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Frankfurt to Hamburg by train
For the first third of the rail journey from from Frankfurt to Hamburg you may wonder why you are on an ICE train, but between Fulda and Hannover you will be travelling on a high speed line.
Routes you can take to go from Frankfurt (Main) / Francfort sur le Main to Hamburg
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
Choose one of the following options:
Route Information
Travel Time (approx)
3hr 36min (approx)
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
1 x train per hour
Is the journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Hamburg direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is this journey scenic?
Not particularly, though when the train is on the high-speed line between Fulda and Gottingen, there are flashes of sweeping valley views from the multiple viaducts.
What other tourist locations are along this route from Frankfurt (Main) to Hamburg?
These trains all call in Hannover
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Hamburg Hbf from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf on this journey option?
- Before 09:55 on Monday to Friday
- Before 11:00 on Saturday and Sunday
- Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Hamburg?
Hamburg Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by frequent local (S-Bahn) trains and the metro (U-Bahn) - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Hamburg Hbf on this journey option
Before 21:15 daily - though this train doesn't arrive into Hamburg until after 01:00am
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Frankfurt (Main)?
Frequent local (S-Bahn) trains travel from stations in the city centre - and multiple tram and metro lines are also available.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Frankfurt to Hamburg trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Germany, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Frankfurt to Hamburg trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Frankfurt to Hamburg trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.
Does the ticket for these Frankfurt to Hamburg trains include assigned seats?
Only when booking the most expensive types of ticket = Flexpreise tickets for travel in 1st class.
So they are not included when booking tickets for travel in 2nd class, or any other type of ticket valid for travel in 1st class
They are available, so they can be added for an additional cost, when booking those types of ticket.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Frankfurt to Hamburg trains?
No they are available, but are not mandatory - Though they are recommended for this route, particularly at Hamburg
- business hours,
- Fridays after midday
- Saturdays before midday
- Sundays after midday
See the rail pass guide for details of the booking options.
Is catering available on the Frankfurt to Hamburg trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.
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