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Hamburg to Cologne from $17: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Hamburg, Germany
to
Cologne, Germany

How to Get from Hamburg to Cologne: 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.

$17 RideshareBest price
360.5 kmDistance
2h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Hamburg to Cologne 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  4m
Estimated price
$35-85
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  23m
Estimated price
$17-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 360.5 km
Duration: 2h 51m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  52m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$38-54
Company
Eurowings
Plane
Average Duration
2h  51m
Estimated price
$57-278
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  38m
Estimated price
$65-110
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
3h  20m
Estimated price
$78-339
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
4h  13m
Estimated price
$80-90
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$139-406

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $16 $16 $13 $14 $18 $16 $19
Train $10 $17 $16 $11 $18 $12 $18
Fly $71 $80 $99 $73 $80 $275 $177
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Hamburg to Cologne

Both Hamburg and Cologne offer captivating experiences, with Hamburg's maritime charm and vibrant arts scene contrasting sharply with Cologne's rich history and stunning Gothic architecture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Altstadt (Old Town)
• Home to Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Vibrant atmosphere with local cafes and breweries.
Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)
• Trendy area known for its boutiques and street art.
• Lively nightlife with numerous bars and eateries.
Ehrenfeld
• Thriving arts scene with galleries and live music venues.
• Eclectic mix of cultures reflected in its restaurants.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Cologne.

Cologne Cathedral
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy quieter moments.
Museum Ludwig
Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, offer less crowded galleries.
Rheinauhafen District
Stroll during sunset hours for stunning views and a peaceful ambiance.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early autumn the ideal times to explore the city. Weather can influence your travel plans, so being prepared for occasional rain throughout the year enhances your overall experience.

Dining Recommendation in Cologne

Try the traditional dish of Himmel un Ääd at Restaurant Pfannenküche, where heavenly black pudding is paired with earthy apples and creamy mashed potatoes, showcasing a different flavor profile than Hamburg’s seafood specialties. The cozy atmosphere and focus on local ingredients create a distinctly hearty experience that captures Cologne's culinary spirit.

Hamburg - Cologne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Hamburg and Cologne, 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 Hamburg Hbf to Köln Hbf

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

Train from Hamburg Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz Bf

Average Duration
4h 13m
Estimated price
$80-90
Contact phone
+49 1807 123 99 123
Website
https://www.flixtrain.com/

Train from Hamburg Central Station to Cologne Central Station

Average Duration
4h 8m
Estimated price
$35-50

Train from Hamburg-Harburg to Cologne Central Station

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$35-50
Contact phone
0221 13 999 444
Website
https://www.nationalexpress.de

Train from Dusseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$11-17
Contact phone
+32 70 66 77 88
Website
https://www.thalys.com/fr/en

Train from Dusseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$28-65
Contact phone
+33 1 84 94 36 35
Website
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Train from D-Flughafen Bf to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$10-21
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Hamburg central bus station to Leverkusen

Average Duration
6h 50m
Estimated price
$35-55
Rideshare
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Hamburg to Cologne

Average Duration
4h 23m
Estimated price
$17-35
Plane Show flights

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

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

Plane from Hamburg (HAM) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$65-290

Plane from Hamburg (HAM) to Frankfurt (FRA)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$90-490

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

Traveling between Hamburg and Cologne 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 picturesque road trip from Hamburg to Cologne, covering a total distance of 424.9 km in just 3 hours and 38 minutes. 💰 Save money on transportation costs by opting for a car journey, with prices ranging from €60 to €101 for the trip between Hamburg and Cologne.
Average price
€60 - €101
🕒 The journey from Hamburg to Cologne takes approximately 4 hours and 4 minutes. The train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, depart hourly from Hamburg Hbf station and arrive at Köln Hbf station. 💰 Ticket prices for the Hamburg to Cologne train range from €32 to €78, offering travelers a variety of fare options to choose from based on their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Hamburg Hbf station
Arrival Point
Köln Hbf station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your journey between Hamburg and Cologne include catering options provided by Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains. You can expect a dining car where you can purchase snacks, light meals, and beverages. Additionally, in First and Business Class, there may be an improved catering service, including complimentary drinks and snacks, making your trip more comfortable.
• For seating options, Deutsche Bahn offers various classes: First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class provides spacious seating, quieter environments, and extra legroom. Business Class offers flexible seating arrangements that are conducive for meetings or work, while Economy Class is a great budget-friendly option with comfortable seating, although it may be more crowded. It’s wise to book in advance, especially during peak travel times.
• The main operators for the Hamburg to Cologne route are Deutsche Bahn (DB) at bahn.com, FlixTrain at flixtrain.com, and Eurostar for specific cross-border routes. Be sure to check schedules on their respective websites as train frequencies and travel times can vary. For local transport options in Cologne, visit the KVB website at kvb.koeln
🛫 Experience a swift journey from Hamburg to Cologne in just 1 hour on a direct flight. Eurowings provides convenient flights from Hamburg Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport. 🏙️ Explore the vibrant city of Cologne after a short flight of 2 hours and 51 minutes. 💸 Choose from a range of flight prices, starting from €52 and going up to €256, for your trip between Hamburg and Cologne.
Departure Point
Hamburg Airport
Arrival Point
Cologne Bonn Airport
🚌 Traveling from Hamburg to Cologne by bus requires a transfer at Wiesdorf Leverkusen Mitte Bf. The journey, with transfers, takes around 7 hours and 52 minutes. 💰 The cost of a bus ticket from Hamburg to Cologne typically ranges from €32 to €51.
Departure Point
Hamburg central bus station
Arrival Point
Leverkusen station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Hamburg to Cologne.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Hamburg and Cologne is approximately 358.9 km by air and 425.2 km by road. If traveling by train, it takes around 4 hours and 6 minutes to reach Cologne from Hamburg. For those preferring to take a combination of bus and train, the journey can take up to 7 hours and 25 minutes. Additionally, driving by car can take around 3 hours and 38 minutes, while taking a bus can take up to 7 hours and 47 minutes.
Based on the information provided, the most cost-effective way to travel from Hamburg to Cologne is by ridesharing, which takes around 4 hours and 23 minutes and costs between €16 and €27. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying would be the quickest option, taking just 2 hours and 48 minutes, with prices ranging from €50 to €274.
The prices for trains between Hamburg and Cologne range from €27 to €78. Travelers can choose from different classes and ticket types, such as standard and first class, as well as flexible or non-flexible tickets. On the other hand, bus tickets between Cologne and Hamburg typically cost between €32 and €50.
To travel from Hamburg to Cologne without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service for rideshare options. This is a convenient option if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Hamburg and Cologne is approximately 424.9 km, and it typically takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes to drive between the two cities. The prices for carpooling services from Hamburg to Cologne can vary, ranging from €59 to €101.
The best way to travel from Hamburg to Cologne without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes and the ticket prices range from €27 to €78. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes longer at 7 hours and 47 minutes, but costs between €32 and €50. Another option is to fly, which is the quickest mode of transportation with a travel time of 2 hours and 48 minutes, but ticket prices can range from €50 to €274.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Hamburg and Cologne, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes and operates hourly. However, there is no direct bus link between the two cities, with a journey by bus and transfers taking around 7 hours and 47 minutes.
The flight between Hamburg and Cologne typically takes around 1 hour. The prices for this flight can vary between €52 to €266, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Cologne. With over 1145 hotels to choose from, you can find a range of options to suit your budget and preferences. Prices start at €41, providing affordable choices for travelers.