- Must visit
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Hamburg’s premier art museum, with major European paintings, modern art, and contemporary works across several buildings. One of the city’s essential cultural visits.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Hamburg Airport
Showing times and prices for Jun 17
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
6 h 59 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
365 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Hamburg Airport 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 Airport will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne for Hamburg Airport on Wed, Jun 17, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 365 km distance in an average of 6 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 8 h 20 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.
10:27 PM7h52Cologne6:19 AMHamburg Airport$401One-way0 transfers
7:14 AM8h20Cologne3:34 PMHamburg Airport$531One-way0 transfers- 6:44 AM4h45Cologne11:29 AMHamburg Airport$851One-way0 transfers
- 6:44 AM4h45Cologne11:29 AMHamburg Airport$851One-way0 transfers
- 10:27 PM7h52Cologne6:19 AMHamburg Airport$401One-way0 transfers
- 7:14 AM8h20Cologne3:34 PMHamburg Airport$531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Hamburg Airport
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hamburg Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $252.
Distance: 226 miles (365 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $597 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 46m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 1m Average total duration Fastest 4h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Hamburg Airport is a bus with an average price of $30 (€24).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Hamburg Airport:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport costing on average $49 (€40).
A bus is $568 (€460) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Hamburg Airport costing on average $597 (€484).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Hamburg Airport is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 1m.
Other travel options to Hamburg Airport take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 16m.
Bus takes on average 5h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Hamburg Airport including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Hamburg Airport among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 47m faster (4h 16m by train vs 5h 3m by car) and roughly $30 (€25) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($49 (€40) vs $79 (€64)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with FlixTrain.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cologne to Hamburg Airport train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hamburg Airport trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:11 AM Cologne | 4h58 | 2:09 PM Hamburg Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, June 17 | |||||
| 6:44 AM Cologne | 4h45 | 11:29 AM Hamburg Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:14 AM Cologne | 8h20 | 3:34 PM Hamburg Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Hamburg Airport 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.
Wed
Jun 17
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Why should you book Cologne to Hamburg Airport trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Hamburg Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Hamburg Airport.
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 Airport.
- 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 Airport.
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 Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Hamburg Airport run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:59. The fastest train covers the 226 miles (365 km) distance in 3h 54m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $18 (€14)
Distance 226 miles (365 km) |
Average train duration 4h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 3h 54m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $18 (€14)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Hamburg Airport trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Hamburg Airport from $18 (€14). 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
4h 38m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
13 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
3h 54m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€36)
FlixTrain frequency
4 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
4h 11m
Cheapest Price
$88 (€71)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Hamburg Airport
Things to do in Hamburg Airport
Discover the best of Hamburg Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hamburg Airport trip today.
- Must visit
Deichtorhallen Hamburg
Major venue for contemporary art and photography in striking former market halls. Highly regarded for blockbuster exhibitions and strong visual appeal.
- Must visit
Miniatur Wunderland
World-famous miniature railway and model world in Speicherstadt. Though not a traditional museum, it is one of Hamburg’s most visited exhibition attractions.
- Must visit
Jungfernstieg
Elegant waterfront promenade along the Inner Alster, central for shopping, walking, and classic Hamburg views. One of the city’s best-known public spaces.
- Must visit
Landungsbrücken
Lively harbor promenade with piers, ferries, and sweeping river views. A key base for exploring the waterfront and one of Hamburg’s classic visitor areas.
- Must visit
Alster Lakes
Scenic walking and boating area around the Binnenalster and Außenalster. Ideal for relaxed views, jogging, and classic postcard perspectives of Hamburg.
Fischbrötchen
A crusty bread roll filled with pickled herring, Bismarck herring, salmon, or shrimp. It is one of Hamburg’s most iconic quick bites, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage.
- Gluten-free
Labskaus
A traditional North German sailor’s dish of mashed corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot, often served with herring, egg, and pickles. It is a classic specialty strongly associated with Hamburg.
- Vegetarian
Franzbrötchen
A sweet, cinnamon-butter pastry from Hamburg with a flaky, slightly caramelized texture. It is one of the city’s best-known bakery specialties.
Fischereihafen Restaurant
An established upscale seafood restaurant with harbor flair, respected for high-quality fish, shellfish, and polished service.
Old Commercial Room
A historic Hamburg institution near St. Michaelis, famous for classic local dishes such as Labskaus, roast meats, and other Hanseatic specialties.
Schifferbörse Restaurant
A long-running traditional seafood and North German restaurant in central Hamburg, known for fish classics and maritime atmosphere.
Euro
Airport prices are higher than in the city, but Germany is generally moderate for food, coffee, and transport.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-12 for snacks or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 15-25 per person.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50+ per person.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up small bills or leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Tipping is modest in cafes; round up taxis.
hvv switch
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.90
- Day pass
- EUR 8.40
To the city center
Hamburg Airport -> Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 10 km
- Travel time
- 24 min
- You can usually pay by card in the hvv switch app and at many ticket machines; carrying a contactless card is useful.
- The S-Bahn S1 runs directly from Hamburg Airport to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, making it the simplest public transport option for most visitors.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Hamburg Airport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Hamburg Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Hamburg Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $27 (€22), while the average price is around $49 (€40).
The train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport takes 3h 54m and runs 11 per day.
The first train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport leaves at 12:09 AM.
The distance by train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport is 226 miles (365 km).
The last train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport leaves at 11:59 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by FlixTrain.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Hamburg Airport.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Hamburg Airport is by bus, with a cost of around $18 (€14).
The train journey from Cologne to Hamburg Airport offers scenic views of the German countryside, including picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and charming villages, particularly in the region between North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.
A day trip from Cologne to Hamburg Airport is not feasible due to the journey duration of 3h 54m. However, there are 8 train trips per day covering the distance of 226 miles (365 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Hamburg Airport.
Since both Cologne and Hamburg Airport are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Hamburg Airport include Bremen, Kiel, Schwerin, Lüneburg, Uelzen.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Hamburg Airport among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Hamburg Airport
Cologne
Hamburg
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information 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
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
More options for your journey from Cologne to Hamburg Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hamburg Airport and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Hamburg Airport
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