Trains from Cologne to Hannover
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How to travel from Cologne to Hannover by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Cologne to Hannover? Look no further.
You'll usually find 13 trains per day running between Cologne and Hannover, which usually take 15 hours 41 minutes to complete the 756 km journey. It can take as little as 13 hours 33 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Hannover from Cologne, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be traveling with Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Cologne to Hannover if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from $76.44. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Cologne to Hannover by train
It takes an average of 15h 41m to travel from Cologne to Hannover by train, over a distance of around 470 miles (756 km). There are normally 13 trains per day traveling from Cologne to Hannover and tickets for this journey start from $76.44 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:40 | |
| Departure station | Cologne | |
| Arrival station | Hannover | |
| Journey time | From 13h 33m | |
| Distance | 470 miles (756 km) | |
| Frequency | 13 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From $76.44 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Italo, Trenord |
Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and SBB trains from Cologne to Hannover
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenitalia
SBB
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
More information
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
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Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Cologne to Hannover
Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Cologne to Hannover.
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
Standard
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Premium
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service supplying a complimentary sweet or salty snack and a drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Business
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free snack box is also served to your seat.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Executive
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Smart
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Prima
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Club Executive
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Second Class
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat - just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your bags in the dedicated baggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
First Class
Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne to Hannover.
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
- You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
- You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
- If you travel in Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
- You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
- You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
- Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
- Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
- Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
- Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant cars.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
- You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat.
- If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
- Italo trains offer free WiFi and a free entertainment portal called ItaloLive, where you can choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
- You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
- Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat.
- Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
- You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage
- Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
- Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
- Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
- A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Hannover
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Cologne to Hannover by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Cologne to Hannover
Want to know more about your journey from Cologne to Hannover? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Cologne to Hannover take?
The average journey time by train between Cologne and Hannover is 15 hours and 41 minutes, with around 13 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Cologne and Hannover by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cologne to Hannover is 13 hours and 33 minutes.
How much does the train from Cologne to Hannover cost?
Train tickets from Cologne to Hannover can start from as little as $76.44 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Cologne to Hannover?
No, there are no direct train services from Cologne to Hannover. Travelling from Cologne to Hannover by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Cologne to Hannover leave?
The first train from Cologne to Hannover leaves at 00:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cologne to Hannover leave?
The last train from Cologne to Hannover leaves at 22:40. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Cologne and Hannover by train?
Trains travelling from Cologne to Hannover cover a distance of around 470 miles (756 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Hannover to Cologne.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.