Travel Guide: Hamburg To Cologne, Best Routes And Tips

Getting from Hamburg to Cologne, or vice versa, is a journey of around 260-270 miles. There are several ways to travel between the two cities, including by train, bus, plane, or car. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 2.5 hours. However, the best way to get from one city to the other is by train, which takes around 3.5-4 hours and costs $35-85. There are around 9-10 ways to get from Hamburg to Cologne, or Cologne to Hamburg, by train, with trains departing every hour.

Travel by train

There are several ways to travel from Hamburg to Cologne, but travelling by train is one of the best options. The train journey is direct, covering a distance of approximately 222-360 kilometres, and takes around 3 hours and 32 minutes to 4 hours and 18 minutes.

Train Companies

Deutsche Bahn, Flixtrain, Deutsche Bahn with connection, Hamburg-Köln-Express, and Locomore all offer train services from Hamburg to Cologne. Flixtrain is a good option for those looking for an affordable, environmentally-friendly option, with tickets starting at €4.99.

Train Stations

All trains from Hamburg to Cologne depart from Hamburg's Hauptbahnhof. The quickest route to the station is to take the Metro or the S-Bahn. The U3 Metro line is also a useful route to get to central destinations.

All trains from Cologne to Hamburg arrive at the Cologne Hauptbahnhof, which is a central hub on the HVV transport network.

Tickets

Tickets for the train can be purchased online or through the FlixTrain App. For the best deals, it is recommended to book in advance and to avoid travelling at rush hour. Tickets can be found for as little as €10.99, while the average ticket costs around €23.

Travel by bus

If you're looking to travel from Hamburg to Cologne by bus, there are a few different options to consider. The journey will take around 6 to 9 hours, including transfers, and there are a few different routes and operators to choose from. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:

Step 1: Getting to the Bus Station

Firstly, you'll need to get to the bus station in Hamburg. The main bus station in Hamburg is called "Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof" or "ZOB Hamburg" for short. You can get there by taking public transport, such as buses or the U-Bahn, or by taxi. The station is located in the St. Georg area of Hamburg, not far from the main train station, Hamburg Hauptbahnhof.

Step 2: Buying Tickets

Once you arrive at ZOB Hamburg, you'll need to purchase a ticket for your journey to Cologne. There are a few different bus companies that operate on this route, including FlixBus and Deutsche Bahn. You can usually buy tickets online in advance, or you may be able to purchase them at the station. It's always a good idea to compare prices and departure times between the different companies to find the option that best suits your needs.

Step 3: Boarding the Bus

With your ticket in hand, it's time to board the bus! Make sure you arrive at the bus platform with enough time to spare before your scheduled departure. The platform number will be listed on the departure boards at the bus station. Simply find the correct platform and board the bus.

Step 4: The Journey

The journey from Hamburg to Cologne by bus will take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and any stops along the way. The buses are usually comfortable and provide a relaxing way to travel between the two cities. You can expect to make a few stops along the way, including a break at a service station to stretch your legs and purchase refreshments.

Step 5: Arrival in Cologne

Upon arrival in Cologne, the bus will drop you off at one of the city's bus stations. The main bus station in Cologne is called "Köln Heumarkt", which is located in the city centre, not far from the Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine River. From there, you can easily continue your journey by public transport, taxi, or on foot.

Tips and Additional Information:

• It's always a good idea to bring some entertainment for the journey, such as a good book, music, or a laptop, as the trip can be quite long.
• Make sure to pack some snacks and drinks, as the bus may not have a catering service.
• If you have large luggage, be sure to check the luggage policies of the bus company before your trip to ensure your bags comply with their size and weight restrictions.
• Consider booking your ticket in advance, as prices may increase closer to the departure date.

Travel by car

The distance between Hamburg and Cologne is approximately 264 miles, and the drive takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes.

