Hamburg is well connected with Berlin. You can get from Berlin to Hamburg by bus, train, BlaBlaCar, or rental car.
Hamburg is a beautiful city on the River Elbe known as “The Venice of the North.” It’s a vibrant metropolis known for its cultural richness and historical importance within Germany.
The city is the second largest in Germany, but it doesn’t take long to feel like you’re in a small village because of the many narrow alleys and canals that make Hamburg unique.
Hamburg’s port and its industrial heritage have defined the city for centuries. Still, Hamburg is also home to internationally-acclaimed museums, rich culture, beautiful architecture, and famous attractions, making it a must-see destination on any trip to Germany.
Its bright lights, canals, and old town center make for an unforgettable excursion! The world-famous fish market, the Fischmarkt, is also a must-see when visiting Hamburg.
Later, have a stroll along the canals or through the Merchants Quarter (Markthalle), and for dining or drinking, head for one of Hamburg’s best restaurants & cafés!
The city boasts some of the most beautiful sights and offers spectacular nightlife with lots of fun bars & clubs to satisfy all tastes.
If you have a “must-see” list of anywhere in Germany, Hamburg should definitely be at the top.
Tip: Check out our detailed guide about transportation in Germany.
Traveling between Berlin and Hamburg is easy, and you can choose between a bus, train, BlaBlaCar, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Berlin to Hamburg.
How far is Hamburg from Berlin?
The distance from Berlin to Hamburg is 179.4 miles or 288.7 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Berlin to Hamburg
The following table outlines all transportation options from Berlin to Hamburg:
| Method | Travel time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 3-4 hours | EUR 4-EUR 50 |   |
| Train | 1 hour 50 minutes | EUR 36-EUR 92 | |
| BlaBlaCar | ~3 hours | – | |
| Rental Car | ~3 hours | – |
Getting to Hamburg from Berlin
1. Bus from Berlin to Hamburg
Journey Duration: 3-4 hours
The bus is the first and most popular option from Berlin to Hamburg!
PinkBus and FlixBus offer extremely low-cost tickets from Berlin to Hamburg when booked in advance. You may occasionally find tickets for as little as EUR 4, but they are rarely significantly more expensive.
Many buses depart from Berlin’s Central Bus Station throughout the day. The bus ride can last up to four hours or as little as three hours and five minutes.
This depends on whether or not any stops are made along the way, though the route is usually direct, and there are no transfers.
So, buy your bus tickets from Berlin to Hamburg online today to catch the best deals!
How much does a bus from Berlin to Hamburg cost?
A bus from Berlin to Hamburg costs EUR 4-EUR 50.
2. Train from Berlin to Hamburg
Journey Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
The train is the second and most convenient choice for traveling to Hamburg from Berlin!
Hamburg is only a two-hour train ride away from Berlin, thanks to Germany’s high-speed trains!
The hourly Intercity Express (ICE) trains from Berlin Central Station to Hamburg can travel up to 186 miles (or 300 kilometers) per hour.
The cost of the tickets increases as your departure date approaches, but you can typically find them for around EUR 36. Nevertheless, they can cost up to EUR 92.
Although it is more expensive than taking the bus, taking the train can save you time and be more practical.
You can get your train tickets upon arrival at the train station, but we recommend buying your tickets online!
How much does a train from Berlin to Hamburg cost?
A train from Berlin to Hamburg costs EUR 36-EUR 92.
3. BlaBlaCar Carsharing from Berlin to Hamburg
Journey Duration: ~3 hours
With BlaBlaCar, you can find an affordable ride wherever you are going!
You can find other people traveling from Berlin to Hamburg using the car-sharing app BlaBlaCar, and you can reserve a spot in their car.
It’s common for drivers to post their rides a few days in advance, so if you’re lucky, you might occasionally find a great deal!
When you reserve your seat on the shared ride, you can find all the necessary details, including the driver’s information, the final destination, the cost, and the estimated travel time. You will be traveling with other random passengers, and it will take about 3 hours to get from Berlin to Hamburg directly.
It’s very simple to reserve a spot! Go to the BlaBlaCar website, or download the app, and look for the date of your choice!
Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner
4. Driving with Rental Car from Berlin to Hamburg
Journey Duration: ~3 hours
You could always get a rental car and drive to Hamburg if you’d rather travel at your own pace and perhaps take in some of the scenery along the way.
Driving from Berlin to Hamburg takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
You should depart from Berlin heading northwest, joining the A24, and continuing on it to Hamburg. Since it’s a popular route, there should be plenty of signs pointing the way!
A trip to Germany provides an excellent opportunity to try out the famous Autobahn. And a rental car can allow you to do so while still being a reasonably priced option.
Read all the regulations and aspects of driving in Germany before getting a rental car and heading on a road trip!
Best day tours in Hamburg, Germany
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Hamburg, Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Berlin to Hamburg?
The fastest way to get from Berlin to Hamburg is by train, which takes a little less than 2 hours. The fastest train gets to Hamburg in 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the slowest takes only 10 minutes more!
What is the cheapest way to get from Berlin to Hamburg?
The cheapest way to get from Berlin to Hamburg is by bus, with tickets available at only EUR 4!
How long does it take to drive from Berlin to Hamburg?
It takes around 3 hours to drive from Berlin to Hamburg by car.
How much does a train ticket from Berlin to Hamburg cost?
A train ticket from Munich to Berlin usually costs EUR 36-EUR 92.
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