 A German ICE train |
This page explains how to travel by train from Hamburg to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Information current for 2025.
Before you buy your tickets
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a 35 point-to-point ticket?". How far ahead can you buy train tickets?
European train travel FAQ
Hamburg to other destinations in Germany
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Hamburg to any destination in Germany
int.bahn.de will book trains from Hamburg to anywhere in Germany.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, except when the mid-December timetable change gets in the way. More about when booking opens.
With just a handful of exceptions, German domestic trains are never reservation compulsory so you can always just turn up, buy a ticket and get on the next train without a reservation - although you will usually have to pay the more expensive Flexpreis on the day of travel.
However, if you pre-book there are cheap advance-purchase Sparpreis (savings) fares for 19.99, 29.99, 39.99 etc. for long-distance journeys, so buy in advance if you want to save money.
A seat reservation is usually optional for a small extra charge, 5.50 2nd class or 6.90 1st class, per seat, if you don't want one you can sit in any unreserved seat but risk the train being busy. You can choose your seat from a seat map when booking a German IC or ICE train.
I recommend registering when prompted, so you can always log in and check or re-print your bookings.
You print your own tickets or can show it on your phone. More tips for using bahn.de.
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About train travel in Germany
See the train travel in Germany page for a beginner's guide to train travel in Germany, including how to buy tickets and an explanation of the Deutschland Ticket and Lander tickets.
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Hamburg to Munich by Nightjet sleeper - the time-effective option
There's a time-effective Nightjet sleeper train between Hamburg & Munich, leaving Hamburg Hbf 20:10, arriving Munich Hbf 07:06.
This is a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices).
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Lo-cost Flixtrains to Berlin, Dόsseldorf, Cologne
In addition to the regular service provided by DB, competing lo-cost operator Flixtrain offers two trains per day from Hamburg to Berlin, Dόsseldorf & Cologne. Flixtrains have one class of seating with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. There's no catering.
Fares start at 9.99 and vary like air fares. If you need to travel at short notice, Flixtrain can be a lot cheaper than using DB.
Book at www.flixtrain.com or Omio.com.
Hamburg to London & UK
Hamburg to Dublin & Ireland
Option 1, Hamburg to Dublin via London & Holyhead - daily departures
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to London by high-speed train & Eurostar, see the London-Germany page for times, fares, how to buy tickets.
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Stay overnight in London, see suggested hotels near St Pancras. It's a 10 minute walk from London St Pancras to London Euston.
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Day 2, travel from London Euston to Dublin on the morning train & ferry service, arriving Dublin Ferryport 17:25, see the London-Dublin page for times, fares & how to buy tickets. Rail & Sail is an inexpensive, fun and interesting way to go, see more about the journey.
Option 2, Hamburg to Dublin via Paris & Cherbourg - several times a week
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Paris by high-speed train on any departure you like, as shown below.
Fares start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend changing Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Paris, see hotels near the stations.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Dublin by train & ferry, taking a morning train from Paris St Lazare to Cherbourg & an overnight ferry to Dublin as shown in the Paris to Dublin section, arriving in the morning on Day 3.
Irish Ferries sails Cherbourg-Dublin several times a week, see the Paris to Dublin section for full details.
Start by booking the ferry at www.irishferries.com then add a train connection at www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com.
Hamburg to Paris from 49.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Paris in a single day
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It's easy to travel from Hamburg to Paris by high-speed train, a chill-out journey across Europe. For example:
Leave Hamburg Hbf 06:18 by ICE, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE3, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 14:06.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:24 by ICE, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto a TGV Duplex, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 16:52.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:24 by ICE, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE3, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 18:15.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 12:24 by ICE, change at Mannheim onto a TGV Duplex, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 20:43.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 14:24 by ICE, change at Karlsruhe onto a TGV Duplex, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 22:14.
ICE trains have a restaurant car, TGV Duplex have a cafe-bar, both have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
They travel at up to 320 km/h (199 mph) on the TGV-Est high-speed line to Paris. On the TGV I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
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Fares start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Tip: I recommend travelling from Hamburg via Karlsruhe or Mannheim to Paris Gare de l'Est, as shown above. This way you'll get a through ticket with protected connections and it's usually cheaper. It's also possible to travel Hamburg to Cologne with German Railways then Cologne to Paris Gare du Nord with Eurostar (formerly Thalys), but this involves two separate tickets which usually makes it more expensive and the connections won't be fully-protected as with a through ticket. Specifying Paris Est as your destination removes journeys involving Eurostar (formerly Thalys) from cluttering up the search results. In the search results, look for a price in , ignore journeys that say Determine price.
Option 2, Hamburg to Paris with overnight stop in Cologne - time-effective, with an evening in Cologne
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Cologne, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 18:46, arriving Cologne Hbf 22:49.
The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. By all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Cologne, Cologne's magnificent cathedral is right next to the station.
Fares start at 19.99 in 2nd class or 49.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Cologne. Hotels near Cologne Hbf with good or great reviews include the Breslauer Hof Am Dom, Hotel Domspitzen, CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.
For dinner I recommend the excellent Brauhaus Sion (www.brauhaus-sion.de), 8 minutes walk from Cologne Hbf, see walking map, or the Malzmuehle restaurant (www.muehlenkoelsch.de), 17 minutes walk away, see walking map.
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Day 2, travel from Cologne to Paris by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) leaving Cologne Hbf at 06:44, arriving Paris Gare du Nord 10:05.
Or have a leisurely breakfast and take the 08:44 Thalys arriving Paris Gare du Nord 12:05.
Eurostars have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class or 72 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com.
Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Hamburg to Paris using a Nightjet sleeper train, the most time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Karlsruhe by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 22:08, arriving Karlsruhe Hbf 06:03.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. In sleepers & couchettes, a light breakfast is included. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this sleeper train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Karlsruhe to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Karlsruhe Hbf at 07:32 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 10:06.
On Sundays, you leave Karlsruhe Hbf at 08:06 arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 10:38.
The TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck. You've time for breakfast in Karlsruhe between trains.
Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Hamburg to Karlsruhe by Nightjet sleeper train. Above, a Comfortline sleeping-car. More about Nightjets.
Step 2, Karlsruhe to Paris by TGV Duplex. More about TGV Duplex.
Hamburg to Strasbourg
Option 1, Hamburg to Strasbourg by daytime trains
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You can travel from Hamburg to Strasbourg by train with just 1 change in around 5h50.
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Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: Look for journeys with just 1 change, and watch out for tight connections: Consider changing Transfer time from normal to 20 minutes.
Option 2, Hamburg to Strasbourg by sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Offenburg by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 22:08, arriving Offenburg 06:37.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. In sleepers & couchettes, a light breakfast is included. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this sleeper train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Offenburg to Strasbourg by regional train, leaving Offenburg at 07:35 arriving Strasbourg 08:04.
On Mondays-Fridays you should make an earlier train, at 07:05 arriving 07:34.
The fare is a fixed-price 11.80, good for any train that day.
Buy this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de and print it out or show it on your phone.
Hamburg to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Cannes, Nice & other French cities
Option 1, Hamburg to Lyon, Avignon or Marseille in a day with one easy change in Mannheim or Frankfurt - no need to cross Paris!
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Frankfurt by ICE, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 09:24, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 13:00.
The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel to France by TGV Duplex, leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 13:56 every day, arriving Lyon Part Dieu 19:56, Avignon TGV 21:09, Aix en Provence TGV 21:31 & Marseille St Charles 21:46.
The 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
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Fares from Hamburg to France start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 79.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book from Hamburg to Lyon, Avignon, Aix or Marseille at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Before running the enquiry, change Transfer time from normal to 45 minutes. This gets you a robust connection in Frankfurt.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Marseille. Inexpensive hotels with good reviews just outside Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles, Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles.
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Step 3, travel from Marseille to Cannes or Nice next day, fares from 15, check times & buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone
Option 2, Hamburg to anywhere in France with an overnight stop in Paris
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Paris, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 14:24 by ICE, change at Karlsruhe onto a TGV Duplex, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 22:14.
By all means take an earlier one and have a leisurely dinner in Paris. ICEs have a restaurant car, TGV Duplex have a cafe-bar, both types have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times & buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de l'Est to Gare de Lyon.
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Stay overnight in Paris. The Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon is part of the Gare de Lyon station complex, ideal for an early train next morning. See other suggested hotels near the Gare de l'Est & Gare de Lyon.
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Day 2, travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Cannes or Nice by high-speed TGV Duplex with cafe-bar. Or travel from Paris to anywhere else in France.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Hamburg to central & southern France with overnight stop in Brussels
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Brussels on any afternoon or evening train you like, for example:
Leave Hamburg Hbf 12:50, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 19:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 14:44, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 21:35.
Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Brussels. I recommend the excellent Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station itself, or the inexpensive Ibis Brussels Midi just across the road.
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Day 2, travel from Brussels to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Nimes & Montpellier on a direct Brussels-France TGV with cafe-bar & free WiFi.
There are several morning departures to these places, using the Paris by-pass line through Marne la Vallιe, avoiding the need for passengers to change trains and stations in Paris.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times and buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem. small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). Booking for French trains opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Hamburg to Brussels & Bruges from 39.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Brussels or anywhere in Belgium with a DB through ticket
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Leave Hamburg Hbf 06:45, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 13:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:45, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 15:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:45, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 17:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 12:50, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 19:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 14:44, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 21:35.
You travel from Hamburg to Cologne by ICE4 high-speed train, then Cologne to Brussels by ICE3 high-speed train. ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Change in Brussels for regular Belgian domestic trains to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and other Belgian destinations.
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Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
You can book from Hamburg to Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp or any station in Belgium.
