The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
3 h 39 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
38
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 $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 38 trains that leave Hamburg Hbf for Cologne on Fri, Dec 05, 24 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Dec 05 the direct trains cover the 358 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 39 m .
On Fri, Dec 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 2 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 581 · ICE 656
ICE 209 · ICE 872
ICE 209
EC 7
ICE 1021
ICE 927
ICE 615
ICE 517
ICE 205Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne
Omio 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 €12. 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 €12, and a flight costs an average of €120.
Distance: 222 miles (358 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€38 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €418 Average price |
4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Hamburg Hbf to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg Hbf to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, December 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:50 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h06 | 4:56 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:46 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h19 | 1:05 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, December 5 | |||||
EC 7 | On time 3:38 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 7:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 581 · ICE 656 | On time 3:54 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h46 | 8:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 | On time 4:46 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 8:50 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1097 · ICE 946 · ICE 623 | On time 5:06 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h25 | 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1097 · ICE 946 · EC 9 | On time 5:06 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h40 | 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 583 · ICE 654 | Delayed 6:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h37 | 10:45 AM 10:45 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517 | On time 6:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 10:46 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 731 | On time 6:54 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 10:58 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 91 · ICE 944 · IC 2156 | On time 7:02 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h38 | 11:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 107 | On time 7:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 11:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 7:49 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h33 | 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 585 · ICE 652 | Delayed 8:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h35 | 12:44 PM 12:44 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 | On time 8:46 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 12:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 787 · ICE 942 · ICE 721 | On time 9:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h41 | 1:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 109 | On time 9:46 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 1:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1285 · ICE 758 | On time 10:28 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h50 | 3:18 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 927 | 10:53 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h56 | 2:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 789 · ICE 940 · ICE 725 | 11:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h41 | 3:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 201 | 11:46 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 3:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2311 | On time 11:50 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h07 | 3:57 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 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.
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Why should you book Hamburg Hbf to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) as well as FlixTrain offer trains services from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC), but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne.
- 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 (ICE,IC) 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.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of FlixTrain to help you choose the right option for your journey from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne.
- 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.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne
Trains from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 20:46. The fastest train covers the 222 miles (358 km) distance in 4h 1m.
Distance 222 miles (358 km) |
Average train duration 4h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 4h 1m |
First train 04:30 |
Last train 20:46 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Hamburg Hbf and Cologne from $11 (€9). 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
FAQs: Trains from Hamburg Hbf to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
Most popular train connections from Hamburg Hbf
More options for your journey from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne
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