How much is the train ticket from Cologne to Hamburg?

The cheapest train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg start from $12. The average price for this train route is around $55. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Cologne to Hamburg?

The average train ride duration from Cologne to Hamburg is 4h 9m, covering a distance of 221 miles (357 km). The quickest train can get you there in 3h 33m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE .

Which train operators service the Cologne to Hamburg route?

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

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Cologne to Hamburg?

The earliest train departs from Cologne to Hamburg at 6:01am. And the latest train departs at 11:28pm.

What 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.

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 best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

Which train operator has the most timely service from Cologne to Hamburg?

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

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.

Train Cologne to Hamburg from $9 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Cologne to Hamburg on December 12
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	6:59am	Hbf	4h 9m	11:08am	Hamburg Hbf	Cheapest
	6:15am	Hbf	3h 36m	9:51am	Hamburg Hbf	Fastest
	3:00pm	Hbf	4h 7m	7:07pm	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
Flixtrain + Flixbus	4:14pm	Hbf	7h 41m	11:55pm	HAM Airport	No tags
Regionalbahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE	6:04am	Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h 47m	9:51am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags

Next departures for Cologne to Hamburg on December 13
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	3:00pm	Hbf	4h 7m	7:07pm	Hamburg Hbf	Cheapest
	12:11pm	Hbf	3h 40m	3:51pm	Hamburg Hbf	Fastest
	6:59am	Hbf	4h 9m	11:08am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
Flixtrain + Flixbus	4:14pm	Hbf	7h 41m	11:55pm	HAM Airport	No tags
	12:05pm	Cologne Messe/Deutz	4h 9m	4:14pm	Hamburg Hbf	No tags

Next departures for Cologne to Hamburg on December 14
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	11:01am	Hbf	4h 7m	3:08pm	Hamburg Hbf	Cheapest
	12:38pm	Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h 33m	4:11pm	Hamburg Hbf	Fastest
	5:01pm	Hbf	4h 7m	9:08pm	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
Flixtrain + Flixbus	4:14pm	Hbf	7h 41m	11:55pm	HAM Airport	No tags
	6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags

Next departures for Cologne to Hamburg on December 15
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	Cheapest
	12:38pm	Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h 33m	4:11pm	Hamburg Hbf	Fastest
	9:01am	Hbf	4h 6m	1:07pm	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
Flixtrain + Flixbus	4:14pm	Hbf	7h 41m	11:55pm	HAM Airport	No tags
	6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags

Next departures for Cologne to Hamburg on December 16
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	Cheapest
12:38pm	Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h 33m	4:11pm	Hamburg Hbf	Fastest
8:14am	Hbf	8h 20m	4:34pm	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
7:40am	Hbf	4h 6m	11:46am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags

Next departures for Cologne to Hamburg on December 17
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	Cheapest
	12:38pm	Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h 33m	4:11pm	Hamburg Hbf	Fastest
Flixtrain + Flixbus	8:14am	Hbf	7h 16m	3:30pm	Hamburg Central Bus Station (ZOB)	No tags
	8:14am	Hbf	8h 20m	4:34pm	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
	6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags

Next departures for Cologne to Hamburg on December 18
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	Cheapest
	9:01am	Hbf	3h 54m	12:55pm	Harburg	Fastest
	9:01am	Hbf	4h 6m	1:07pm	Hamburg Hbf	No tags
Flixtrain + Flixbus	4:14pm	Hbf	7h 41m	11:55pm	HAM Airport	No tags
	6:11am	Hbf	4h 4m	10:15am	Hamburg Hbf	No tags

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

Compare 3 ways to go from Cologne to Hamburg

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as the good way to reach Hamburg. The journey takes about 4 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just $21, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

11carpool per day

4h 20mAverage Duration

222 milesDistance

15kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$17 - $111	Average Duration8h 50m	CO₂ emissions 9kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$12 - $222	Average Duration4h 9m	CO₂ emissions 9kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$21 - $49	Average Duration4h 20m	CO₂ emissions 15kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Cologne and Hamburg?

Cologne

A
Hbf
Bahnsteig Gleis 2 + 3, 50667 Köln, Germany
Visit page
B
Cologne/Bonn Airport
Visit page
C
Köln-Blumenberg
Köln-Blumenberg, 50765 Köln, Germany
D
Köln-Dellbrück
Dellbrück, Diepeschrather Str., 51069 Köln, Germany
E
Köln-Holweide
Köln-Holweide, 51067 Köln, Germany
F
Köln Volkhovener Weg
Volkhovener Weg, 50767 Köln, Germany

Hamburg

A
Hamburg Central Bus Station (ZOB)
Bahnsteig Gleis 7 + 8, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
Visit page
B
Harburg
Hörstener Str. 1, 21079 Hamburg, Germany
Visit page
C
Hamburg Airport
Visit page
D
Hamburg Altona
Bahnhof Altona, Scheel-Plessen-Straße 17, 22765 Hamburg, Germany

Train Companies

Deutsche Bahn ICE

4/510 reviews

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness5

FlixTrain

3/517 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness2.8

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi1.1

Deutsche Bahn

4/56 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness3.4

Wifi3.4

Deutsche Bahn EuroCity

5/51 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

Wifi5

FlixBus

3.5/511,577 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

Train and bus companies in DE:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, Deutsche Bahn ICE, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Cologne to Hamburg by train

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

How much is the train ticket from Cologne to Hamburg?
The cheapest train tickets from Cologne to Hamburg start from $12. The average price for this train route is around $55. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Cologne to Hamburg?
The average train ride duration from Cologne to Hamburg is 4h 9m, covering a distance of 221 miles (357 km). The quickest train can get you there in 3h 33m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.
Which train operators service the Cologne to Hamburg route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 29 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Cologne to Hamburg?
The earliest train departs from Cologne to Hamburg at 6:01am. And the latest train departs at 11:28pm.
What 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.
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 best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which train operator has the most timely service from Cologne to Hamburg?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
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

12/09

$22

12/10

$34

Today

$31

12/12

$46

12/13

$30

12/14

$53

12/15

$33

12/16

$24

The cheapest trip from Cologne to Hamburg was searched and found on Dec 9, 2025 with a price of $22

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 $22 to $235 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 $24 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.