Tip: Click Stopovers and enter Brussel Noord as a stopover leaving length of stay 00:00. This removes Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains from the search results as these don't call here, leaving only DB-run ICE trains on which DB can sell through tickets at inclusive prices.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Hamburg to Cologne by ICE, then Cologne to Brussels by Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
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There are also Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains between Cologne and Brussels every 2 hours or so, in the hours when the German ICE isn't running. You can use these if you like, but it means buying two tickets (Hamburg-Cologne & Cologne-Brussels), or three tickets if you're going from Hamburg to Bruges or Antwerp, which usually costs more. And with two tickets you don't have any passenger rights in the event of a delay and missed connection as you would with a Hamburg-Belgium through ticket bought from German Railways (although Railteam HOTNAT & AJC still apply). For these reasons I'd stick with option 1 above, buying a through ticket and using an ICE between Cologne & Brussels.
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But if you want to use Eurostar, check times and buy tickets from Hamburg to Brussels at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com as these sites can sell journeys via both ICE and Eurostar. Booking for Eurostar trains normally opens 4 months ahead.
Step 1, Hamburg to Cologne by ICE4 with restaurant car, cafe counter, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about ICEs.
Step 2, Cologne to Brussels by ICE3. More about ICEs. Above, an ICE3neo at Brussels Midi. Courtesy of Christian Hunt.
Hamburg to Amsterdam from 32.99
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German Railways sells through tickets from Hamburg to Amsterdam, usually with one easy change of train at Osnabruck.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 04:38, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 09:59.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 06:46, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 11:59.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:45, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 13:59.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:46, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 15:59.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 12:50, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 17:59.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 14:46, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 19:59.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 16:50, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 21:59.
You travel from Hamburg to Osnabrόck by ICE4 high-speed train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. You then travel from Osnabrόck to Amsterdam by InterCity train with power sockets at all seats and a refreshments trolley.
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Fares start at 32.99 in 2nd class or 43.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
This can sell through tickets from Hamburg to almost any station in the Netherlands: Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, wherever.
It helps to click Stopovers and enter Osnabrόck with a 15 minute length of stay.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. Suggested hotels in Amsterdam.
Step 1, Hamburg to Osnabrόck by ICE4. These come with a waiter-service restaurant car, cafe counter, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about ICEs.
Step 2, Osnabrόck to Amsterdam by Intercity train, seen here arrived at Amsterdam Centraal. Power sockets at all seats and a refreshment trolley. More about these Intercity trains.
Hamburg to Luxembourg from 24.99
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You can travel from Hamburg to Luxembourg by train more or less every hour, but the best departures involve only 1 change at Koblenz or Cologne onto an air-conditioned double-deck regional express to Luxembourg:
Leave Hamburg Hbf 04:38 by EuroCity train, change at Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg 13:23.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 07:54, change at Cologne Hbf & Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg 16:23.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 09:46, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Luxembourg 17:48.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 11:53, change at Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg 19:23.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 16:10, change at Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg 00:35 (23:29 weekends)
Hamburg to Cologne is by ICE with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Koblenz to Luxembourg is by double-deck regional train, it's a scenic route along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards. For the best river views, sit on the left hand side when going west from Koblenz (the train leaves Koblenz station heading north before turning west).
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Fares start at 24.99 in 2nd class or 56.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Tip: Click Stopovers and enter Igel with length of stay left as 00:00. This eliminates buses from the results, trains all call at Igel, buses don't!
Tip: Also try changing Transfer time to 20 minutes.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Hamburg to Koblenz by ICE4. These come with a waiter-service restaurant car, cafe counter, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about ICEs.
Hamburg to Basel, Zurich, Geneva & Switzerland from 35.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Switzerland by sleeper train - the time-effective overnight option
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A Nightjet sleeper train leaves Hamburg Hbf at 22:08 every night, arriving Basel SBB 08:10 & Zurich HB 10:05.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. In sleepers & couchettes, a light breakfast is included. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
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Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Change at Basel SBB for Luzern, Bern, Interlaken, Lausanne, Geneva. Change at Zurich HB for Lugano, Chur, St Moritz, Davos, Klosters.
Buy onward tickets within Switzerland at www.thetrainline.com (so you can keep all your bookings together in one place, in , £ or $) or at the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch (in CHF). You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you book in advance, you may find Supersaver fares available for longer Swiss domestic journeys (for example, Basel-Geneva), saving up to 50% off the regular flexible fare, or a Saver Day Pass. Supersaver fares commit you to a specific train, so I'd allow at least an hour between the Nightjet arrival and an onward train. A Saver Day Pass can be cheaper than regular fares if booked in advance, good for unlimited travel all over Switzerland on any train all day, this is a better option.
Hamburg to Basel or Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train. Above, a Comfortline sleeping-car. More about Nightjets.
Option 2, Hamburg to Switzerland by high-speed ICE train - the fast daytime option
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High-speed ICE trains link Hamburg Hbf with Basel SBB & Zurich HB.
Departures from Hamburg are usually at 06:18, 08:24, 10:24, 12:24, 14:34 then a 16:24 as far as Basel.
Hamburg to Basel takes 6h31, Hamburg to Zurich 7h36. Times may vary, check times for your date at int.bahn.de.
The ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. A chill-out trip, treat yourself to an Erdinger Weissbier or two!
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Fares start at 35.99 in 2nd class or 56.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
This sells through tickets from Hamburg to most Swiss stations including Geneva, Bern, Luzern, Interlaken Ost, St Moritz, wherever.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Hamburg to Switzerland by classic train along the Rhine Valley - the slower scenic option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Dortmund or Dόsseldorf.
On Mondays-Fridays, leave Hamburg Hbf 06:11, arriving Dόsseldorf 09:21.
On Saturdays & Sundays, leave Hamburg Hbf 05:46, arriving Dortmund 08:32.
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Step 2, travel to Switzerland on EuroCity train EC9, a real treat:
On Mondays-Fridays leave Dόsseldorf 10:22, arriving Basel SBB 15:36 & Zurich HB 17:00.
On Saturdays & Sundays, leave Dortmund 09:24, arriving Basel SBB 15:36 & Zurich HB 17:00.
This comfortable EuroCity train (EC9) has spacious Swiss Federal Railways cars and an elegant Swiss restaurant car.
This train takes the classic line along the scenic Rhine valley, past river boats, vineyards, castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock, see the Rails Down the Rhine page. This is one of my favourite trains on one of my favourite routes, well worth the extra hour and the early start!
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Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class or 53.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
To get this scenic route, click Stopovers and enter Koblenz Hbf, leaving length of stay 00:00.
To get a robust connection in Dortmund or Dόsseldorf, change Transfer time from normal to 45 minutes.
You can buy a through ticket from Hamburg to almost any Swiss station, such as Luzern, Interlaken, Wengen or St Moritz, this includes the onward Swiss domestic train, a lot cheaper than buying a separate full-price Swiss domestic ticket from Basel.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Hamburg to Venice from 60
Option 1, Hamburg to Venice in a single day - Mondays-Saturdays only, with an early start!
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Munich by ICE, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 04:54 Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Munich Hbf 10:45.
The high-speed ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Venice by railjet, leaving Munich Hbf at 11:32, arriving Verona Porta Nuova 16:58 & Venice Santa Lucia 18:25.
This swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st & business class a steward takes restaurant orders and serves you at your seat. The train travels through the scenic Brenner Pass, see the photos & video on the Brenner Pass page.
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Fares from Hamburg to Venice start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets from Hamburg to Verona or Venice at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Hamburg to Venice using the Stuttgart-Venice Nightjet sleeper train - the most time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Stuttgart by ICE leaving Hamburg Hbf at 13:24, arriving Stuttgart Hbf 18:38.
The high-speed ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, put your feet up & enjoy the ride.
Times may vary, from 16 July until December 2024 arrival is half an hour later at 19:08. Check times for your date and book a train that arrives in Stuttgart no later than around 19:30. By all means leave Hamburg an hour or two earlier to allow more time for dinner.
Fares start at 17.99 in 2nd class or 31.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Tip: In Stuttgart, the bar at the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin Hotel across the road makes a good VIP waiting lounge, or try the nearby Biergarten im Schlossgarten, see the advice here.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Venice by Nightjet, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29, arriving Venice Santa Lucia 08:34.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 3, Hamburg to Venice using the Hamburg-Innsbruck Nightjet sleeper & scenic daytime train to Venice - great scenery & morning free in Innsbruck.
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Innsbruck by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10, arriving Innsbruck Hbf 09:14.
This train is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket or a 1st class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Innsbruck Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Innsbruck to Verona & Venice by railjet, leaving Innsbruck Hbf at 13:24, arriving Venice Santa Lucia 18:25.
This swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st & business class a steward takes restaurant orders and serves you at your seat. The train travels through the scenic Brenner Pass, see the photos & video on the Brenner Pass page.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.
Step 1, Hamburg to Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train. Above, the Nightjet at Hamburg Altona. More about new-generation Nightjets.
Step 2, Innsbruck to Verona, Bologna or Venice by new generation railjet, seen here at Innsbruck. Courtesy of @SimplyRailway.
Option 4, Hamburg to Venice via the Brenner Pass with overnight stop in Munich
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Munich on any ICE train you like, you can leave Hamburg Hbf as late as 18:01 arriving Munich Hbf 23:44, but by all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Munich, check times at int.bahn.de.
For dinner with local Bavarian food and a beer or two I recommend the Augustiner Keller (www.augustinerkeller.de) at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in Munich. The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection Mόnchen are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews. Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center. For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Venice by railjet, leaving Munich Hbf at 11:32, arriving Verona Porta Nuova 16:58 & Venice Santa Lucia 18:25.
This swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st & business class a steward takes restaurant orders and serves you at your seat. The train travels through the scenic Brenner Pass, see the photos & video on the Brenner Pass page.
Or you can take the 09:33 railjet from Munich Hbf arriving Venice 16:40, this involves a change at Verona Porta Nuova. There's also an earlier 07:32 to Verona which goes direct to Venice Santa Lucia at weekends, Venice Mestre on weekdays. Your call!
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Fares from Hamburg to Venice start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
To build in the overnight stop in Munich, click Stopovers and enter Munich Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 12:00. Look carefully in the search results to find a journey that suits, adjusting the departure time and length of stay as necessary - a little trial and error is needed!
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Munich to Verona, Venice or Bologna by new generation railjet, seen here at Innsbruck. Courtesy of @SimplyRailway.
Hamburg to Florence, Rome, Milan, Verona or anywhere else Italy from 39.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Italy using the Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Bologna, Florence & Rome - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Munich by ICE train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 12:01, arriving Munich Hbf 17:45.
The ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Times may vary, just make sure you arrive before 19:00.
By all means take the earlier 11:01 and have dinner in Munich, for local Bavarian food and a beer or two I recommend the Augustiner Keller (www.augustinerkeller.de) at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf, see walking map.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Italy by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Munich Hbf at 20:08.
One portion goes to Bologna Centrale 05:38, Florence Campo di Marte 06:48 & Rome Tiburtina 11:05.
Another portion goes to Verona P. Nuova 05:51 & Milan Lambrate 07:31 (09:06 some dates).
Important: From 29 September to 13 December 2025, both portions of this train are cancelled due to trackwork and replaced by a single train, leaving Munich Hbf at 20:08, arriving Bologna Centrale 05:38 & Milan Porta Garibaldi 09:15. Change in Bologna or Milan for Florence, Rome, Naples.
The Bologna, Florence & Rome portion of this train is a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
The Milan portion has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, onward trains from Rome to Naples, Rome to Sicily or Milan to Genoa (for example) can be booked separately at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, recognises English place-names) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, read this advice on using it first).
Option 2, Hamburg to Italy in a single day - through the Alps!
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Basel or Zurich by ICE train, then Basel or Zurich to Milan by EuroCity train, like this:
Leave Hamburg Hbf 06:18 by ICE, change at Basel SBB onto the 15:03 EuroCity train, arriving Milan Centrale 19:50.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:24 by ICE, change at Zurich HB onto the 17:33 EuroCity train, arriving Milan Centrale 20:50.
The ICE & EuroCity train both have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. You'll get wonderful views of Lake Lugano, the train then passes through the world's longest rail tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel, then sweeps past Lake Como to Milan.
I'd allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Basel or Zurich, the times above include that.
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Step 2, travel from Milan to Bologna, Florence, Rome or Naples by high-speed Frecciarossa.
If you take the 06:18 from Hamburg, a same-day connection is possible to Florence & Rome, leaving Milan Centrale 20:10, arriving Florence SMN 22:04 & Rome Termini 23:49.
If you take a later departure you'll need to stay overnight in Milan. Affordable hotels & guesthouses with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol, Hotel Bernina, 43 Station Hotel, B&B Hotel Milano Central Station, Guesthouse Teodora.
Frecciarossas have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Zurich starts at 35.99 in 2nd class or 56.99 in 1st class.
Zurich to Milan starts at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class.
Milan to Florence or Venice starts at 19.90 in 2nd (standard) class or 29.90 in 1st (business) class.
Milan to Rome starts at 29.90 in 2nd (standard) class or 39.90 in 1st (business) class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Hamburg to Basel or Zurich at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 2, book from Basel or Zurich to Milan, Florence or Rome using www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $) or www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, read this advice on using it).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. If you're overnighting in Milan, book onward trains next day as a separate booking.
Option 3, Hamburg to Italy using the Hamburg-Innsbruck sleeper, then scenic ride through the Brenner Pass
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Innsbruck by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf 20:10, arriving Innsbruck Hbf 09:14.
This is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket or onward 1st class ticket, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Innsbruck with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Innsbruck to Italy by railjet, leaving Innsbruck Hbf at 11:24, arriving Verona P. Nuova 15:01 & Bologna Centrale 16:08.
This swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st & business class a steward takes restaurant orders and serves you at your seat. The train travels through the scenic Brenner Pass, see the photos & video on the Brenner Pass page.
Don't risk a tight connection with the earlier 09:24 train to Verona, I'd play safe and stick with the 11:24.
Change at Verona Porta Nuova for Milan Centrale.
Change at Bologna Centrale for a high-speed Frecciarossa to Florence SMN, Rome Termini or Naples Centrale.
Fares from Innsbruck to Bologna start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st.
Fares from Bologna to Florence start at 19.90, fares from Bologna to Rome or Naples at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
The easiest way to check times and book is at www.raileurope.com, as this connects to both the German and Italian ticketing systems - but (and this is important) click More options and enter Bologna Centrale (if you're going to Florence, Rome or Naples) or Verona Porta Nuova (if you're going to Milan) as a via station with a stopover duration of 45 minutes before running the enquiry. You'll get a digital ticket for the EuroCity train which you can print out or show on your phone. The Italian train will usually be ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
Step 1, Hamburg to Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train. Above, the Nightjet at Hamburg Altona. More about new-generation Nightjets.
Step 2, Innsbruck to Bologna by new generation railjet, seen here at Innsbruck. Courtesy of @SimplyRailway.
Option 4, Hamburg to Italy via the scenic Brenner Pass, with overnight stop in Munich
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Munich on any ICE train you like, you can leave Hamburg Hbf as late as 18:01 arriving Munich Hbf 23:44, but by all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Munich, check times at int.bahn.de.
For dinner with local Bavarian food and a beer or two I recommend the Augustiner Keller (www.augustinerkeller.de) at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in Munich. The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection Mόnchen are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews. Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center. For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Verona by railjet, these leave Munich Hbf every 2 hours or so, see the timetable here.
These swish Austrian railjet trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st & business class a steward takes restaurant orders and serves you at your seat. The trains travel through the scenic Brenner Pass, see the photos & video on the Brenner Pass page.
The 09:33 departure runs beyond Verona to Bologna Centrale.
Change in Verona (or, if taking the 09:33, in Bologna), for an onward Italian train to anywhere you like in Italy. Verona to Florence takes 2h35, Verona to Rome as little as 2h50.
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Verona starts at 37.99 in 2nd class or 47.99 in 1st class.
Verona to Florence starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
Verona to Rome or Naples at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Hamburg to Verona Porta Nuova, or (if you plan to take the 09:33 from Munich) Bologna Centrale, at int.bahn.de.
Before running the enquiry click Stopovers, enter Munich Hbf and a length of stay of (say) 12 hours. Adjust the departure time and length of stay until you get the trains you want either side of Munich. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.
Step 2, buy onward tickets from Verona or Bologna to Florence, Rome, Milan or Naples or anywhere in Italy separately at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly, requires Italian language place names, read this advice on using it).
If buying separate tickets like this I recommend allowing at least 45 minutes between trains in Verona in case of delay. Italian high-speed trains normally open for booking 4 months ahead.
Hamburg to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain from 79
Option 1, Hamburg to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Paris
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Paris as shown above, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 14:24 by ICE train, change at Karlsruhe onto an TGV Duplex arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 22:14. By all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Paris.
These trains all have a cafe-bar or restaurant, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de l'Est to Gare de Lyon.
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Stay overnight in Paris. The Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon is part of the Gare de Lyon station complex, ideal for an early train next morning. See other suggested hotels near the Gare de l'Est & Gare de Lyon.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:42, arriving Barcelona Sants 14:29.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has 1st & 2nd class, a cafι-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
The train speeds along the Rhτne valley past pretty villages & picturesque churches, then past Bιziers cathedral, flamingos on the ιtangs (lakes) in southern France, the Fort de Salses approaching Perpignan and the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees. More about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Again, fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. See this advice about getting a cheaper fare by split-ticketing at Perpignan.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, Malaga and so on by high-speed train.
For Madrid, a high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 15:25 Mondays-Fridays, arriving Madrid Atocha 17:55.
Another AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 16:00 every day, arriving Madrid Atocha 19:12.
For Cordoba & Seville, a high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 15:15, arriving Cordoba 20:16, Seville Santa Justa 21:24.
For Malaga, a high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 15:15, arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano 21:43.
For Valencia & Alicante, a fast Euromed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 16:10 arriving Valencia Nord 19:02 & Alicante 21:34.
All these trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Check times & buy tickets at www.aileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (in £ or , both easy to use, small booking fee) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up, easy to use) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, in ). You print your own ticket. Allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Barcelona for connections.
Booking for Spanish trains opens anything from 15 days to 9 months ahead.
Option 2, Hamburg to Barcelona & Spain using a French sleeper train between Paris and the Spanish border
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Paris, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 10:24, change at Karlsruhe, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 18:15.
Both trains are ICEs, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. By all means take an earlier train and have a leisurely dinner at the Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before strolling across the bridge over the River Seine to the Gare d'Austerlitz.
Fares start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de l'Est to Gare d'Austerlitz.
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Step 2, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 22:13. Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbθre to Barcelona Sants arriving around 14:00.
The sleeper runs Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, daily June-September.
See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for details & how to buy tickets.
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Step 3, travel from Barcelona to other Spanish destinations in the afternoon.
For Madrid: AVE S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30 from 35.
For Cordoba & Seville: Take the direct AVE S103 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:15 arriving Cordoba & Seville Santa Justa in the evening. Fares start at around 45.
For Valencia & Alicante: A Euromed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 16:10 arriving Valencia Nord at 19:02 and Alicante at 21:34. Fares start from 23.
