Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia to Hamburg, Hamburg (Area) from $16: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Cologne to Hamburg: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$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.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $15 | $15 | $13 | $16 | $22 | $16 | $18 |
| Train | $13 | $22 | $14 | $10 | $21 | $11 | $17 |
| Fly | $76 | $79 | $75 | $82 | $93 | $168 | $148 |
Traveling From Cologne to Hamburg
Traveling from Cologne to Hamburg offers a fascinating journey through two distinct cities, where Cologne's vibrant, art-driven atmosphere contrasts with Hamburg's maritime charm and rich history.
Best Neighbourhoods in Hamburg
Hamburg's neighborhoods each offer unique experiences and atmospheres for visitors.
St. Pauli
• Home to the famous Reeperbahn nightlife district.
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
Altona
• Features stunning views of the Elbe River.
• A mix of historic architecture and modern cafes.
HafenCity
• Showcases innovative architecture and waterfront parks.
• Offers diverse dining options with global cuisine.
Best Times To Visit Hamburg's Attractions
Timing your visits to Hamburg's attractions can elevate your experience.
Miniatur Wunderland
Visit early on weekdays for fewer crowds and better views.
Elbphilharmonie
Schedule your visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
Hamburg Harbor
Early mornings or late afternoons provide stunning light and less congestion.
Hamburg Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Hamburg features an oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters, making it a destination you can enjoy any time of year. Late spring and early fall offer the best weather, enhancing your travel experience as you explore the city's attractions and vibrant outdoor scene.
Dining in Hamburg
For an authentic taste of Hamburg, try the local specialty, Franzbrötchen, a delicious cinnamon pastry best enjoyed at Café Paris, which blends a charming bistro atmosphere with classic French influences. Unlike Cologne's hearty dishes, the lighter, sweet flavors of this pastry, paired with Hamburg’s distinctive bakery culture, create a delightful culinary experience that stands apart.
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.
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33Website
https://www.bahn.com/en
Train from Köln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
Average Duration
4h 3mEstimated price
$75-85Train from Köln Messe/Deutz Bf to Hamburg Hbf
Average Duration
4h 40mEstimated price
$80-90Train from Köln Hbf to D-Flughafen Bf
Average Duration
29mEstimated price
$25-29Train from Köln Hbf to Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf
Average Duration
59mEstimated price
$41-46Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88Website
https://www.sbb.ch/en
Train from Koeln Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
Average Duration
4h 5mEstimated price
$140-260Contact phone
+49 1807 123 99 123Website
https://www.flixtrain.com/
Train from Cologne Central Station to Hamburg Central Station
Average Duration
4h 39mEstimated price
$35-50Train from Cologne Central Station to Hamburg-Harburg
Average Duration
4h 7mEstimated price
$30-50Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Bus from Leverkusen to Hamburg central bus station
Average Duration
6h 55mEstimated price
$35-55Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk
Rideshare from Cologne to Hamburg
Average Duration
4h 26mEstimated price
$16-29Website
https://www.eurowings.com
Plane from Cologne Bonn (CGN) to Hamburg (HAM)
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$70-320Website
https://www.lufthansa.com
Plane from Dusseldorf to Hamburg
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$65-290Plane from Frankfurt to Hamburg
Average Duration
1h 5mEstimated price
$90-490Cologne 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 your trip from Cologne to Hamburg, Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers catering services including a bistro car with a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages available for purchase. There is also a 'DB Lounge' in Cologne’s main station if you arrive early, where you can enjoy refreshments and a comfortable space before boarding.
• The trains on this route primarily offer two seating options: First Class and Second Class (Economy). First Class provides more spacious seats, complimentary beverages, and access to quieter compartment areas, while Second Class is comfortable and affordable for general travel. Consider your budget and preferences when booking your tickets through Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain, which also provides Economy seating options.
• There are several operators running the Cologne to Hamburg route, including Deutsche Bahn (DB) and FlixTrain. You can find schedules and purchase tickets on their respective websites: Deutsche Bahn at bahn.com and FlixTrain at flixtrain.com For additional travel information, you can visit local transportation sites such as the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV) at hvv.de
• Upon arriving at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main station), be aware that you can leave your luggage at the automated luggage lockers located near the entrances for easy exploration of the city. Facilities like restrooms are available, but if you're looking for showers, you might want to check out nearby gyms or hotels. Overall, the station is well signposted, making it easy to navigate.
