.png){kind=small}
4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$18
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$75
Fastest journey on Sep 01
4 h
Average journey duration on Sep 01
4 h 1 m
Trains on Sep 01
36
Distance
357 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 36 trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf, including 19 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 4 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 1 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.
FlixTrain2:50 PM4h53Hamburg Hbf7:43 PMCologne Hbf$181One-way0 transfers
ICE 2098:45 PM4h00Hamburg Hbf12:45 AMCologne Hbf$221One-way0 transfers- ICE 92110:45 PM4h22Hamburg Hbf3:07 AMCologne Hbf$281One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6197:45 PM4h20Hamburg Hbf12:05 AMCologne Hbf$281One-way0 transfers
- ICE 685 · ICE 5527:01 PM4h14Hamburg Hbf11:15 PMCologne Hbf$491One-way1 transfer
- ICE 2098:45 PM4h00Hamburg Hbf12:45 AMCologne Hbf$221One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5155:45 AM4h01Hamburg Hbf9:46 AMCologne Hbf$861One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6131:45 PM4h01Hamburg Hbf5:46 PMCologne Hbf$571One-way0 transfers
- ICE 61111:45 AM4h01Hamburg Hbf3:46 PMCologne Hbf$771One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5199:45 AM4h01Hamburg Hbf1:46 PMCologne Hbf$991One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $32 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, while a flight costs an average of $523.
Distance: 221 miles (357 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $523 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $53 (€43).
A bus is $491 (€397) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $523 (€423).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 12m.
Bus takes on average 5h 18m.
Tickets start at around $53 (€43) compared to roughly $83 (€68) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $30 (€24). The journey takes 5h 12m versus 4h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 2311 · 17425+ 82123 | Delayed 11:35 AM 12:56 PMHamburg Hbf | 4h42 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 613 | On time 1:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 5:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 203 | On time 2:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1037 · 17429 | On time 3:10 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h28 | 7:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 615 | On time 3:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 7:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 205 | On time 4:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 2215 · 17433+82131 | Delayed 3:23 PM 4:56 PMHamburg Hbf | 4h42 | 9:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 617 | On time 5:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h10 | 9:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 207 | On time 6:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h17 | 11:02 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 619 | On time 7:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h20 | 12:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 209 | On time 8:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 5h18 | 2:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 209 · 10238 · ICE 842 | On time 8:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 5h11 | 1:56 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 921 · 26848 | On time 10:45 PM Hamburg Hbf | 5h36 | 4:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 1 | |||||
| ICE 103 | On time 4:41 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h07 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 103 · IC 2040 | On time 4:41 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 8:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 581 · ICE 656 | On time 5:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 9:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 515 | On time 5:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 105 | On time 6:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 10:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 583 · ICE 654 | On time 7:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h13 | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1913 · ICE 654 | On time 7:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h13 | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 517 | On time 7:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 11:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 785 · ICE 954 | On time 8:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h21 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1521 · S8 · 17416 | On time 8:11 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h07 | 12:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 107 | On time 8:42 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h06 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 585 · ICE 652 | On time 9:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 519 | On time 9:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 1:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 787 · ICE 952 | On time 10:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h21 | 2:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 109 | On time 10:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 587 · ICE 650 | On time 11:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 3:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1033 · 17421 | On time 11:10 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h28 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 611 | On time 11:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 3:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 789 · ICE 950 | On time 12:01 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h20 | 4:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Sep 01
Sep 02
Sep 03
Sep 04
Sep 05
Sep 06
Sep 07
Sep 08
Sep 09
Sep 10
Sep 11
Sep 12
Sep 13
Sep 14
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Why should you book Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?
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, metronom or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, metronom or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:21, the last at 20:45. The fastest train covers the 221 miles (357 km) distance in 3h 49m.
Distance 221 miles (357 km) |
Average train duration 5h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 49m |
First train 2:21 AM |
Last train 8:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Hamburg Hbf and Cologne Hbf from $14 (€11). 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
metronom
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Cologne Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Most Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains use the Hamburg Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Hamburg Hbf and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Hamburg Hbf from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Most popular train connections from Hamburg Hbf
More options for your journey from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf
Most popular train connections to Cologne Hbf
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