Check Spanish train times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in , see my advice before using it). I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains in Barcelona.
Option 3, Hamburg to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Marseille - avoids crossing Paris
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This avoids crossing Paris, with high-quality high-speed trains throughout. If you've time to spend 24h in Marseille do so, it's a great city!
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Marseille, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 09:24 by ICE to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf then by high-speed TGV Duplex to Marseille St Charles arriving 21:46.
The ICE has a restaurant car, the TGV Duplex a cafe-bar. Both trains have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Important: You don't want to miss the once-a-day direct train from Frankfurt to Marseille because of a 10 minute delay so, change Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes to get the trains listed above.
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Stay overnight in Marseille: Hotels with good reviews just outside Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles & Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles.
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Day 2, travel from Marseille to Spain by AVE, leaving Marseille St Charles at 08:04, arriving Barcelona Sants 12:38 & Madrid Atocha 15:45.
This comfortable AVE S100 high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Look out for Bιziers cathedral on the right, colonies of flamingos on the ιtangs (lakes) in southern France, the Fort de Salses approaching Perpignan and views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees. More about this journey.
Fares from Marseille to Barcelona start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Fares from Marseille to Madrid start at 44 in 2nd class or 54 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this journey at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or using Renfe's own website www.renfe.com (in , more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Day 2, take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia & Alicante or from Madrid to Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Malaga.
A fast Euromed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 16:10 arriving Valencia Nord 19:02 & Alicante 21:34.
An AVE high-speed train leaves Madrid Atocha at 16:35 every day, arriving Cordoba 18:34 & Malaga Maria Zambrano 19:43.
An AVE high-speed train leaves Madrid Atocha at 16:30 daily except Saturdays arriving Seville Santa Justa at 19:03. Or on any day of the week you can leave Madrid Atocha at 18:00 arriving Seville Santa Justa at 20:43.
An AVE high-speed train leaves Madrid Atocha at 20:05 every day, arriving Granada 23:36.
AVE & Euromed trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Check times & buy tickets using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up). You print your own ticket.
Booking for Spanish trains opens anything from 15 days to 9 months ahead. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Barcelona or Madrid.
Hamburg to San Sebastian
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Paris, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 14:24, change at Karlsruhe, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 22:14.
The Karlsruhe-Paris TGV Duplex travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph) on the TGV-Est high-speed line, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. By all means take an earlier train for more of an evening in Paris, see the Hamburg to Paris section for other departures.
Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de l'Est to Gare Montparnasse.
Fares start from 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in , no fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Paris.
Hotels near Paris Gare Montparnasse with good reviews: Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse (150m from the station, 4-star); Best Western Sevres Montparnasse (15 minute walk from station, 3-star); La Maison Montparnasse (10 min walk from station, 2-star); Hotel du Maine (5 min walk from station, 2-star).
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Ocιane, leaving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 10:11, arriving Hendaye 14:47.
An earlier 07:11 departure is available on Mondays to Saturdays, arriving Hendaye 11:47.
The TGV Duplex Ocιane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). French trains open for booking up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Day 2, travel from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara by Euskotren, every 30 minutes, journey 37 minutes, fare 2.90.
Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is just 50m away. Buy a ticket at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter with cash or card and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren to San Sebastian Amara. Check times at www.euskotren.eus. More about the journey from Paris to San Sebastian.
Hamburg to Lisbon, Porto & Portugal
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Paris Gare de l'Est, as shown in the Hamburg to Paris section.
Fares start at 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Change stations by metro or taxi from the Gare de l'Est to the Gare de Lyon.
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Stay overnight in Paris. The Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon is an integral part of the Gare de Lyon, ideal for an early train next morning. See other suggested hotels near the Gare de l'Est & Gare de Lyon.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:42, arriving Barcelona Sants 14:29.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has 1st & 2nd class, a cafι-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
The train speeds along the Rhτne valley past pretty villages & picturesque churches, then past Bιziers cathedral, flamingos on the ιtangs (lakes) in southern France, the Fort de Salses approaching Perpignan and the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees. More about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE, leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:25 Mondays-Fridays, arriving Madrid Atocha 17:55.
Or on any day of the week, leave Barcelona Sants at 16:00 by AVE, arriving Madrid Atocha 19:12.
These comfortable AVE S103 high-speed trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 17.05 in Standard class or 68.05 in Comfort class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Booking for Spanish trains opens anything from 15 days to 9 months ahead.
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Stay overnight in Madrid. The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.
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Day 3, travel from Madrid to Lisbon by daytime trains as shown on the Madrid to Lisbon page.
Hamburg to Andorra
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Paris, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 10:24, change at Karlsruhe, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 18:15.
The Karlsruhe-Paris ICE train travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph) on the TGV-Est high-speed line, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start from 49.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in , no fee). You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de l'Est to Gare d'Austerlitz.
I'd allow at least 90 minutes between trains in Paris when catching a sleeper. You've time for dinner at the Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before strolling across the bridge over the River Seine to the Gare d'Austerlitz.
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Toulouse by Intercitι de Nuit, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 22:13 arriving Toulouse Matabiau 07:44.
This train has 1st class 4-berth couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes & 2nd class seats. More about Intercitι de Nuit.
Fares start at 29 in a 2nd class couchette or 59 in a 1st class couchette. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, but this train has an annoying habit of opening late for booking, less than the expected 4 months ahead, so don't be impatient. You print your own ticket or can choose a mobile ticket.
Tip: On arrival in Toulouse, I recommend the breakfast buffet at the nearby Pullman Hotel!
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Day 2, travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus, leaving Toulouse Matabiau at 09:45, arriving Andorra la Vella bus station at 14:00.
The bus is run by Andbus, check times at Andbus.net. I'd allow at least an hour between train & bus in Toulouse in case of delay.
The bus leaves from bus stand 15 in the Gare Routiθre (bus station) outside Toulouse Matabiau railway station. Walk out of the station onto the forecourt and look to your right. The bus station is the modern building with the glass-and-blue-framework, see the photos below.
The fare is 36 one-way. Book the bus at Andbus.net.
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A better route, Fri/Sat/Sun, daily June-September:
On Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights and every day from June to September, the same 22:13 Intercitι de Nuit from Paris conveys 1st & 2nd class couchettes & reclining seats direct to Andorre-l'Hospitalet, the nearest station to Andorra, arriving 09:43.
Book this Paris to Andorre-l'Hospitalet sleeper at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no fee).
A bus run by Hife (www.hife.es) leaves l'Hospitalet station at 10:15, arriving Andorra La Vella bus station 11:30.
This should run every day, but in summer 2025 only seems to be running on Fridays & Saturdays, check at www.hife.es.
The bus fare is 24, pre-book the bus at www.hife.es.
Alternatively, a taxi from l'Hospitalet costs around 80 for up to 4 passengers, taking 47 minutes for the 38 km drive. Pre-book a taxi to meet the train, call Altitud Taxis, 00 376 856255 or 00 33 561644714. This is a nicer and faster option than the bus from Toulouse, when running.
Hamburg to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from 37.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Vienna by daytime train
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There are now 3 direct ICE trains from Hamburg to Vienna every day:
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:02, arriving Vienna Hbf 16:47.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:05, arriving Vienna Hbf 17:47.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 12:04, arriving Vienna Hbf 21:47.
There are other journeys with an easy change of train at Wόrzburg or Nuremberg, until 13:00.
There are plenty of options from Hamburg Hbf to Salzburg Hbf, Innsbruck Hbf & other stations in Austria, too.
It's a leisurely ride across Germany on a comfortable & spacious ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Bring a book and put your feet up. Treat yourself to lunch and an Erdinger Weissbier in the restaurant car - in 1st class class a steward takes orders and serves you at your seat.
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Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website, int.bahn.de.
This can book from Hamburg to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck or anywhere in Austria.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. I recommend registering when prompted rather than booking as a guest, so you can always log in and check or re-print all your bookings.
Tip: It often suggests tight 5-minute connections in Wόrzburg. Consider changing Transfer time from normal to 20 minutes.
Tip: Check Austrian Railways www.thetrainline.com as well, I've often seen cheaper fares on oebb.at than bahn.de on a given date & train. You also get a print-your-own ticket.
Option 2, Hamburg to Vienna & Innsbruck by sleeper train - the time-effective option
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A Nightjet sleeper train leaves Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 every night, arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17. Another portion arrives Innsbruck Hbf 09:14.
Change in Wels for a railjet to Salzburg Hbf, arriving 08:49.
Both portions are a new generation Nightjet train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in the sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
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Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Hamburg to Copenhagen from 27.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Copenhagen by daytime train
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Comfortable EuroCity trains link Hamburg with Copenhagen, departures from Hamburg Hbf, see the timetable here.
They also call at Kolding (for Legoland) and Odense. See the Hamburg to Copenhagen page.
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Fares start at 27.99 in 2nd class or 59.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train. From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2025-2026. The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink. More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.
2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this. There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.
The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo. Larger photo.
Option 2, Hamburg to Copenhagen by Snδlltεget sleeper train, runs daily except Saturdays 13 April to 2 November 2025
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Step 1, travel overnight from Hamburg to Kψbenhavn by sleeper train run by Snδlltεget, www.snalltaget.se.
It runs daily except Saturdays from 13 April to 2 November 2025, check running dates at www.snalltaget.se/en/berlin.
It leaves Hamburg Hbf at 23:59 and arrives Kψbenhavn Ψrestad station 06:33.
Ψrestad is a local station on the suburban network about 5km south of Copenhagen city centre.
From 2 August 2025 onwards the train will arrive at Copenhagen Syd station instead of Ψrestad.
