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How to get from Berlin to Hamburg
The fastest way from Berlin to Hamburg is the Deutsche Bahn ICE or IC train, about 1 h 45 to 2 h from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. The cheapest is a FlixBus coach, about 3 h 15 for a low fare. Driving on the A24 takes about 3 h.
Best option: Train. Trains run at least hourly between the two central stations and take well under half the time of a coach.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Deutsche Bahn ICE and IC trains from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (also Spandau) to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof | about 1 h 45 to 2 h | roughly hourly or more often | about €20–80; saver fares are cheapest booked early | The line was closed for a long rebuild in 2025–26; check current timetables in case of remaining works. |
| bus FlixBus coaches from Berlin (ZOB and other stops) to Hamburg ZOB | about 3 h 15 | many a day | about €10–25 | The cheapest option; Hamburg ZOB is next to the main station. |
| car A24 motorway | about 3 h | fuel only, no motorway tolls for cars | Traffic builds around both cities at rush hour; parking in central Hamburg is expensive. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book Sparpreis train fares a few weeks ahead for the lowest prices; Flexpreis can be bought any time.
- The Deutschlandticket is valid only on regional trains; with it, the trip takes over 3 hours with changes.
- Hamburg ZOB coach station is a few minutes' walk from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof.
- Seat reservations are worth it on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
Common questions
How long is the train from Berlin to Hamburg?
About 1 h 45 to 2 h on an ICE or IC from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. Trains run at least hourly. The line underwent a long closure for renovation in 2025 and 2026, during which trains were diverted, so check current timetables to confirm normal running before you travel.
Can I do Berlin to Hamburg as a day trip?
Yes. Leave Berlin around 8:00 and you are in central Hamburg before 10:00, which leaves a full day for the harbour, Speicherstadt and the old town. Trains back run until late evening. Book saver fares early for both directions to keep the cost down.
What is the cheapest way from Berlin to Hamburg?
A FlixBus coach, often around €10–25 one way, taking about 3 h 15. Deutsche Bahn saver fares booked weeks ahead can be nearly as cheap and much faster. With a Deutschlandticket you can also go on regional trains only, but it takes over three hours with changes.
Do I need to book the train ahead?
Not necessarily. A Flexpreis ticket can be bought up to departure and is valid on any train that day. Saver fares (Sparpreis) are cheaper but tied to one train and sell out. A seat reservation is recommended at busy times, especially Friday and Sunday afternoons.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.