The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
4 h 1 m
Average duration
4 h 12 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg 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 to Cologne will cost around $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 6 trains that leave Hamburg for Cologne on Wed, Nov 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 4 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 40 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.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 91 · ICE 944 · ICE 627
ICE 107
ICE 109
ICE 585 · ICE 652
ICE 109
ICE 107
ICE 519
ICE 585 · ICE 652
ICE 91 · ICE 944 · ICE 627Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Hamburg to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €20, and a flight costs an average of €130.
Distance: 223 miles (360 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€52 Average price | €32 Average price Cheapest | €535 Average price |
5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Hamburg to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 519 | On time 8:46 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 12:50 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 109 | On time 9:46 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h01 | 1:47 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 19 | |||||
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:30 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 11h11 | 4:41 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 91 · ICE 944 · ICE 627 | 7:02 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h40 | 11:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 107 | On time 7:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h03 | 11:48 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 585 · ICE 652 | On time 8:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 4h14 | 12:15 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 18
Nov 19
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Nov 23
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hamburg to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Cologne
Trains from Hamburg to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) 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 223 miles (360 km) distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 223 miles (360 km) |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom from Hamburg to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Metronom trains will get you between Hamburg and Cologne from $23 (€19). 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
Train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne: when to book to save $
The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:
- Buying your train ticket from Hamburg - Cologne 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 40% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
- If you book a ticket Hamburg - Cologne with 2 months in advance you save up to about 110% compared to the initial price.
- By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 62%.
- On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
FAQs: Trains from Hamburg to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg 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 to Cologne
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- Most wanted Burger
- LüttLiv
- T.R.U.D.E.
- Schweinske Barmbek
- Hotel am Stadtpark
- IntercityHotel Hamburg-Barmbek
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Essino
- Schanzenbäcker
- Novum Hotel Belmondo Hamburg
- Mercure Hamburg City
- Eleazar Novum
- Terminus
- McDonald's
- St. Pauli
- Scoom
- McCafé
- Leonardo Inn Airport
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Hunt Coffee
- Haerlin
- Gran Sasso
- Double Coffee
- Hotel Hanseatin
- Renaissance
- Hotel Preuß
- Hotel Amsterdam
- 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.
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
- Monday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Casa Vecchia
- Burger Lounge
- Il mío
- Olivo
- Sachsentor
- Hotel Hanseat
- O Pescador
- Asia Quick
- Paulaner's
- Burger King
- Hotel Stella Maris
- Empire Riverside Hotel
- Hotel St. Joseph
- Auto-Parkhotel
- Chez Nathalie
- Due Baristi
- Schweinske Eimsbüttel
- La Classe Capanna
- Park Hotel Hamburg Arena
- Aparion Apartments
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Essino
- Schanzenbäcker
- Novum Hotel Belmondo Hamburg
- Mercure Hamburg City
- Ambassador
- City Haus
- Café Bom Dia
- Oktober Harburg
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- Cafe Schmidt
- Block House
- Röperhof
- L'Europeo
- Hotel Schmidt
- O Pescador
- Hunt Coffee
- Paulaner's
- Haerlin
- Hotel Steigenberger
- Hotel Stella Maris
- Hotel Hanseatin
- Renaissance
- McDonald's
- BLOCK HOUSE
- China-Restaurant Ming Dynastie
- Jam Jam
- Hotel Tiefenthal
- Villa Wandsbek Hotel Garni
- DARZ GästeZimmer
- Hotel Marco Polo
- Asia Quick
- Burger King
- KFC
- Hesburger
- Empire Riverside Hotel
- Hotel St. Joseph
- Auto-Parkhotel
- East Hotel
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Kirchenallee and Steintorwall.
- Block House
- Schweinske
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg
- Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-14 for long-distance trains
- Hall 3: U-Bahn connections
- U-Bahn: Line U1, Line U2, Line U3
- S-Bahn: Line S1, Line S2, Line S3
- Bus: Several lines available
- Der Kebap
- Erfrischungsraum Oldtimertankstelle Brandshof
- 100/200
- Der Simo
- Elbegalerie
- Bridge Inn
- 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
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Heinemann
- Mühlenhof
- Dalmatien
- Longericher Grillstation
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
Most popular train connections from Hamburg
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Cologne
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