The train has 6-berth couchette compartments & ordinary seats. Couchettes can be booked individually in shared compartments, or you can pay a fixed price for a whole couchette compartment for private occupancy by 1-6 people, the same price for any number of people up to 6.
Fares start at 499 SEK (about 49) per person with a seat, 749 SEK (74) per person with a couchette in a shared 6-berth compartment, or 2999 SEK (295) for sole occupancy of a whole couchette compartment for any number of people between 1 & 6.
See www.snalltaget.se for operating dates, times, fares & to buy tickets online.
Tip: Book from Berlin to Kψbenhavn H, it will show times to Kψbenhavn Ψrestad, also written as Oerestad st, where st simply stands for station.
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Step 2, travel from Ψrestad or Copenhagen Syd to Copenhagen main station by local train.
These run every 15 minutes or so, taking 8 minutes. Buy a ticket for this at the station. Fare around 4, check times and prices at www.dsb.dk.
The Snδlltεget sleeper from Hamburg to Copenhagen & Stockholm. This is in fact the southbound train at Stockholm Central the day the service was launched, about to make its inaugural departure on 28 June 2021. Courtesy of Robert Enskog.
The Snδlltεget sleeper train uses ex-German Railways couchettes, sold as a whole private compartment for up to 6 people. Bedding is provided, toilets & washrooms are at the end of the corridor. Photos courtesy of Snalltaget.
Hamburg to Aarhus & northern Denmark
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The Hamburg-Copenhagen EuroCity trains have a connection at Kolding for Aarhus & Aalborg for Hirtshals.
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Fares start at 27.99 in 2nd class or 59.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets from any German station to any Danish station at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Hamburg to Stockholm & Sweden
Option 1, Hamburg to Stockholm by sleeper train, daily all year round
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A EuroNight sleeper train leaves Hamburg Hbf at 22:03 every day and arrives Stockholm Central 09:55.
Run by SJ (Swedish Railways), the sleeper train has one or two sleeping-cars with compact 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin, several 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with toilet & shower, couchette cars with 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A bistro car is attached between Malmφ and Stockholm. More about the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train.
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Fares start at 44.90 with a couchette, 79.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 164.90 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. All prices per person per bed, fares vary like air fares so book ahead.
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Book tickets at SJ's website www.sj.se.
Booking opens several months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Hamburg to Stockholm by daytime trains
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You can travel from Berlin to Stockholm in a day:
Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:50 Mondays-Fridays, change Copenhagen & Malmφ, arriving Stockholm Central 20:36.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:53 Mondays-Fridays, change Copenhagen & Malmφ, arriving Stockholm Central 22:31.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:53 Saturdays, change Copenhagen & Malmφ, arriving Stockholm Central 23:34.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:53 Sundays, change Copenhagen & Malmφ, arriving Stockholm Central 22:31.
You travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train, Copenhagen to Malmφ by Φresund train, and Malmφ to Stockholm by fast tilting X2000 with bistro, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
SJ's X2000 trains normally run direct from Copenhagen to Stockholm, but in 2025 SJ is short of X2000 trainsets and an extra change in Malmφ is necessary, with longer journey times. This could be resolved in the 2nd half of 2025.
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Copenhagen starts at 27.99 in 2nd class or 59.99 in 1st class.
Copenhagen to Stockholm starts at 280 SEK (28).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Berlin to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Before running the enquiry, change Transfer time from normal to 45 minutes.
Booking opens 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Step 2, book from Copenhagen to Stockholm using www.sj.se (in SEK) or using Omio.com (in SEK, , £ or $, small booking fee).
Allow at least 1 hour between trains in Copenhagen in case of delay.
Booking opens several months ahead (it varies). You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train. From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2025-2026. The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink. More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.
2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this. There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.
The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo. Larger photo.
Option 3, Hamburg to Stockholm with overnight stop in Copenhagen.
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen on any departure you like, see the timetable here.
You can leave Hamburg Hbf as late as 16:55 or for much of the year, 18:55, but by all means travel earlier.
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Stay overnight in Copenhagen. The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here. Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel, First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).
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Day 2, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000, leaving Copenhagen at 08:21, arriving Stockholm Central 13:34.
SJ's X2000 trains have a bistro, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. They use the impressive Φresund fixed link from Sweden to Denmark.
Update 2025: Unfortunately, SJ is short of X2000s and until further notice you'll need to change at Malmφ:
On Mondays-Fridays, leave Copenhagen 08:59, change at Malmφ Central, arriving Stockholm Central 14:39.
On Saturdays & Sundays, leave Copenhagen 08:44, change at Malmφ Central, arriving Stockholm Central 14:32.
Or there are earlier & later departures, check times at www.sj.se or Omio.com.
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Copenhagen starts at 27.99 in 2nd class or 59.99 in 1st class.
Copenhagen to Stockholm starts at 280 SEK (28).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Berlin to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de.
I'd change Transfer time from normal to 40 minutes or more.
Booking normally opens 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print your tickets at any time. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Step 2, book Copenhagen to Stockholm for the following day at www.sj.se (in SEK) or using Omio.com (in SEK, , £ or $, small booking fee).
Booking opens several months ahead (it varies). You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 4, Hamburg to Malmφ & Stockholm by Berlin Night Express, daily except Saturdays 1 April to 3 November 2024
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Private operator Snδlltεget (www.snalltaget.se) runs a sleeper train from Hamburg to Malmφ & Stockholm.
The sleeper train runs daily except Saturdays from 13 April to 2 November 2025.
It leaves Hamburg Hbf at 23:59 and arrives Malmφ Central 07:25 & Stockholm Central 13:20.
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The train has 6-berth couchette compartments & ordinary seats. There's a restaurant car between Malmφ & Stockholm, which they call the Krogen (the pub). Couchettes can be booked individually in shared compartments, or you can pay a fixed price for a whole couchette compartment for private occupancy by 1-6 people, the same price for any number of people up to 6.
The train starts in Berlin and normally consists of 5 cars: 2 cars only going as far as Malmφ, and 2 couchette cars & 1 seats car going all the way to Stockholm. The Berlin-Hamburg-Stockholm cars are attached to a Snδlltεget daytime train between Malmφ & Stockholm.
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Fares start at 499 SEK (about 49) per person with a seat, 749 SEK (74) per person with a couchette in a shared 6-berth compartment, or 2999 SEK (295) for sole occupancy of a whole couchette compartment for any number of people between 1 & 6.
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See www.snalltaget.se for operating dates, times, fares & to buy tickets online.
Option 5, Hamburg to Gothenburg using Stena Line's Kiel-Gothenburg overnight ferry
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Kiel by regional train in the late afternoon.
The journey takes around 1h15, regional trains leave Hamburg Hbf twice an hour, there's usually one around 15:20. However, you should book the ferry first and confirm ferry times, then take a train that arrives at Kiel Hbf around 2 hours before the ferry sails.
Check train times & buy a ticket at the German Railways site int.bahn.de.
I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. Alternatively, as it's only a regional train, you can buy a ticket at the station on the day.
In Kiel, the ferry terminal is 750m from the station, a 9-minute walk, see walking map.
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Step 2, sail overnight from Kiel to Gothenburg by Stena Line ferry.
The ferry normally sails at 18:45 and arrives around 09:15, but times may vary so check online.
The ferry is a floating hotel with restaurants & bars, all passengers travel in a cosy private cabin with en suite toilet & shower. You can add dinner & breakfast to your ticket when you book.
Fares vary, you might pay 39 per passenger as basic fare plus 75-89 per cabin for a private 1 or 2 bed room.
Book the ferry at www.stenaline.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
In Gothenburg, the ferry terminal is a short taxi ride (or 4.3 km 53-minute walk) from Gφteborg Central station, see walking map.
Hamburg to Oslo & Norway
Option 1, Hamburg to Oslo by train - in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50, arriving Copenhagen 13:38.
The EuroCity train has power sockets at all seats, refreshments available.
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Step 2, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg by Φresund train, leaving Copenhagen at 14:30, arriving Gφteborg Central 18:20.
The Φresund train has power sockets & free WiFi, but bring your own food & drink. It uses the impressive Φresund fixed link from Sweden to Denmark. Have an early dinner in Gothenburg.
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Step 3, travel from Gothenburg to Oslo by Norwegian train, leaving Gφteborg Central at 20:10, arriving Oslo Sentral 23:47.
The smart modern Norwegian train is run by Vy, it has power sockets & free WiFi, but bring your own food & drink.
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Gothenburg starts at 56.99 in 2nd class or 75.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Gφteborg to Oslo starts at 249 Krone (24) if you book a few weeks ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Hamburg to Gφteborg Central on the 08:50 departure using the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 2, book the 20:10 from Gφteborg to Oslo at the Vy website www.vy.no or at www.entur.no.
You print your ticket or can show it on your phone.
Gothenburg to Oslo by Norwegian train. Above, scenery between Gothenburg & Oslo. Courtesy of @Simply_Railway.
Above right, the Norwegian train arrived at Oslo Sentral. Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels & @Marcos Castro.
Option 2, Hamburg to Oslo with overnight stop in Copenhagen - also by train all the way
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 16:55, arriving Copenhagen 21:38.
By all means book the earlier 12:53 or 14:56 for more of an evening in Copenhagen, see the timetable here.
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Stay overnight in Copenhagen. The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here. Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel, First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).
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Day 2, travel from Copenhagen to Oslo by train, leaving Copenhagen at 07:30, change at Gφteborg Central, arriving Oslo Sentral 15:47.
Or there are earlier and later trains, see the timetable here.
Alternatively, spend the day in Copenhagen and take the overnight ferry as shown here. A very affordable option that saves a hotel bill!
