Exploring Germany: Hanover, A Short Hop From Cologne

The distance between Cologne and Hanover, Germany is around 155 miles or 250 kilometres. The fastest trains from Cologne to Hanover take around 2 hours and 33 minutes, covering this distance. On weekdays, the first train leaving Cologne is scheduled to depart at around 6:48 am and the last departure is usually at around 11:19 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, trains leave Cologne at around 6:45 am, with the last train leaving at 11:19 pm. There are frequent services on this particular rail route, with around 40 trains per day travelling between the two cities and leaving approximately every 14 minutes. The cheapest train ticket from Cologne to Hanover will cost around $5.18 or €5 if bought in advance.

Cologne to Hanover: Travel options and costs

The distance between Cologne and Hanover is around 155 miles or 250 kilometres. Here are some options for travelling between the two cities and what costs to expect.

By Train

Taking the train is a popular option for this journey. The average journey time is around 3 hours, with the fastest train taking 2 hours and 24 minutes. The price of tickets varies, but you can find tickets for as little as $5.18, $6 or €5 if you book in advance. The average price is around $27.27 or €40. There are frequent trains, with around 13-17 direct trains per day and up to 55 travel options in total.

By Bus

Although there is less information available for this option, it is possible to travel by bus from Cologne to Hanover. The journey time is likely to be longer than by train, and prices are expected to be higher.

By Plane

Flying is another option, with a flight time of around 49 minutes. However, when you factor in travel to and from the airport and time spent at the airport, the total journey time is around 10 hours.

By Car

Driving is a feasible option for this journey, with a distance of 186 miles or 299 kilometres. The drive usually takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes, but you can also make a road trip with stops along the way.

How far is it from Cologne to Hanover?

The distance between Cologne and Hanover in Germany varies depending on the mode of transport. If you are travelling by train, the distance is approximately 154 miles (249 km). The distance by car is longer, at 186 miles (299 km).

The distance "as the crow flies" is 155 miles (250 km). This is the flight distance if you were to fly in a straight line between the two cities.

The train journey from Cologne to Hanover takes on average 2 hours 48 minutes, with the fastest train taking 2 hours 24 minutes. There are up to 55 trains per day, with the first departing Cologne at around 6:45 am and the last just before 11 pm.

If you are driving, the trip will take around 2 hours 59 minutes, but you could also stop off along the way in towns and cities such as Dortmund, Soest, Bielefeld, Minden, and Wunstorf.

How long does the journey take?

The duration of the journey from Cologne to Hanover depends on the mode of transport.

By Train

The train journey from Cologne to Hanover takes about 2 hours and 33 minutes on average. The fastest train will get you there in 2 hours and 24 minutes, while the slowest will take 6 hours and 44 minutes. There are 13 to 39 trains travelling from Cologne to Hanover every day, with the first train departing as early as 2:28 AM and the last train leaving at 10:31 PM. The price of a train ticket ranges from $5.18 to $75.94, with the average price being $27.27.

By Car

The driving distance from Cologne to Hanover is 186 miles or 299 kilometres. The driving time is approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes.

By Plane

The flight distance from Cologne to Hanover is 155 miles or 250 kilometres. The flight time is approximately 49 minutes. However, when taking into account the time to get to and from the airport, as well as security and layover times, the total travel time can be around 10 hours.

What are the departure and arrival points?

For this journey, we will be travelling from Cologne to Hanover in Germany. Our departure point, Cologne, is a vibrant city located in the west of Germany, nestled alongside the River Rhine. It is a cultural hub known for its stunning Gothic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and, of course, its world-famous Cologne Cathedral. The city offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and business travellers alike.

When departing from Cologne, there are several transport options to consider. The city has an efficient public transport system, including an extensive network of buses, trams, and subway lines. The main train station, Köln Hauptbahnhof, serves as a central hub for regional and long-distance trains, providing connections to various destinations across Germany and beyond. This modern transit hub is conveniently located in the city centre, making it easily accessible for those starting their journey in Cologne.

Now, let's talk about our arrival point, Hanover. Situated in north-central Germany, Hanover is a dynamic city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. It is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony and is known for its beautiful green spaces, elegant architecture, and lively student population. Hanover has played a significant role in German history and is renowned for its annual technology and industrial trade fairs.

Upon arriving in Hanover, travellers will find a well-developed public transport network that makes navigating the city a breeze. The Hanover Stadtbahn, a combination of underground, ground-level, and elevated rail systems, efficiently connects different parts of the city. The main train station, Hannover Hauptbahnhof, serves as a vital transport hub, providing connections to regional and long-distance destinations. Similar to Cologne, Hanover's central station is conveniently located, offering easy access to the city's main attractions and accommodations.

What are the best times to book?

The best times to book travel between Cologne and Hanover are when tickets are at their cheapest. The average train ticket price for this route is $44 (€38), but prices vary depending on the time of day and class. The cheapest train tickets for this route can start from as little as $6 (€5) when booked in advance.

For example, the cheapest train ticket from Hanover to Cologne is $11 (€10), and from Cologne to Hanover, it is $21 (€18). Booking three weeks in advance can save up to 67% compared to the price available on the day of departure. Booking two months in advance saves up to about 43% compared to the initial price, and booking three months in advance could save up to 43%.

It is also recommended to avoid travelling at rush hour to find a cheap fare.

Frequently asked questions