Hamburg to Copenhagen train with Deutsche Bahn (EC,IC,RE)

Traveling from Hamburg to Copenhagen by Train

Introduction

On a trip from London to Finland without flying, taking the train from Hamburg to Copenhagen was an essential part of my route. It’s an easy way to cover a lot of kilometers, and both day and night trains are available, with stops at intermediate stations along the way.

Route Overview

When traveling from Hamburg to Copenhagen by train, you’ll begin at Hamburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) and finish at Copenhagen Central Station, taking around 4 hours and 35 minutes. Passing through northern Germany and the state of Schleswig-Holstein, it reaches the Danish border before crossing Jutland and entering the island of Zealand, where Copenhagen is located.

While buses and flights are available, I think the comfort, speed, and cost make the train the best way to get from Hamburg to Copenhagen.

Transportation Experience

It’s easy to book your Hamburg to Copenhagen train journey on Omio. Just compare schedules and fares, make a secure payment, and get your ticket by email or access it via the app.

Omio also lets you look at other forms of transport. The Hamburg to Copenhagen bus is cheaper, but it takes up to 7 hours and isn’t quite as comfy as the train!

Can I fly from Hamburg to Copenhagen?

Yes, there are a few flights from Hamburg to Copenhagen, taking just 55 minutes. However, they’re often expensive and aimed at business travelers. As the ground distance is small, most people opt for the train or bus.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

You’ll depart from Hamburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), which is about a kilometer from Hamburg’s historic town hall (Rathaus). This is a huge station with many entrances and exits, so make sure you arrive with plenty of time! There are dozens of eateries, although prices are higher than in the city. I didn’t have to show my ticket until I boarded the train.

Upon arrival, Copenhagen Central Station is right in the heart of the city, across the road from Tivoli Park. There are plenty of amenities at the station and restaurants nearby.

Schedule & Frequency

There are around eight direct trains per day between Hamburg and Copenhagen. I took the second of the day, which departed at 8:50 am. The first train leaves around 7:00 am and the last around 7:00 pm.

There is also a Hamburg to Copenhagen night train, a section of the Berlin to Stockholm service, which leaves at 11:59 pm and arrives at 6:29 am. I once took this from Berlin to Malmo in Sweden and loved it!

Onboard Experience & Services

I traveled in Standard Class and was really impressed with the comfortable and spacious seats. I only had a small backpack, but Deutsche Bahn allows one large suitcase per passenger. Wi-Fi worked fairly well, although it was intermittent in rural areas. There was no restaurant car, but I had already stocked up at Hamburg Station in advance. The restrooms were slightly dated, but they were kept clean throughout the journey.

An interesting place to break up your journey is Schleswig, which I’ve visited before. This town spans a fjord called the Schlei and has Viking ruins and a striking cathedral.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

As this is a long-distance train crossing two countries, it’s worth booking in advance. Here’s what I spent:

Budget breakdown:

• Train ticket from Hamburg to Copenhagen: €54
• Seat reservation: €6.30
• Pastry at Hamburg Station: €3.50
• Meal at Wagamama in Copenhagen: 179 DKK (approx. €24)
• Total: €87.80

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Have your passport ready: Border checks are common when entering Denmark by train.
• Bring food: Restaurant cars are often unavailable on this route.
• Make a stop: Places like Schleswig make great cultural breaks.
• Use your euros before boarding: Denmark (and Sweden) don’t use the euro, but cards are widely accepted.

Conclusion

The train is undoubtedly the easiest and most comfortable way to travel between Hamburg and Copenhagen. With spacious seating, scenic views, and a stress-free journey, it’s the perfect choice, and booking through the Omio app or website makes it even easier.

About the Author: Claire Martin

• Job Title: Travel Journalist & Content Creator

• Bio: I’m a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.