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Gothenburg starts at 56.99 in 2nd class or 75.99 in 1st class.
Gothenburg to Oslo starts at 24.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Hamburg to Gφteborg Central at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
To get the overnight stop in Copenhagen, click Stopovers and enter Copenhagen with a suitable length of stay, say 11 hours.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 2, book the Gothenburg to Oslo train at the Vy website www.vy.no.
Look for a cheap advance-purchase fare. You print your own ticket or ca show it on your phone.
Tip: If you have any problems booking this way, split the booking. Book Hamburg-Copenhagen at int.bahn.de, then book Copenhagen-Gothenburg at www.oresundstag.se or Omio.com. Then Gothenburg to Oslo at www.vy.no.
Option 3, Hamburg to Oslo with overnight stop in Gothenburg - also by train all the way
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Gothenburg, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 12:53, change at Copenhagen, arriving Gφteborg Central 22:20.
Fares start at 56.99 in 2nd class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Gothenburg is listed as Gφteborg Central. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: If you have any problems, split the booking. Book Hamburg-Copenhagen at int.bahn.de, then book the Copenhagen-Gothenburg train separately at www.oresundstag.se or Omio.com. You will find affordable fares in both classes for both trains.
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Stay overnight in Gothenburg.
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Day 2, take a train from Gothenburg (Gφteborg Central) to Oslo. The first train is at 06:08 Mondays-Fridays, 08:10 Saturdays, 10:15 Sundays, journey time around 3h37.
Book this at the Vy website www.vy.no.
Look for a cheap advance-purchase fare. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 4, Hamburg to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Oslo
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Kiel Hbf in around 1h16 by hourly regional train, fare around 23.
Check times & buy tickets at the German Railways site int.bahn.de.
In Kiel it's a 7 minute 500m walk from Kiel Hbf to the Color Line ferry terminal, see walking map. But always allow several hours between trains and ferry for the ferry check-in and in case of any delay.
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Step 2, sail from Kiel to Oslo by luxurious overnight Color Line ferry, with a full range of cosy cabins, suites, bars, restaurants and lounges.
The m/v Magic or m/v Fantasy normally sails at 14:00 arriving Oslo at 10:00 next morning.
Check times & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or www.colorline.com.
Money-saving tip: It appears that it's considerably cheaper to book on Color Line's Norwegian website www.colorline.no in Norwegian Krone, for example a 274 fare becomes the equivalent of 164. You'll need to use Google to translate the Norwegian. You are still able to enter a UK or other European address and contact details. Feedback appreciated.
Make sure you're on deck next morning as the ship sails through spectacular scenery up Oslo Fjord. The ship docks at the modern Color Line terminal about 2 km from the city centre. Color Line provide transfer buses to Oslo Sentral station costing 55 krone, or there are plenty of taxis. If you have little luggage it's possible to walk. See map of Oslo showing ferry terminal.
Sail from Kiel to Oslo with Color Line. It's just a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour from Kiel Hbf to the Color Line terminal. There's a lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you've booked a Color Line 5 star suite, check in at the desk rather than the machines to be directed to a VIP lounge with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi. You'll have priority boarding & free access to the on-board spa. Photos courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry except where shown.
Cabin with TV, shower & toilet. Luxury suites are also available.
Option 5, Hamburg to Oslo using the overnight ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo - cheaper than Color Line
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50, arriving Copenhagen 13:38.
The EuroCity train has free WiFi when in Denmark, refreshments available. More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.
In Copenhagen, the connection with the ferry on days when it sails at 15:00 is a little tight, so take a taxi from the station to the ferry terminal, this takes just 10 minutes. Check-in closes at 14:45.
In summer there's sometimes an earlier train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 07:03 arriving Copenhagen 11:38, see the timetable here. This would give you time for lunch in Copenhagen and a more robust connection on days when the ferry sails at 15:00.
On days when the ferry sails at 16:30 (when check-in closes at 16:15), or if you take the summer-only 07:03 from Hamburg, you can walk from Copenhagen station to the ferry terminal through the centre of Copenhagen in 50 minutes, or take an 8-minute local train ride from Copenhagen main station to Nordhavn station, from where it's a 10-minute walk to the terminal, see walking map.
Fares start at 28.99 in 2nd class or 49.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, sail from Copenhagen to Oslo by overnight ferry.
The luxurious overnight ferry sails from Copenhagen ferry terminal every day, either at 15:00 (check-in closes 14:45) or at 16:30 (check-in closes 16:15), arriving Oslo Vippetangen terminal at 10:00 next day (day 3). Formerly operated by DFDS, from 2025 it's operated by Go Nordic Cruiseline.
Check times & book tickets at www.gonordiccruiseline.com.
At the ferry terminal, you check in at the self-service check-in machines just inside the entrance. You enter your booking reference, scan your passport, and it produces your boarding pass/cabin key. You then pass through a fairly nominal customs check and walk onto the ferry.
All passengers travel in comfortable private cabins with en suite toilet & shower and satellite TV. Some cabins have private balconies with sea view. The ship has bars & restaurants for breakfast on board, you can pre-book breakfast with your ticket. There's also a sauna. The ships on this route are the Crown Seaways or Pearl Seaways.
Make sure you're on deck in the morning when the ferry sails up the scenic Oslo Fjord, a stunning way to arrive in Norway. You'll see coast on either side of the ship from about 06:30 and she enters the narrow part of the fjord by about 07:00.
In Oslo you can walk from the ferry terminal to the city centre in 15-20 minutes, or you can take a taxi. I'd allow at least 90 minutes between the ferry's arrival and any onward train from Oslo Sentral. See map of Oslo showing ferry terminal.
Hamburg to Helsinki & Finland
Option 1, Hamburg to Helsinki by daily ferry from Travemόnde in Germany - the easiest option
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg Hamburg Hbf to Lόbeck Hbf by regional train, these run every 30 minutes taking 42-43 minutes.
You can leave Hamburg Hbf at 19:06 or 19:34, but if you leave at 17:34 train you'll have time for dinner in Lόbeck.
There are plenty of bars & restaurants in Lόbeck's old town, I suggest the Schiffergesellschaft restaurant (schiffergesellschaft.de) located in a historic seamen's' union building, 21 minutes walk from the station, see walking map.
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Day 1, travel from Lόbeck ZOB bus station to Skandinavienkai Terminal, Lόbeck by bus.
Lόbeck ZOB bus station is just across the road from Lόbeck Hbf. Bus 30 or 31 runs every 30 minutes until late, journey time 28-34 minutes.
Skandinavienkai Terminal, Lόbeck is the bus stop right outside the Travemόnde ferry terminal building, it's the stop before Travemόnde Skandinavienkai Bahnhof, Lόbeck, which is a local railway station with a similar name a little further north.
Get off the bus at the Skandinavienkai Terminal stop and walk into the large modern office block marked HAFENHAUS next to the bus stop, with a green neon Check in sign by the front door.
You can check journey times from Hamburg or Lόbeck to Skandinavienkai Terminal, Lόbeck at the German Railways website as its database holds the bus times as well as trains, just use this link to bahn.de. Or you can check bus times separately at www.xn--sv-lbeck-95a.de.
Alternatively, you can take a frequent regional train from Lόbeck Hbf to Travemόnde Skandinavienkai Bahnhof, Lόbeck from where the ferry terminal building is an 8-minute taxi ride or a 34-minute 2.8 km walk.
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Day 1/2, sail from Travemόnde to Helsinki by Finnlines ferry, a daily 2-night crossing.
Check-in for the ferry opens at 20:30. After check-in, you go downstairs to a large waiting hall, with a bar/cafe open until 10pm, toilets and a large supermarket open until 01:30 selling alcohol and chocolate.
The ship boards at 23:30, foot passengers are driven onto the car deck in a minibus. Check-in closes 2h before departure.
The ship sails around 02:45, the exact time varies by day of the week. It arrives 2 nights later at the Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari harbour just outside Helsinki at 09:15 Mondays-Saturdays, 10:00 on Sundays (day 3 from Hamburg).
The ship may not be as glamorous as some other cruise ferries on the Baltic, but it has all the essentials: Comfortable cabins with private shower & toilet, satellite TV & WiFi (paid for), cafe-restaurant, shop, bar, sundeck, gym and (naturally, being Finnish) a free sauna. A very civilised way to travel.
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Day 3, transfer from the Hansa Terminal to downtown Helsinki by bus+metro.
Helsinki's Hansa Ferry Terminal in Vuosaari harbour is 16 km east of central Helsinki, see map of Helsinki showing the ferry terminal.
Take bus 90 from its terminus immediately outside the Hansa Terminal to Vuosaari metro station, the bus runs every 15 minutes. Then take the metro to any metro station in central Helsinki (for example, Helsinki Central Station), total journey time 40 minutes.
Buy a Helsinki Zone AB ticket, this covers both bus & metro into the city centre. For Helsinki public transport see www.hsl.fi.
Option 2, Hamburg to Helsinki, by train to Stockholm then ferry
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Stockholm by train as shown in the Hamburg to Sweden section.
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Step 2, travel from Stockholm to Helsinki either by direct overnight cruise ferry, or by daytime or overnight ferry to Turku and connecting train to Helsinki as shown on the Trains & ferries from Stockholm page.
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For example, you can take the daily SJ EuroNight sleeper from Hamburg Altona to Stockholm, spend a few hours and have lunch in Stockholm next day, then sail overnight to Helsinki with Silja Line.
Hamburg to Prague from 27.99
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Direct EuroCity trains leave Hamburg Hbf are at 06:48, 08:51, 10:51, 12:52 every day, taking 6h32 to Prague Hlavni.
