Train from Cologne to Hamburg: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Cologne to Hamburg on 12 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Flixtrain
    Hbf
    Hamburg HbfCheapest
    Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Hbf
    Hamburg HbfFastest
    Flixtrain
      Hbf
      Hamburg HbfNo tags
      Flixtrain + Flixbus
        Hbf
        HAM AirportNo tags
        Regionalbahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE
        Cologne Messe/Deutz
        Hamburg HbfNo tags

        Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 9:00 PM CET.

        Compare 3 ways to travel from Cologne to Hamburg

        We recommend carpooling

        Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Hamburg. The journey takes about 4 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just R 355, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

        11carpool per day
        4h 20mAverage duration
        358 kmDistance
        15kgCO₂ emissions
        Average priceR 291 - R 1 917Average duration8h 50m
        9kg CO₂e
        Average priceR 207 - R 3 824Average duration4h 9m
        9kg CO₂e
        Carpool
        Average priceR 355 - R 843Average duration4h 20m
        15kg CO₂e

        Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cologne to Hamburg by train

        Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

        1. How much is the train ticket from Cologne to Hamburg?

          The cheapest train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg start from R 207. The average price for this train route is around R 948. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

        2. How long is the train journey from Cologne to Hamburg?

          The average train journey time from Cologne to Hamburg is 4h 9m, covering a distance of 357 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 33m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.

        3. Which train operators serve the Cologne to Hamburg route?

          Several major train operators serve this route, with 29 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, FlixBus.

        4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Cologne to Hamburg?

          The earliest train from Cologne to Hamburg departs at 06:01. And the latest train departs at 23:28.

        5. Which is the best train operator from Cologne to Hamburg?

          According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 reviews.

        6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Cologne to Hamburg?

          Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn EuroCity has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

        7. Which train operator offers the most punctual service from Cologne to Hamburg?

          According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

        8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Cologne to Hamburg?

          According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

        Find cheapest prices for trains

        Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

        Best price found
        10/12
        R 577
        11/12
        R 529
        Today
        R 792
        13/12
        R 562
        14/12
        R 916
        15/12
        R 570
        16/12
        R 415
        17/12
        R 416
        busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cologne to Hamburg was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 415

        To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg as early as possible.

        You can expect to pay from R 415 to R 4 064 for a train ticket from Cologne to Hamburg based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 415, which is on 2025-12-16.

        Usually Deutsche Bahn ICE will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

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