• The fastest way from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to the city center is to take the U-Bahn (subway). Line U1 towards Sonnenland or line U2 towards Niendorf Nord will take you to the central locations in just a few minutes. Alternatively, buses 5 and 111 can also get you into the heart of the city swiftly.
🛫 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
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Plan for a longer journey time than expected; since there's no direct bus from Cologne to Hamburg, you'll be traveling via Leverkusen, which can lead to possible delays or longer waiting times between transfers.
• Check both FlixBus and other operators like Eurolines for the best schedule and pricing options as fares can vary, with prices ranging from €32 to €50; you can visit FlixBus at flixbus.com and Eurolines at eurolines.eu for more information.
• Upon arrival at Hamburg central bus station, take a moment to review the station map available at hbf-hamburg.de to conveniently navigate your way to other local transport options like the U-Bahn and S-Bahn, ensuring a smooth transition to your final destination.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Cologne to Hamburg.
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The distance between Cologne and Hamburg is 223 miles by road. By train, it takes 4 hours and 3 minutes to travel between the two cities. The fastest option is by plane, with a flight time of 2 hours and 46 minutes. Alternatively, driving between the two cities takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes, while taking a bus will require approximately 8 hours and 35 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cologne to Hamburg is to rideshare, which takes around 4 hours and 26 minutes and typically costs between €14 and €25. This option allows you to share the cost of travel with other passengers, making it a more budget-friendly choice. However, if time is of the essence, flying is the quickest option. It takes approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes and can cost between €50 and €254, depending on the airline and booking time.
The prices for a train ticket between Cologne and Hamburg can range from €26 to €77, depending on the class and level of flexibility. On the other hand, a bus ticket between Hamburg and Cologne typically costs between €32 and €50. These prices may vary depending on the time of year and availability, so it is always recommended to check for the best deals and compare options before booking your travel.
To get from Cologne to Hamburg without using public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service which offers rideshare options between the two cities. This is a great option if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Cologne and Hamburg is approximately 264 miles, and it takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes to drive. The prices for carpooling services can vary from €59 to €100 for this journey.
To travel from Cologne to Hamburg without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes and ticket prices range from €26 to €77. Another alternative is to take a bus, which takes longer at 8 hours and 35 minutes but comes at a lower cost ranging from €32 to €50. Lastly, there is the option to fly from Cologne to Hamburg, which takes around 2 hours and 46 minutes and prices vary from €50 to €254.
Yes, there is a direct link between Cologne and Hamburg. There are direct train services operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express that depart from Köln Hbf and arrive at Hamburg Hbf. The journey takes approximately 4h 3m. However, there is no direct bus connection between Cologne and Hamburg.
The flight between Cologne and Hamburg typically takes around 1 hour. The cost of the flight can vary depending on various factors, ranging from €53 to €247. It is recommended to compare prices from different airlines and book in advance to secure the best deal for your travel.
There are numerous options for staying near Hamburg with over 1013 hotels available. Prices for accommodations start at €45 per night. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, budget motels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, there is something to suit every traveler's preference and budget. It is advisable to check online booking platforms for the best deals and to consider the location and amenities that suit your needs before making a reservation.
Trips from Cologne
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Trips to Hamburg
- Oslo to Hamburg
- Kiel to Hamburg
- Stockholm to Hamburg
- Stuttgart to Hamburg
- Prague to Hamburg
- Copenhagen to Hamburg
- Paris to Hamburg
- Amsterdam to Hamburg
- Brussels to Hamburg
- Frankfurt am Main to Hamburg
- Rotterdam to Hamburg
- Madrid to Hamburg
- Barcelona to Hamburg
- Budapest to Hamburg
- Berlin to Hamburg
- Munich to Hamburg
- Bremen to Hamburg
- Dusseldorf to Hamburg
- London to Hamburg
- Hanover to Hamburg
- Cuxhaven to Hamburg
- Essen to Hamburg
- Vienna to Hamburg
- Lubeck to Hamburg
- Verona to Hamburg
- Istanbul to Hamburg
- Lisbon to Hamburg
- New York City to Hamburg
- Harwich to Hamburg
- Los Angeles to Hamburg
- Warsaw to Hamburg
- Langenfeld (North Rhine-Westphalia) to Hamburg
- Wroclaw to Hamburg
- Bydgoszcz to Hamburg
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- Seattle to Hamburg
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- Selent to Hamburg