South of Dresden, these trains run along the scenic Elbe River valley, find a seat on the left hand side of the train for the best river views. These trains have a waiter-service restaurant car, treat yourself to a meal and some wine or a beer or two. What's the train ride to Prague like?
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Fares start at 27.99 in 2nd class or 36.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. Suggested hotels in Prague.
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Stopover in Dresden on the way?
To build in a few hours stopover in Dresden, go to int.bahn.de, enter Hamburg to Prague, click Stopovers and enter Dresden with a suitable length of stay in hours. Then run the enquiry and buy the ticket. There are left luggage lockers at Dresden Hbf.
Hamburg to Bratislava from 46.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Bratislava by EuroCity train - the leisurely daytime option
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A EuroCity train called the Hungaria leaves Hamburg Hbf at 06:48, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 18:02.
The Hungaria uses Hungarian Railways' latest air-conditioned cars with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's an all-day train ride on a comfortable & spacious EuroCity train with waiter-service restaurant car and some great scenery along the way along the Elbe River between Dresden and Prague, see photos & video about the Berlin-Dresden-Prague part of this journey.
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Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 56.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Hamburg to Bratislava by day trains - alternative daytime options
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by ICE-T, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:01, arriving Vienna Hbf 16:47.
The air-conditioned German ICE-T train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Tip: If you have a 1st ticket you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Bratislava by hourly regional express train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 17:14, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 19:10.
Important: If travelling before 10 October 2025, see the update here.
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Fares start at 46.99 in 2nd class or 59.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Hamburg to Bratislava using the Hamburg-Vienna sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17.
This is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna on the hourly regional express train taking 56 minutes.
You can buy a ticket for the Vienna-Bratislava train at the station in Vienna for 11, no reservation necessary or possible, just buy a ticket and hop on the next train. You can check times at www.thetrainline.com. Important: If travelling before 10 October 2025, see the update here.
Option 4, Hamburg to Bratislava using the Berlin-Bratislava sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Berlin by ICE train, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 15:36, arriving Berlin Hbf 17:22.
Times vary, you can book any train you like, as long as you arrive in Berlin at least an hour before the sleeper to Budapest leaves. The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 18.99 in 2nd class or 27.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Berlin to Bratislava by sleeper train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 19:21 every night, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 06:02.
This comfortable EuroNight sleeper train has a Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, 4 & 6 berth couchettes and 2nd class seats. The sleeper fare includes a light breakfast, served in your compartment.
Departure from Berlin is at 19:47 from 10 August to 13 December 2025.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 88.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a little more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Hamburg to Budapest from 46.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Budapest by EuroCity train - the leisurely daytime option
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A EuroCity train called the Hungaria leaves Hamburg Hbf at 06:48 every day, arriving Budapest Nyugati 20:28.
The Hungaria uses Hungarian Railways' latest air-conditioned cars with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's an all-day train ride on a comfortable & spacious EuroCity train with waiter-service restaurant car and some great scenery along the way along the Elbe River between Dresden and Prague, see photos & video about the Berlin-Dresden-Prague part of this journey.
Alternatively, you can also take the 08:51 from Hamburg with one easy change at Prague Hlavni.
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Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Hamburg to Budapest by day trains - alternative daytime options
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by ICE-T, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:01, arriving Vienna Hbf 16:47.
The luxurious German ICE-T train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Tip: If you have a 1st ticket you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 17:40, arriving Budapest Keleti 20:19.
The railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It also offers business class (= premium first).
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Fares start at 46.99 in 2nd class or 59.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: If the system suggests you change at Vienna Meidling, click Stopovers and enter Wien Hbf, then it'll give you a longer interchange at Vienna Hbf with better facilities.
Option 3, Hamburg to Budapest using the Hamburg-Vienna sleeper - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna overnight by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10, arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17.
This train is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:42, arriving Budapest Keleti 13:19.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.
Option 4, Hamburg to Budapest using the Berlin-Budapest sleeper - another time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Berlin Hbf by ICE, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 15:36, arriving Berlin Hbf 17:22.
Times vary, you can book any train you like, as long as you arrive in Berlin at least 1 hour before the sleeper to Budapest leaves. The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 18.99 in 2nd class or 27.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Berlin to Budapest by sleeper train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 19:21 every night, arriving Budapest Nyugati 08:29.
This comfortable EuroNight sleeper train has a Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, 4 & 6 berth couchettes and 2nd class seats. The sleeper fare includes a light breakfast, served in your compartment.
Departure from Berlin is at 19:47 from 10 August to 13 December 2025.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 88.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Option 5, Hamburg to Budapest using the Prague-Budapest sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Prague by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 12:52, arriving Prague Hlavni 19:23.
The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. By all means catch an earlier train for an evening in Prague, when it's light it's a lovely scenic run along the Elbe river valley between Dresden and Prague, see the photos here.
Have dinner in Prague, see suggested restaurant.
Fares start at 18.99 in 2nd class or 27.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Prague to Budapest by sleeper train Metropol, leaving Prague Hlavni at 22:03, arriving Budapest Nyugati 08:29.
The train has a comfortable air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin. Morning tea or coffee is included in the fare. There is a couchette car with 4 & 6 bunk compartments. More about this sleeper train.
Fares start at 39 including a couchette, 49 including a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 69 including a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 80 in a single-bed sleeper. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book the sleeper at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket. Booking usually opens 90 days ahead.
Hamburg to Bucharest & Romania from 98
Option 1, Hamburg to Romania via Vienna - the fastest & most comfortable option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by ICE-T high-speed train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:02, arriving Vienna Hbf 16:47.
Fares start at 27.99 in 2nd class or 56.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Romania by Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 every day, arriving next day in Simeria 07:17, Sighisoara 09:17, Braşov 12:50, Ploeşti Vest 14:47 & Bucharest Nord 15:26.
The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, plus several deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. It has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.
A Hungarian restaurant car operates between Vienna & Budapest, treat yourself to dinner. A bar car is attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks & snacks. There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest.
The Dacia Express also conveys a portion from Vienna to Cluj Napoca, also leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42, arriving Cluj Napoca 10:44. This portion has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.
Fares start at 59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, 99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or 159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself. All per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.
Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
You can also book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.
Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Vienna type Wien, for Bucharest type Bucuresti. It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers. For Austria to Romania journeys you now print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. Tip: Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!
Option 2, Hamburg to Romania via Budapest
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10, arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17.
This is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, from Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:42, arriving Budapest Keleti 13:19.
The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, treat yourself to an early lunch. Enjoy an afternoon in Budapest.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.
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Step 3, travel from Budapest to Romania on the sleeper train Ister leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10, arriving Brasov 08:48 & Bucharest Nord 11:35.
The Ister has a Romanian air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6-berth compartments. There's no restaurant car, so take a picnic and bottle of wine. It gets really scenic in the morning as the train passes through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov & Ploesti, have your camera to hand!
Fares start at 39 with a couchette in 6-berth, 46 with a couchette in 4-berth, 69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. All prices per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.
Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu, see my advice on using it. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.
Option 3, Hamburg to Romania with overnight stop in Budapest - if you prefer daytime trains & hotel to sleepers
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Budapest in a day, as shown in the Hamburg to Budapest section.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. Top choice for an inexpensive stay next to Budapest Keleti is the Intercity Hotel just across the square in front of the station. Also try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel, the inexpensive Baross City Hotel across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away. More hotels in Budapest.
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Romania by comfortable air-conditioned Intercity train. These link Budapest Keleti with Cluj, Timisoara, Craiova, Sibiu, Sinaia, Brasov & Ploesti. It's an all-day daytime run across Transylvania, see the Trains from Budapest page for details.
Fares start at 26.30 in 2nd class or (on trains which have 1st class) 40.50 in 1st class.
Buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.
Booking opens 60 days ahead. You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.
You can also book at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.
Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Hamburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb from 39.99
Option 1, Hamburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Stuttgart-Zagreb sleeper - the most time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Stuttgart by ICE leaving Hamburg Hbf at 13:24, arriving Stuttgart Hbf 18:38.
The ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, put your feet up & enjoy the ride.
By all means leave Hamburg an hour or two earlier to have more time for dinner.
Fares start at 17.99 in 2nd class or 31.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Tip: In Stuttgart, the bar at the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin Hotel across the road makes a good VIP waiting lounge, or try the nearby Biergarten im Schlossgarten, see the advice here.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart by sleeper, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29, arriving Lesce-Bled 07:13, Ljubljana 08:09 & Zagreb 10:39.
The sleeper train Lisinski has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with comfortable 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin and a modern Croatian air-conditioned couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, see the photos below and the Croatian sleeper video.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Hamburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb in a single scenic day, or with an overnight stop in Munich
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You can travel from Hamburg to Ljubljana or Zagreb in a day, Leaving Hamburg Hbf at 04:54 Mondays-Saturdays only, change at Munich, arriving Lesce-Bled 17:50, Ljubljana 18:32 and Zagreb 20:45.
The scenery through the Austrian alps is superb, as is the scenery along the lovely River Sava between Ljubljana and Zagreb. Check times online for your date of travel.
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Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Before running the enquiry, click Stopovers, enter Munich with a length of stay of 45 minutes. This ensure a safe connection in Munich.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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If you'd like to break up the journey with an overnight stop in Munich, click Stopovers and enter Munich with a length of stay of (say) 11 hours. In Munich, Try the Sofitel Munich Beyerpost, Eden Hotel Wolff, InterCity Hotel or (budget) the Pension Locarno, all these hotels are right next to the station with great reviews. For dinner in Munich with local Bavarian food and a beer or two I recommend the Augustiner Keller (www.augustinerkeller.de) at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf, see walking map.
