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Cologne to Hamburg from $16: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cologne, Germany
to
Hamburg, Germany

How to Get from Cologne to Hamburg: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$16 RideshareBest price
223 milesDistance
2h 45m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cologne to Hamburg with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Train
Average Duration
4h  3m
Estimated price
$35-85
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  26m
Estimated price
$16-29
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 223 miles
Duration: 2h 45m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
8h  28m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
4h  32m
Estimated price
$37-53
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
2h  45m
Estimated price
$58-277
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  35m
Estimated price
$65-110
Company
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Train
Average Duration
4h  40m
Estimated price
$80-90
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  15m
Estimated price
$80-337
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  37m
Estimated price
$115-406

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $16 $15 $13 $16 $22 $16 $18
Train $13 $22 $14 $11 $22 $11 $17
Fly $77 $80 $76 $84 $94 $170 $150
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Cologne to Hamburg

The route from Cologne to Hamburg offers a journey through Germany’s diverse landscapes, where Cologne boasts rich history and vibrant culture, while Hamburg impresses with its maritime charm and modern architecture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Hamburg

Hamburg features vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character.

St. Pauli
• Home to the famous Reeperbahn nightlife area.
• Offers quirky shops and eclectic street art.
Altona
• Known for its riverside parks and scenic views.
• Features a mix of cultural influences and cafes.
Speicherstadt
• Renowned for its historic warehouse district.
• Houses museums showcasing Hamburg's maritime history.

Best Times To Visit Hamburg's Attractions

Timing your visit to Hamburg's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Miniatur Wunderland
Visit on weekday mornings to enjoy fewer crowds and better views.
Elbphilharmonie
Afternoons during weekdays offer a more relaxed atmosphere for exploration.
Hamburg Harbor
Early evenings during weekdays provide stunning sunset views without the hustle.

Hamburg Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Hamburg experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, making late spring and early autumn ideal for visits. Rain is common throughout the year, so packing layers and a waterproof jacket can enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Hamburg

Savor the fresh catch of the day at a waterfront restaurant specializing in seafood, such as 'Fischereihafen Restaurant,' where the focus on local, seasonal ingredients offers a stark contrast to Cologne's hearty meat dishes. The lively maritime atmosphere and bold flavors of Hamburg’s cuisine provide a unique culinary experience you won’t find in Cologne.

Cologne - Hamburg operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cologne and Hamburg, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf

Average Duration
4h 3m
Estimated price
$75-85

Train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Hamburg Hbf

Average Duration
4h 40m
Estimated price
$80-90

Train from Köln Hbf to D-Flughafen Bf

Average Duration
29m
Estimated price
$25-29

Train from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf

Average Duration
59m
Estimated price
$41-46
Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88
Website
https://www.sbb.ch/en

Train from Koeln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf

Average Duration
4h 5m
Estimated price
$140-260
Contact phone
+49 1807 123 99 123
Website
https://www.flixtrain.com/

Train from Cologne Central Station to Hamburg Central Station

Average Duration
4h 39m
Estimated price
$35-50

Train from Cologne Central Station to Hamburg-Harburg

Average Duration
4h 7m
Estimated price
$30-50
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Leverkusen to Hamburg central bus station

Average Duration
6h 55m
Estimated price
$35-55
Rideshare
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Rideshare from Cologne to Hamburg

Average Duration
4h 26m
Estimated price
$16-29
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.eurowings.com

Plane from Cologne Bonn (CGN) to Hamburg (HAM)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$70-320
Website
https://www.lufthansa.com

