Trains from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
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Travelling by train from Hamburg to Frankfurt Hbf
Now, what’s the perfect follow up to a lunch of hamburgers? A dinner of Frankfurters! Ok, so there is more reason than delicious food to take up this trip from Hamburg to Frankfurt, but with about 20 trains a day and a journey time of just under 4 hours we don’t need much more convincing!
Sleek, modern and fully air-conditioned ICE and IC trains will take you from city to city in plenty of comfort. And if you travel in First Class, you're treated to free newspapers, hot and cold drinks and snacks and unlimited WiFi for the entire journey – do we need to say more?
Spend a morning exploring Hamburg harbour and its quaint surrounding canals before heading to Frankfurt for an evening of high-living by taking in the stunning views of Main Tower. See the best of Germany for yourself – just read the information below for top travel tips and book your train tickets from Hamburg to Frankfurt with us.
Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train
It takes an average of 4h 41m to travel from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train, over a distance of around 245 miles (395 km). There are normally 31 trains per day traveling from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and tickets for this journey start from $11.18 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:58 | |
| Departure station | Hamburg | |
| Arrival station | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | |
| Journey time | From 3h 43m | |
| Distance | 245 miles (395 km) | |
| Frequency | 31 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $11.18 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), FlixTrain and IC (Intercity) trains from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
FlixTrain
IC (Intercity)
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.
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An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
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Cheap train tickets from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
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 Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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 Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
How long does the train from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf take?
The average journey time by train between Hamburg and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 4 hours and 41 minutes, with around 31 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 Hamburg and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 3 hours and 43 minutes.
How much does the train from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cost?
Train tickets from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf can start from as little as $11.18 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 Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf without having to change trains. There are 8 direct trains from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The first train from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 00:45. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leave?
The last train from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf leaves at 22:58. 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 Hamburg and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?
Trains travelling from Hamburg to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf cover a distance of around 245 miles (395 km) during the journey.