- 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 on Sep 20
$48
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$51
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
Distance
302 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 2 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 46 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 46 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $48 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, while a flight costs an average of $523.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $523 Average price | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration 7h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration 2h 9m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg:
A bus is $34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg costing on average $82.
A bus is $475 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg costing on average $523.
Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
Bus takes on average 7h 43m.
You'll arrive about 1h 1m sooner (3h 11m by train vs 4h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $82 compared to roughly $65 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 | Delayed 1:27 AM 3:27 AMGelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h27 | 4:54 AM 4:54 AMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
31280 · ICE 1541+ 82856 | 11:59 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 6h06 | 6:05 AM Hamburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
![]() | 4:09 PM Gelsenkirchen | 2h46 | 6:55 PM Hamburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:09 PM Gelsenkirchen | 2h46 | 7:55 PM Hamburg | 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 Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 2h 46m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Hbf -> Hamburg City Center (Rathausmarkt)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gelsenkirchen 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.

Most Gelsenkirchen to Hamburg trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Hamburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen 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 options include: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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 options include: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen is 2 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen 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 options include: Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas, Viva Sevilla, Nudelland
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg 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 options include: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg 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 options include: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Hamburg Airport is 6 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg Airport 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 options include: McDonald's, St. Pauli, Scoom, McCafé
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg Airport. ATMs are available at Hamburg Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Airport. Information desks are available at Hamburg Airport.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg Airport: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Airport.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Inn Airport.
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