- Must visit
Sprengel Museum Hannover
Major modern and contemporary art museum with strong German 20th-century collections and lakeside architecture at Maschsee.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Hanover is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Hanover will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 12 trains that leave Cologne for Hanover on Thu, Jun 18, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct trains cover the 250 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
26815 · IC 2049
26811 · IC 2441
ICE 849
ICE 847
ICE 545
ICE 547
IC 2204 · ICE 1547Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Hanover among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a flight costs an average of $291.
Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $497 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 1m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Hanover:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Hanover costing on average $36 (€30).
A bus is $474 (€387) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Hanover costing on average $497 (€406).
Other travel options to Hanover take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 1m.
Bus takes on average 4h 26m.
The journey is about 11m faster (3h 15m by train vs 3h 26m by car) and roughly $17 (€14) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($36 (€30) vs $53 (€43)). 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 Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Hanover trains for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920+ 95773 | Delayed 12:09 AM 2:09 AMCologne Hbf | 4h41 | 6:50 AM Hanover Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h27 | 11:41 AM Hanover Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h03 | 11:28 AM Hanover Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 1074 | On time 8:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h49 | 12:18 PM Hanover Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529 · ICE 1074 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h33 | 12:18 PM Hanover Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26811 · IC 2441 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h31 | 12:20 PM Hanover Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 847 | On time 9:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 12:28 PM Hanover Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h15 | 1:01 PM Hanover Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 547 | On time 10:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h04 | 1:28 PM Hanover Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26815 · IC 2049 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h29 | 2:18 PM Hanover Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 849 | On time 11:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h00 | 2:28 PM Hanover Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h27 | 3:41 PM Hanover Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h27 | 7:41 PM Hanover Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.

Trains from Cologne to Hanover run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) 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 155 miles (250 km) distance in 3h 1m.
Distance 155 miles (250 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Hanover — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hanover trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum with strong German 20th-century collections and lakeside architecture at Maschsee.
State museum known for art, archaeology, natural history, and a respected regional collection in a grand historic building.
Museum of applied arts and ancient cultures, especially noted for Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and design collections.
Baroque gardens and landscaped park ensemble, one of Hanover’s signature attractions and especially photogenic in warmer months.
Large urban lake with promenades, waterside paths, and classic city views; a favorite for walks, sunsets, and social media photos.
Old Town area with historic character, rebuilt facades, lively squares, and easy access to several core sights.
A classic Lower Saxony winter dish of stewed kale served with smoked Bregenwurst sausage and often potatoes. It is one of the region’s most traditional hearty meals.
A traditional Hanover-area pan-fried sausage mixture made from pork, broth, and groats, usually served browned with pickles or potatoes. It is a distinctive local specialty from the Calenberg region.
Roast heathland lamb from nearby Lüneburg Heath, valued for its lean, aromatic meat. It reflects the regional cuisine of Lower Saxony around Hanover.
Established fine-dining restaurant with a refined modern menu and elegant setting, widely regarded as one of Hanover’s top special-occasion venues.
Well-known long-running restaurant offering upscale German and seasonal cuisine in a polished but welcoming setting.
Historic traditional restaurant in Hanover’s old town, known for regional Lower Saxony dishes, German beer, and a classic rustic atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Public transport is fair, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Hanover Hbf -> Kröpcke, Hanover
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Hanover 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 Hanover, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need