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h41 | 5:51 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1028 | On time 3:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h18 | 7:18 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 208 | On time 4:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 8:15 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 618 | Delayed 5:22 AM 5:11 AMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 9:16 AM 9:16 AMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 553 · ICE 686 | On time 5:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 9:57 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 206 | On time 6:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h04 | 10:15 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2310 | On time 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 10:46 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 616 | Delayed 7:26 AM 7:11 AMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 11:25 AM 11:25 AMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1036 | On time 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 11:51 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 12:07 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 11:55 AM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 204 | Delayed 8:26 AM 8:11 AMCologne Hbf | 4h05 | 12:24 PM 12:24 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1022 | On time 9:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h35 | 1:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 557 · ICE 682 | On time 9:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 1:57 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 202 | Delayed 10:26 AM 10:11 AMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 2:20 PM 2:20 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1020 | On time 11:34 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h40 | 3:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1032 | On time 11:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 3:51 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 | Delayed 12:26 PM 12:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 4:20 PM 4:20 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 610 | Delayed 1:26 PM 1:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 5:25 PM 5:25 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 651 · ICE 588 | On time 1:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 5:57 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 | Delayed 2:26 PM 2:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 6:20 PM 6:20 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1520 | On time 3:07 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h42 | 6:49 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 518 | Delayed 3:26 PM 3:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 7:20 PM 7:20 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 653 · ICE 586 | On time 3:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 7:57 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 106 | Delayed 4:26 PM 4:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 8:27 PM 8:27 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 516 | Delayed 5:26 PM 5:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 9:20 PM 9:20 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 655 · ICE 584 | On time 5:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h13 | 9:57 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 104 | Delayed 6:26 PM 6:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h05 | 10:29 PM 10:29 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 514 | Delayed 7:26 PM 7:11 PMCologne Hbf | 4h04 | 11:20 PM 11:20 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 657+ 82848 · 81604 | On time 7:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h35 | 4:20 AM Hamburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1541 · ICE 1080 | On time 10:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h14 | 5:42 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Hamburg 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 08
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Jan 14
Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE) as well as FlixTrain offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE), but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf 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 (ICE,IC,EC,RE) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of FlixTrain to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf to Hamburg.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:59, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 223 miles (359 km) distance in 3h 54m.
Distance 223 miles (359 km) |
Average train duration 4h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 54m |
First train 04:59 |
Last train 21:38 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Hamburg from $11 (€9). 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 Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Hamburg
- 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.
- 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
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
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