Travelling from Hamburg to Berlin by train
Take the train from Hamburg to Berlin and arrive at the German capital in an hour and three quarters on the high-speed Intercity-Express (ICE). Upgrade to First Class on ICE trains and enjoy quieter carriages, spacious seats, complimentary snacks and access to Deutsche Bahn station lounges at both ends of your journey.
Arriving into Berlin Hbf station, the city will be at your fingertips. The impressive Reichstag Building – home to Germany’s Parliament – is 15 minutes away on foot. If you book far enough in advance, you can secure a table on the restaurant atop the Reichstag. Continue in the same direction to get to the Brandenburg Gate, an impressive remnant of Germany’s imperial past. Ready for a trip to Berlin? Read our page below for journey information, including train times, ticket prices and FAQs.
Hamburg to Berlin by train
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains from Hamburg to Berlin
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
IC (Intercity)
EC (Eurocity)
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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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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EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
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- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
Cheap train tickets from Hamburg to Berlin
- lowest price found‡
- from€13.60
- 4 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€52.46
- 2 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€57.02
- on the day‡
- avg. single price€64.01
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 Berlin 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 guide to check when European train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
How long does the train from Hamburg to Berlin take?
The average journey time by train between Hamburg and Berlin is 2 hours and 22 minutes, with around 20 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.
How fast does the train from Hamburg to Berlin travel?
ICE (Intercity Express) high-speed trains from Hamburg to Berlin can travel at speeds of up to 205 mph (330 km/h). The fastest journey time from Hamburg to Berlin by train is 1 hour and 44 minutes.
How much does the train from Hamburg to Berlin cost?
The average train ticket price from Hamburg to Berlin usually costs around €57.02 two weeks before travel, but can start from as little as €13.60 when you book in advance. Prices also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Hamburg to Berlin?
Yes. There are 18 direct DB trains that travel from Hamburg to Berlin each day with an average journey time of 2 hours and 22 minutes.
What time does the first train from Hamburg to Berlin leave?
The first train from Hamburg to Berlin leaves at 05:27 from Hamburg Hbf. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Hamburg to Berlin leave?
The last train from Hamburg to Berlin leaves at 22:54 from Hamburg Hbf. 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 Berlin by train?
Trains travelling from Hamburg to Berlin cover a distance of around 159 miles (256 km) during the journey.
Which train companies operate between Hamburg and Berlin?
Trains travelling between Hamburg and Berlin are operated by Deutsche Bahn – the national train company in Germany, or EuroCity – a joint venture between train companies in Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