Option 3, Hamburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Hamburg-Munich sleeper then scenic onward daytime train
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Munich by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10, arriving Munich Hbf 07:06.
This is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Ljubljana or Zagreb, leaving Munich Hbf at 08:16 by railjet train, make a simple cross-platform change at Villach onto the waiting Slovenian & Croatian EuroCity train Sava, arriving Lesce-Bled on Lake Bled 13:50, Ljubljana 14:31 & Zagreb 17:10.
This is a lovely journey, through the mountains of Austria then along the Sava river between Ljubljana and Zagreb. The railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The Sava has no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.
If you'd like a morning in Munich, there's a later 12:18 EuroCity train direct to Lesce-Bled, Ljubljana and Zagreb.
Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, or you can use www.thetrainline.com to keep all your bookings in one place.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 4, Hamburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Hamburg-Vienna sleeper, morning in Vienna, EuroCity train to Zagreb.
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17.
This is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
In Vienna, you've the best part of a day to enjoy the city. Left luggage lockers are available.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Zagreb, leaving Vienna Hbf at 12:24, change at Villach, arriving Zagreb 20:45.
You travel from Vienna to Villach by swish Austrian railjet train (end destination Venice), with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Enjoy the wonderful scenery over the UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway south of Vienna, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semmering_railway.
At Villach it's a quick and simple change onto a waiting Slovenian & Croatian train called the Mimara, just 3 carriages, all 2nd class. There's no catering so take your own food & drink. The Croatian car is open-plan & air-conditioned, the two Slovenian cars have classic non-air-con compartments with windows that open. There's beautiful scenery along the Sava river between Ljubljana & Zagreb, I'd choose a compartment car with opening windows! You can see the train formation at www.vagonweb.cz, change cs to English, click Train formations and search for Mimara.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at (same prices, a little more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Hamburg to Belgrade & Montenegro
Option 1, Hamburg to Belgrade using the Berlin-Budapest sleeper - due to start 8 December 2024 but postponed, see updates.
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Berlin by ICE train, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 15:36, arriving Berlin Hbf 17:22.
Times vary, you can book any train you like, as long as you arrive in Berlin at least an hour before the sleeper to Budapest leaves. The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 18.99 in 2nd class or 27.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Day 1, travel from Berlin to Budapest on the sleeper train Metropol, leaving Berlin Hbf at 19:21, arriving Budapest Nyugati 08:29.
The train has an air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, an air-conditioned couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and 2nd class seats. In sleepers, a light breakfast is included in the fare.
Departure from Berlin is at 19:47 from 10 August to 13 December 2025.
Fares start at 49 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 59 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 79 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper with washbasin, 99 in a 2-bed sleeper with washbasin or 129 in a single-bed sleeper with washbasin. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Belgrade, leaving Budapest Nyugati 11:50, changing at Szeged & Subotica, arriving Belgrade Centar 18:38.
You take a Hungarian Intercity train from Budapest to Szeged, a local train across the border to Subotica and a 200 km/h SOKO train to Belgrade, for details see the Budapest to Belgrade page.
Fares start at around 23, see more about fares.
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For onward trains to Montenegro, see the Belgrade to Podgorica & Bar page.
Berlin to Budapest by sleeper train, see here boarding at Berlin Hbf.
Budapest to Belgrade on a connecting 3-train combo, starts 8 December 2024. This includes a 200 km/h double-deck Serbian SOKO train from Subotica to Belgrade Centar, with refreshments, toilets, power outlets at all seats & free WiFi. Soko is Serbian for falcon, hence the logo! Photo courtesy of Hugo van Vondelen.
Option 2, Hamburg to Belgrade with overnight stop in Budapest - due to start 8 December 2024 but postponed, see updates.
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Budapest on the EuroCity train Hungaria, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 06:48, arriving Budapest Nyugati 20:28.
The Hungaria uses Hungarian Railways' air-conditioned cars with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. There's a Hungarian restaurant car serving inexpensive meals with beer or wine and there's lovely scenery along the Elbe River valley between Dresden & Prague, see the photos & video here. A day well spent!
Fares start at 39.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Stay overnight in Budapest. For an affordable hotel close to Budapest Nyugati, look no further than the 3-star T62 Hotel just across the road, a traveller's favourite with funky interior design. The cheaper 3-star Star Inn Budapest Centrum is a few minutes walk away, also with good reviews. The 4-star Radisson Blu Bιke Hotel is one block along the road from the station. Of course, if you want to push the boat out, the luxurious Corinthia Hotel opened in 1896 was almost certainly the inspiration for the 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel.
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Belgrade, leaving Budapest Nyugati 05:50, changing at Szeged & Subotica, arriving Belgrade Centar 12:38.
Or if you'd prefer a later departure, leave Budapest Nyugati 11:50, changing at Szeged & Subotica, arriving Belgrade Centar 18:38.
You take a Hungarian Intercity train from Budapest to Szeged, a local train across the border to Subotica and a 200 km/h SOKO train to Belgrade, for details see the Budapest to Belgrade page.
Fares start at around 23, see more about fares.
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For onward trains to Montenegro, see the Belgrade to Podgorica & Bar page.
Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Budapest by EuroCity train Hungaria, seen here at Berlin Hbf.
Day 2, Budapest to Belgrade on a connecting 3-train combo, starts 8 December 2024. This includes a 200 km/h double-deck Serbian SOKO train from Subotica to Belgrade Centar, with refreshments, toilets, power outlets at all seats & free WiFi. Soko is Serbian for falcon, hence the logo! Photo courtesy of Hugo van Vondelen.
Option 3, Hamburg to Belgrade via Zagreb - currently involves a bus
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Stuttgart by high-speed ICE train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 13:24, arriving Stuttgart Hbf 18:38.
The ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, put your feet up & enjoy the ride.
By all means leave Hamburg an hour or two earlier to allow more time for dinner.
Fares start at 17.99 in 2nd class or 31.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Tip: In Stuttgart, the bar at the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin Hotel across the road makes a good VIP waiting lounge, or try the nearby Biergarten im Schlossgarten, see the advice here.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Zagreb by sleeper train, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29, arriving Zagreb 10:39.
The sleeper train Lisinski has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with comfortable 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin and a modern Croatian air-conditioned couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, see the photos below and the Croatian sleeper video.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04, arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar 18:12.
This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended.
This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats, but no 1st class. There's no dining-car, so bring a picnic and some beer or wine.
The fare is around 29 bought at the station in Zagreb or paid on board the train, but tickets cannot be bought online.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Zagreb to Belgrade
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb station to Zagreb bus station, see walking map.
A Flixbus leaves Zagreb bus station at 14:00, arriving Belgrade bus station at 19:30.
The fare is around 21, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
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Step 4 for Montenegro, either take the overnight sleeper Lovcen to Podgorica and Bar arriving in the morning on day 3, or stay overnight in Belgrade and take the daytime train Tara next day. See the Belgrade to Montenegro page for schedule, fares & how to buy tickets.
Hamburg to Sofia & Bulgaria
Option 1, Hamburg to Sofia via Bucharest
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by ICE, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:02, arriving Vienna Hbf 16:47.
The ICE-T high-speed train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats ^ free WiFi.
Fares start at 27.99 in 2nd class or 56.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Day 1, travel from Vienna to Bucharest by Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42, arriving Bucharest Nord 15:26 (day 2).
The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, plus several deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. It has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.
A Hungarian restaurant car operates between Vienna & Budapest, treat yourself to dinner. A bar car is attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks & snacks. There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest.
Fares start at 59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, 99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or 159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself. All per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.
Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
You can also book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.
Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Vienna type Wien, for Bucharest type Bucuresti. It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers. For Austria to Romania journeys you now print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. Tip: Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!
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Day 2, stay overnight in Bucharest. The Euro Hotel Grivita, Hotel MyContinental Bucuresti Gara de Nord & Hello Hotels Gara de Nord are all just a 5 minute 350m walk from the station, inexpensive with good or great reviews. Other hotels in Bucharest.
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Day 3, travel from Bucharest to Sofia by daytime train as shown in the Bucharest-Sofia section of the Trains from Bucharest page.
You leave Bucharest Nord at 10:11 and arrive Sofia Central at 20:35 after a pleasant day meandering across the Danube and through the river valleys of Bulgaria. In summer it's direct, in winter you have to switch trains at Ruse. There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.
The fare is around 34.
Book this at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Hamburg to Sofia via Belgrade
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Not currently viable while Zagreb-Belgrade, Budapest-Belgrade and Belgrade-Sofia trains remain suspended.
Hamburg to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland from 37.99
Hamburg to Warsaw or Krakow by train from 37.99
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You can travel from Hamburg to Warsaw in a single day:
Leave Hamburg Hbf 06:48, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 15:09.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:51, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 17:09.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:51, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 19:09.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 12:52, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 21:08.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 14:50 daily except Saturdays, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 23:09.
Or from Hamburg to Krakow in a single day:
Leave Hamburg Hbf 05:27, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Wroclaw 12:52 & Krakow Glowny 16:09.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 10:05, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Wroclaw 16:53 & Krakow Glowny 20:06.
Leave Hamburg Hbf 14:04, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Wroclaw 20:47 & Krakow Glowny 23:47.
Hamburg to Berlin is by EuroCity train or ICE, with restaurant car. Berlin to Poland is by Berlin-Warsaw or Berlin-Krakow EuroCity train with restaurant car, treat yourself to a meal with a beer or two. I recommend the zurek soup and kotlet schabowy!
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Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Click Stopovers, enter Berlin Hbf and a length of stay of 40 minutes, this gives a more robust connection in case of any delay.
Look for a journey with just 1 change.
Booking opens 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check or re-print tickets at any time. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
If you live in the USA try
