To Hamburg by train
With ICE
Quickly to the heart of Hamburg
- From € 33 one-way trip with ICE
- Travel time Amsterdam – Hamburg: 5.15 hrs
- Tip! Early booking = lowest prices
The port city of Hamburg is reminiscent of Amsterdam with its many bridges and water. A walk through the Speicherstadt comes highly recommended. This neighbourhood is a complex of warehouses spread over small islands on the river Elbe. Via the underground St. Pauli-Elb tunnel, you can cycle or walk from the centre to the harbour to admire the skyline. There's plenty of choice for culture lovers: the city has an impressive opera house, Kunsthal, and other museums.
Travel information train Hamburg
Due to works on the railway, from October 2, 2026 the ICE towards Berlin will run four times a day directly from Amsterdam to Hamburg-Harburg and Hamburg-Bergedorf, and back again.
With the international train ICE, you can travel from Amsterdam Central Station and just change trains once to get to Hamburg. During your trip you will have all you need to have a pleasant journey and relax in a comfortable chair.
Overview travel time to Hamburg
| Route | Travel time | Transfers | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Hamburg | 5.15 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Utrecht - Hamburg | 5.08 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Rotterdam - Hamburg | 6.04 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Arnhem - Hamburg | 5.04 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Groningen - Hamburg | 3.44 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Eindhoven - Hamburg | 5.46 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Tilburg - Hamburg | 5.41 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Schiphol - Hamburg | 5.23 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Breda - Hamburg | 5.56 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
| Nijmegen - Hamburg | 4.36 hours | 2 | Content | Content |
For a complete travel itinerary, consult our itinerary planner
Prices train tickets Hamburg station
ICE offers different fare types for your journey. You can choose the Flexpreis, Sparpreis or Supersparpreis Europa rate. Each rate has its own conditions.
The price depends on
- The moment of booking - Early booking means lowest prices
- Travel class - 1st or 2nd class
- Flexibility - Regarding changing or cancelling bookings
Options flexibility ICE
Supersparpreis Europa
- Always the most affordable tickets
- Available to book up to and including the day of travel, subject to availability
- Changes and cancellations not possible
Sparpreis Europa
- Affordable tickets
- Available to book up to and including the day of travel, subject to availability
- Changes and cancellations possible at a cost
Flexpreis Europa
- Available to book up to and including the day of travel
- Free to change up to and including the day of travel (except for reservation costs)
- Includes City-Ticket
*With a City-Ticket, travel free by bus, metro and tram on your day of arrival and departure in over 140 German cities. Included with Flexpreis, available at extra cost with Sparpreis and Supersparpreis.
View the full fare information for ICE
Book in advance and save money
The cheapest way to travel by train is to book early. Do you already know when you want to go? Then choose the Supersparpreis Europa fare. This is the most affordable fare, but it is tied to a fixed date, time and train. Changes or cancellations are not possible.
Tips for buying budget train tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
- Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee.
Practical information
To make your train journey as smooth as possible, we have put together the most important practical information for you.
Facilities on board
ICE offers a comfortable travel experience with spacious seating, power sockets and Wi-Fi on board. In 1st class, you enjoy extra space and service. Your city break has already begun before you even arrive.
Read all about the facilities and practical details of ICE
Check the journey planner and app
Always check your journey in the journey planner beforehand. This keeps you informed of any delays or engineering works. Download the NS International App too for up-to-date travel information on the go.
Free access to the lounges
ITravelling in 1st class? You can relax comfortably before your train journey to Düsseldorf in the NS International Lounge in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with a complimentary drink. You also have access to the 1st class lounge of Deutsche Bahn, where you can enjoy a free snack and drink (excluding the Supersparpreis rate (Europe) and the Sparpreis Europe rate).
Seat reservation
In the summer of 2026 (26 June to 31 August), a seat reservation for international trains is compulsory. Outside this period, reserving a seat is not required, but it is recommended. After booking, you will receive a confirmation with your carriage and seat number. Want to make sure you have a seat? Reserve online.
1st class reservation
When booking a 1st class full-flex ticket, the cost of the seat reservation is included in the price. You can often also indicate a seating preference when booking.
Hamburg
Shopping in Hamburg
Shopping in Hamburg is great any time of year. Here's what you need to know about shopping in the northern German city.
Restaurants in Hamburg
Dining out in Hamburg? We have listed Hamburg's best restaurants for you.
Hamburg Zoo
The zoo has everything for a perfect day out: exotic animals, beautiful gardens and architectural landmarks.
Walking tours Hamburg
Discover the city in a unique way. We suggest the best city walks, nature walks and give shopping tips.
Best museums in Hamburg
Museums with art, with the city’s history or shipping. There is plenty to choose from in Hamburg.
Hotels in Hamburg
Trendy, romantic or cheap accommodation? Plenty of choice!
Tips Hamburg
What you should really see and do in the port town.
Weekend getaway Hamburg
Why a city break to Hamburg is a good idea. We share our best tips.
Other destinations in Germany
Bad Bentheim
Nice little city in the forest, just across the border. Historically a spa town.
