Travelling from Hamburg to Berlin by train
Planning to take the train from Hamburg to Berlin? Start your journey with us.
The train from Hamburg to Berlin usually takes 2h 21m, but can take just 1h 45m on the fastest services. You can travel direct on this route with Deutsche Bahn. On board, you'll find comfortable seating, space for luggage and, on most services, free WiFi as standard.
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 to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Hamburg to Berlin in our Journey Planner at the top of the page, or keep reading for money-saving tips and FAQs.
Hamburg to Berlin by train
| Journey time | From 1h 45m |
|---|---|
| Price | From €4.99 |
| Distance | 159 miles (256 km) |
| Frequency | 33 trains per day |
| First train | 05:27 |
| Last train | 23:07 |
| Departure station | Hamburg |
| Arrival station | Berlin |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Pinkbus |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), FlixTrain and IC (Intercity) trains from Hamburg to Berlin
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 Berlin
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 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.
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 33 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 Berlin by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Hamburg to Berlin is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
How much does the train from Hamburg to Berlin cost?
Train ticket prices from Hamburg to Berlin can start from as little as €4.99 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Hamburg to Berlin?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Hamburg to Berlin without having to change trains. There are 30 direct trains from Hamburg to Berlin 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 Berlin leave?
The first train from Hamburg to Berlin leaves at 05:27. 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 23:07. 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.