Hamburg to Berlin by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €35.49
Route Overview: Hamburg to Berlin
Travel from Hamburg to Berlin by ICE train in as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes. Up to 36 Deutsche Bahn services run daily between Germany's second-largest city and its capital, with approximately 21 direct ICE connections.
At just 256 km, Hamburg-Berlin is one of Germany's shortest major intercity routes. ICE trains travel on upgraded conventional track at up to 230 km/h -- there is no dedicated high-speed line on this corridor. In the 2026 timetable, trains run at approximately half-hourly intervals during peak periods.
Tickets start from €17.99 per person one way in 2nd class (Super Sparpreis, advance booking). The route uses a mix of ICE 1 (older, classic interiors) and ICE 4 (newer, more modern) trains, both with 1st and 2nd class, restaurant car, WiFi and power outlets.
How Long Is the Hamburg to Berlin Train?
The direct Deutsche Bahn from Hamburg to Berlin takes approximately 1h 45min, with multiple daily departures.
How Much Does a Hamburg to Berlin Train Ticket Cost?
Tickets start from €35.49 when booked in advance. Prices vary by date, time, and availability.
How Many Trains Run Daily from Hamburg to Berlin?
Up to 36/day trains operate daily on the Hamburg to Berlin route.
Train Operator
Deutsche Bahn
Direct high-speed service · 1h 45min max
Which Stations Serve the Hamburg to Berlin Route?
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Location: Hachmannplatz 16, Central Hamburg
- S-Bahn (S1, S2, S3, S11, S21, S31), U-Bahn (U1, U3), Bus. Nearby: Hamburg-Altona (western Hamburg, some ICE start/end here), Hamburg Dammtor
Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Location: Europaplatz 1, Central Berlin (Mitte district)
- S-Bahn (S3, S5, S7, S9), U-Bahn (U5), Tram (M5, M8, M10), Bus (120, 142, 147, 245, TXL). Nearby: Berlin Sudkreuz, Berlin Ostbahnhof
What Classes Are Available on Hamburg to Berlin Trains?
2nd Class (Standard)
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at seats
- Fold-down tables
- Children's compartment on some trains
- Bordrestaurant/Bordbistro car
1st Class
- More legroom
- Quieter carriages
- At-seat catering service
- Free newspapers/magazines
- Access to DB Lounges at major stations
- Seat reservation included with Flexpreis
How to Book the Hamburg to Berlin Train?
Starting Price
Per person, one way in 2nd Class (Standard) class. Prices shown are indicative and based on recent availability. Actual fares may vary.
Book Early
Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings offer the best prices.
Children & Youth
Children 4-11 may qualify for reduced fares. Youth discounts may be available. Infants under 4 travel free
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance applies
What Should You Know About Hamburg to Berlin Trains?
Germany's Shortest Major ICE Corridor
At just 256 km, Hamburg-Berlin is one of Germany's shortest major intercity routes. The fastest ICE trains cover the distance in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it comparable to a short-haul flight -- without the airport check-in.
No High-Speed Line (Yet)
Unlike the Berlin-Munich or Frankfurt-Cologne corridors, there is no dedicated high-speed line between Hamburg and Berlin. ICE trains travel on upgraded conventional track at up to 230 km/h. A new high-speed line has been discussed but is not yet under construction, so current journey times are expected to remain stable.
Half-Hourly Service Pattern
In the 2026 timetable, ICE trains between Hamburg and Berlin run at approximately half-hourly intervals on the busiest parts of the day. This makes it one of Germany's highest-frequency intercity corridors -- comparable to a metro service for long-distance travel.
Hamburg-Altona Departure
Some ICE trains on this route start or terminate at Hamburg-Altona instead of Hamburg Hbf. Altona is in western Hamburg and can be more convenient for travellers staying in the Altona or St. Pauli districts. Check the specific train's departure station when booking.
Train Types on This Route
The Hamburg-Berlin corridor uses a mix of ICE 1 (older, classic interiors, up to 280 km/h) and ICE 4 (newer, more modern). Both types have 1st and 2nd class, restaurant car, WiFi and power outlets. ICE 4 trains are slightly quieter and more energy-efficient.
Gateway to Scandinavia
Hamburg Hbf is the departure point for international trains to Denmark (Copenhagen via EuroCity Express) and connections to Sweden. Passengers travelling from Berlin can connect in Hamburg for onward Scandinavian travel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hamburg to Berlin
The fastest ICE trains take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The average journey time including all services is around 2 hours and 39 minutes.
Super Sparpreis tickets start from €17.99 in 2nd class when booked in advance. This is one of Germany's most affordable major ICE routes.
Up to 36 trains per day, with approximately 21 direct ICE services. Trains run from early morning (around 04:39) to late night (around 23:52).
Seat reservation is optional on this domestic route and costs €4.90 in 2nd class. On shorter routes like Hamburg-Berlin, many passengers travel without a reservation. However, Friday evening and Sunday evening trains can be very busy.
Most trains depart from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg Hbf) in the city centre. Some services start at Hamburg-Altona or Hamburg Dammtor -- check the specific departure station on your ticket.
Yes. With a fastest journey time under 2 hours each way and trains running throughout the day, a day trip between Hamburg and Berlin is very common among both tourists and business travellers.