If you're driving, you'll be taking the A1 and A30 highways. Leave Hamburg via the A1, following signs for the A1/E22/Bremen/Lübeck/Kiel/Berlin. After around 100 miles, you'll reach the Maschener Kreuz junction, where you'll take the second exit to merge onto the A30 towards Osnabrück/Bad Oeynhausen. Continue on the A30 for around 60 miles, then take the B611 exit towards Bad Oeynhausen/Minden-Süd/Löhne. Keep right to continue towards B611, then take the B61 towards Herford/Bielefeld. After around 10 miles, merge onto the A2 towards Dortmund. Continue on the A2 for around 40 miles, then take the exit towards Kreuz Bielefeld and merge onto the A33. After around 20 miles, take the exit towards the A3/Köln/Oberhausen/Düsseldorf, and merge onto the A3. Continue on the A3 for around 30 miles, then take the exit towards Köln-Dellbrück/Leverkusen-Mesch. Keep right to continue towards Köln-Dellbrück, then take the B506 towards Köln-Dellbrück. After around half a mile, turn left onto Bergisch-Gladbacher-Str., then turn right onto Bergisch-Gladbacher-Str./B506. After around half a mile, turn left to stay on Bergisch-Gladbacher-Str. and continue for around 2 miles. Finally, turn right onto Bergisch-Gladbacher-Str./B506, then turn left to arrive at Köln Hbf in Cologne.

Travel by plane

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Hamburg to Cologne, with the flight itself lasting only around an hour. Eurowings offers direct flights between Hamburg Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport, with prices ranging from €53 to €256.

You can also take a connecting flight from Hamburg to Cologne, with prices starting at $116 (€100). Airlines such as Eurowings, TUIfly, and airmax offer flights on this route. The total travel time for a connecting flight is around 3 to 4 hours.

When planning your trip, it is recommended to book your flight in advance to secure the best prices. Additionally, online check-in and arriving at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight can save you time at the airport.

Alternative Travel Options

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider travelling by train or bus. The train journey takes around 3 to 4 hours and offers a range of amenities, including catering options and different seating classes. Bus travel is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at $18, but the journey takes significantly longer, around 6 to 8 hours.

For those who prefer a more flexible mode of transportation, driving is also an option. The road distance between Hamburg and Cologne is approximately 264 miles, and the drive typically takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Travel by night train

Night trains are a great way to travel between Hamburg and Cologne. Here is some information on how to travel by night train:

Tickets and Fares:

Night train tickets can be purchased online or at the train station. Fares vary depending on the type of ticket and the time of booking. The cheapest tickets can be found when booking in advance, with prices as low as €10.99 for the entire journey. Tickets bought on the day of travel will be more expensive, with an average price of €47. It is recommended to book in advance and avoid travelling during rush hour to get the best fares.

Train Stations:

When travelling by night train from Hamburg to Cologne, passengers will depart from Hamburg Central Station (Hamburg Hbf) and arrive at Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf). These stations are easily accessible by public transport, with the Metro or S-Bahn being the quickest way to reach Cologne Central Station, and the S-Bahn providing a convenient connection to Hamburg Central Station.

Timings:

The first night train from Hamburg to Cologne departs at 9:13 PM and arrives in Cologne at 5:21 AM. This journey takes approximately 8 hours, including stops along the way. There are multiple departures throughout the night, with the last train leaving Hamburg at 11:09 PM and arriving in Cologne at 6:32 AM.

Onboard Services:

The night trains between Hamburg and Cologne offer a range of onboard services to make your journey comfortable. These include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and toilets. Some trains may also have a restaurant car or café offering refreshments and snacks.

Luggage:

Night trains usually allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one checked bag. If you need to bring additional luggage or special items, be sure to check the luggage policies before your journey.

Accessibility:

The night trains between Hamburg and Cologne are designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. The trains have wheelchair access and can accommodate guide dogs if contacting customer service in advance.

Tips:

• Book in advance to secure the best fares.
• Avoid travelling during rush hour for cheaper tickets.
• Arrive at the train station at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Consider bringing your own food and drinks if there is no restaurant car on board.

Frequently asked questions