Train from Hamburg to Cologne: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Hamburg to Cologne on 16 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Deutsche Bahn ICE
Hamburg Hbf
HbfCheapest
Deutsche Bahn ICE
Hamburg Hbf
HbfFastest
Flixbus + Flixtrain
    HAM Airport
    HbfNo tags
    Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Hamburg Hbf
    HbfNo tags
    InterCity
    Hamburg Hbf
    HbfNo tags

    Last refresh of the prices: Today at 7:22 AM CET.

    Compare 3 ways to travel from Hamburg to Cologne

    We recommend carpooling

    Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cologne. 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.

    9carpool per day
    4h 20mAverage duration
    358 kmDistance
    15kgCO₂ emissions
    Average priceR 322 - R 2 298Average duration10h 5m
    9kg CO₂e
    Average priceR 206 - R 3 673Average duration4h 13m
    9kg CO₂e
    Carpool
    Average priceR 355 - R 989Average duration4h 20m
    15kg CO₂e

    Frequently asked questions about travelling from Hamburg to Cologne 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 Hamburg to Cologne?

      The cheapest train tickets from Hamburg to Cologne start from R 206. The average price for this train route is around R 1 076. 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 Hamburg to Cologne?

      The average train journey time from Hamburg to Cologne is 4h 13m, covering a distance of 357 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 35m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.

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

      Several major train operators serve this route, with 30 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, FlixBus.

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

      The earliest train from Hamburg to Cologne departs at 06:01. And the latest train departs at 22:49.

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

      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 Hamburg to Cologne?

      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 Hamburg to Cologne?

      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 Hamburg to Cologne?

      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
    13/12
    R 952
    14/12
    R 1 113
    Today
    R 373
    16/12
    R 373
    17/12
    R 373
    18/12
    R 414
    19/12
    R 910
    20/12
    R 910
    busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Hamburg to Cologne was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 373

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

    You can expect to pay from R 373 to R 3 772 for a train ticket from Hamburg to Cologne based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 373, 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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