Explore Berlin to Hamburg by rail

Getting ready for a trip from Berlin to Hamburg aboard a local train? Here’s what you need to know — including departure times, fastest routes and ticket prices — about the trip.

Train ticket cost for journeys between Berlin and Hamburg

Just like airline tickets, train fares vary by the operator, the number of stops, the time of day you travel, how far in advance you book and more. When it comes to timing, while the cheapest tickets on this route are typically US$20.50, when booked a month in advance, tickets costs an average of US$44, and when purchased a week in advance, tickets increase to US$68.

How to find cheap train tickets

Booking early nearly always keeps more money in your pocket, but there are other ways to save big on tickets. Refer to our cheap train ticket guide to make sure you make the most out of your travel budget.

Berlin to Hamburg daily train schedule

Whether you’re headed to Hamburg on a Tuesday or a Sunday, with 70 trains per day, you will have multiple options to choose from.

  • 03:53: departure of first train Monday-Friday

  • 22:40: departure of last train Monday-Friday

  • 01:08: departure of first train on weekends

  • 22:38: departure of last train on weekends

  • Every 4 minutes: frequency of train departures

Berlin to Hamburg distance and train travel time

The total distance for this route is 257 kilometres, with the fastest trip taking 1 hour and 42 minutes.

Booking horizon for travel between Berlin and Hamburg

Tickets for travel between Berlin and Hamburg can be booked 12 months in advance. Booking earlier ensures lower prices, so be sure to book as far out as possible.

Learn even more about travelling from Berlin to Hamburg by train

Need more information on travelling through Europe by train? Head to our help articles for details on everything from booking to navigating stations and understanding different ticket types. Then review the travel ideas we’ve compiled in our city guide: Hamburg.

Frequently asked questions

How far is the journey from Berlin to Hamburg by train?

The total distance between Berlin and Hamburg by train is 257 kilometres.

What’s the cost of a train ticket from Berlin to Hamburg?

The cheapest tickets for this route start at US$20.50. When booked 30 days ahead, prices are typically US$44. Tickets booked 7 days in advance typically cost US$68.

When do tickets go on sale for trains travelling from Berlin to Hamburg?

Tickets for this journey become available 12 months ahead of the travel date.

How long does the train take from Berlin to Hamburg?

The fastest journey by train is 1 hour and 42 minutes.