Plane from Dusseldorf to Hamburg

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$65-290

Plane from Frankfurt to Hamburg

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$90-490

Cologne to Hamburg: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cologne and Hamburg offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Cologne to Hamburg, covering a distance of 424.9 km in approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes. 💰 Prices for a car journey from Cologne to Hamburg range from €60 to €101, making it a cost-effective travel option for solo adventurers or groups.
Average price
€60 - €101
🌿 Enjoy a scenic 4-hour and 3-minute ride through the German countryside on the Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express. 💰 Ticket prices for the train journey between Cologne and Hamburg range from €32 to €78, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget.
Departure Point
Köln Hbf station
Arrival Point
Hamburg Hbf station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train route from Cologne to Hamburg, Deutsche Bahn (DB) provides onboard catering services with a variety of options. In First Class, you'll experience a complimentary snack and drink service, while Business and Economy Class feature the option to purchase food and beverages from the onboard bistro. Vegetarian and regional specialties are usually available, so check the menu in advance.
• The ICE trains on this route offer several seating options: First Class (2+1 seating), Business Class (with extra legroom), and Economy Class (2+2 seating). If you're looking for a quieter environment, choose First Class for a more spacious experience and enhanced comfort. For a budget-friendly option, Economy Class is still quite comfortable for this type of journey.
• There are multiple operators on the Cologne to Hamburg route, primarily Deutsche Bahn (DB), FlixTrain, and Eurobahn. You can visit their websites for schedules and ticketing: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, and Eurobahn. Also, be aware of possible discounts or special offers on certain days.
🛫 Experience a seamless journey from Cologne to Hamburg in just 1 hour by taking a direct flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Hamburg Airport offered by Eurowings. ✈️ Enjoy the convenience of a quick 1-hour flight to Hamburg from Cologne, making it a time-efficient way to travel between the two cities. 💰 With flight prices ranging from €54 to €256, there are various options to suit different budgets when flying from Cologne to Hamburg.
Departure Point
Cologne Bonn Airport
Arrival Point
Hamburg Airport
🚌 Traveling from Cologne to Hamburg by bus involves a route that includes a transfer in Leverkusen. The journey can take approximately 8 hours and 28 minutes to reach the final destination at Hamburg central bus station. 💰 Prices for a bus ticket between Hamburg and Cologne can range from €32 to €51, making it a relatively affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two vibrant cities in Germany.
Departure Point
Leverkusen station
Arrival Point
Hamburg central bus station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cologne to Hamburg.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Cologne and Hamburg is approximately 359 km by road. The typical travel times vary based on the mode of transportation. It takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes to reach Hamburg from Cologne by train. Alternatively, taking a train to Dusseldorf and then flying to Hamburg can take around 3 hours and 36 minutes. By plane, it takes an average of 2 hours and 46 minutes to reach Hamburg from Cologne. Finally, traveling by car can take around 3 hours and 35 minutes, while a bus journey can take approximately 8 hours and 35 minutes from Cologne to Hamburg.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cologne to Hamburg would be to rideshare. It is affordable and takes approximately 4 hours and 26 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying would be the best option. It takes only 2 hours and 46 minutes to reach Hamburg from Cologne by plane.
When traveling from Cologne to Hamburg the price for a train ticket can range from €27 to €78, depending on the class and type of train. On the other hand, the price for a bus ticket varies from €32 to €50.
To travel from Cologne to Hamburg without using public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service, where you can find rideshare options. This is a great alternative if you do not have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Cologne and Hamburg is approximately 424.9 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes to drive. Prices for carpooling services can vary from €59 to €101.
To travel from Cologne to Hamburg without a car, the best option is to take the train, which takes approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes and costs between €27 and €78. Another alternative is to take a bus, which takes 8 hours and 35 minutes and costs between €32 and €50. Alternatively, you can also fly, which takes 2 hours and 46 minutes and costs between €50 and €256.
Yes, there is a direct link between Cologne and Hamburg by train. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes and services operate every day. However, there is no direct bus route between Cologne and Hamburg, and the journey by bus can take around 8 hours and 35 minutes, including transfers.
The average flight duration from Cologne to Hamburg is approximately 1 hour. However, flight prices can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking. On average, the cost of a flight between Cologne and Hamburg can range from €53 to €249.
There are plenty of accommodations available near Hamburg with a wide range of options to choose from. With over 1013 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to fit their budget and preferences. Prices start at €45 and vary depending on the location, amenities, and star rating of the hotel.