- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
4 h 25 m
Average duration
4 h 25 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
358 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne 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 will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 20 trains that leave Hamburg Hbf for Cologne on Fri, Jun 05, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 358 km distance in an average of 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 25 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 921
ICE 209
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 619
ICE 203
ICE 615
ICE 613
ICE 201
ICE 205Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $278.
Distance: 222 miles (358 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $689 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration 5h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 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:
A bus is $0.30 (€0.24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne costing on average $35 (€28).
A bus is $655 (€530) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne costing on average $689 (€558).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 10m.
Bus takes on average 5h 53m.
The journey is about 5m faster (4h 10m by train vs 4h 15m by car) and roughly $42 (€34) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($35 (€28) vs $77 (€62)). 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 Hamburg Hbf to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 | On time 4:21 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h27 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 | On time 5:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 9:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 105 | On time 6:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 10:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 7:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 11:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 107 | On time 8:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 519 | On time 9:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 109 | On time 10:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 | On time 11:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 3:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 201 | On time 12:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 613 | On time 1:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 5:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 203 | On time 2:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 6:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 615 | On time 3:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 7:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 205 | On time 4:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 8:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:30 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h26 | 8:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 617 | On time 5:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 9:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 207 | On time 6:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h35 | 10:58 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 619 | On time 7:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h38 | 12:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 209 | On time 8:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h39 | 1:02 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 921 | On time 10:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h40 | 3:03 AM Cologne 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 Hamburg Hbf to Cologne run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 222 miles (358 km) distance in 4h 3m.
Distance 222 miles (358 km) |
Average train duration 4h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 4h 3m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 10:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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