 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 2024.
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?". Click here to understand how far ahead you can 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 19.90, 29.90, 39.90 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, around 4.90 per seat, usually free if you're buying a 1st class ticket - if you don't want one you can sit in any unreserved seat. You can choose your seat from a seating plan when booking a German IC or ICE train.
You print your own tickets (on A4 paper but U.S. Letter size is fine) or you can show it on your laptop or phone. Tickets can also be sent to any address worldwide for a small fee.
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.
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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 20:29, arriving Munich Hbf 07:06.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 $, overseas 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, Dusseldorf, Cologne
In addition to the regular service provided by DB, competing lo-cost operator Flixtrain offers two trains per day from Hamburg to Berlin, Dusseldorf & 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.
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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 online or by phone and an explanation of the Deutschland Ticket, Schφnes-Wochenende-Ticket and Lander tickets.
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 an illustrated account of 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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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 minimum 30 minutes. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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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. Start by booking the ferry at www.irishferries.com and add a train connection using www.thetrainline.com, see the Paris to Dublin section for full details.
Hamburg to Paris from 39.90
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 ICE & TGV, a chill-out journey across Europe. For example:
Hamburg Hbf depart 06:18 by ICE train, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE3, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 14:13.
Hamburg Hbf depart 08:24 by ICE train, change at Mannheim onto a TGV Duplex, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 16:52.
Hamburg Hbf depart 10:24 by ICE train, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE3, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:16.
Hamburg Hbf depart 12:24 by ICE train, change at Karlsruhe onto a TGV Duplex, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 20:43.
Hamburg Hbf depart 14:24 by ICE train, change at Karlsruhe onto a TGV Duplex, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 22:13.
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 >60 is upper deck.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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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.
Option 2, Hamburg to Paris with overnight stop in Cologne - the time-effective overnight option with an evening in Cologne
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Cologne, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 18:45 and arriving Cologne Hbf at 22:49.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
By all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Cologne. The cathedral is right next to the station, 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 from the station, see walking map.
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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.
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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 select a mobile ticket to show 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 sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 22:07 and arriving Karlsruhe Hbf at 06:02.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two double-deck sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 or 2 berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, single deck sleeper with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin and 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, and couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments. See photos & information about Nightjet sleeper trains.
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 $, overseas 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 high-speed TGV Duplex, leaving Karlsruhe Hbf at 07:32 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:13. On Sundays, you leave Karlsruhe Hbf at 08:06 arriving Paris Est at 10:38.
The train has 1st & 2nd class seats and a cafe-bar. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views. You've time for breakfast in Karlsruhe between trains.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 22:07 and arriving Offenburg at 06:37.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two double-deck sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 or 2 berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, single deck sleeper with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin and 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, and couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments. See photos & information about Nightjet sleeper trains.
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 $, overseas 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 at 08:04.
On Mondays-Fridays you should make an earlier train, at 07:05 arriving 07:34.
The fare is a fixed-price 10.10, 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 Mannheim or Frankfurt by ICE train, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Until 15 July 2024, leave Hamburg Hbf at 09:24, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 13:00.
From 16 July 2024, leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:24, arriving Mannheim 13:27.
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Step 2, travel to Lyon, Avignon, Aix en Provence or Marseille by TGV Duplex.
Until 15 July, leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 13:56 every day arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 19:56, Avignon TGV 21:09, Aix en Provence TGV 21:33 & Marseille St Charles at 21:46.
From 16 July 2024, leave Mannheim at 14:39 every day arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 19:56, Avignon TGV 21:09, Aix en Provence TGV 21:33 & Marseille St Charles at 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 >60 is upper deck.
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Fares from Hamburg to France start at 49.90 in 2nd class or 79.90 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 40 minutes. This gets you a suitable departure from Hamburg giving a robust connection in Frankfurt with time for a coffee.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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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 laptop or 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 by train, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 14:24 by ICE train, changing at Karlsruhe onto an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 22:13. By all means take an earlier one and have a leisurely dinner in Paris.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 $, overseas 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 a mobile ticket 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.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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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 $, overseas 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 a mobile ticket on your phone.
Hamburg to Brussels & Bruges from 39.90
Option 1, Hamburg to Brussels or anywhere in Belgium with a DB through ticket
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Leave Hamburg Hbf at 06:45, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi at 13:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:45, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi at 15:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 10:45, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi at 17:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 12:50, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi at 19:35.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 14:44, change at Cologne Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi at 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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets from Hamburg to Brussels or almost any station in Belgium 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 laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Option 2, Hamburg to Cologne by InterCity train, 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. For these reasons I recommend sticking 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. These come with a waiter-service restaurant car, cafe counter, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about ICEs.
Step 2, Cologne to Brussels by ICE3, seen above at Brussels Midi. Restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about ICEs.
Hamburg to Amsterdam from 32.90
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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 at 04:37, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 10:00.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 06:45, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 12:00.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:45, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 14:00.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 10:45, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 16:00.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 12:45, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 18:00.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 14:44, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 20:00.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 16:50, change at Osnabrόck, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 22:00.
You travel from Hamburg to Osnabruck by ICE4 high-speed train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. You then travel from Osnabruck to Amsterdam by InterCity train with power sockets at all seats and a refreshments trolley.
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Fares start at 32.90 in 2nd class or 43.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Tip: int.bahn.de sells through tickets from Hamburg to almost any station in the Netherlands: Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, wherever.
Step 1, Hamburg to Osnabruck by ICE4. These come with a waiter-service restaurant car, cafe counter, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about ICEs.
Step 2, Osnabruck 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 24.90
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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 at 06:45 by Swiss EuroCity train, change at Koblenz onto a regional train arriving Luxembourg 14:23.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 09:45 by ICE train, change at Koblenz onto a regional train arriving Luxembourg 17:48.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 11:53 by ICE train, change at Koblenz onto a regional train arriving Luxembourg 19:23.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 16:10 by ICE train, change at Koblenz onto a regional train arriving Luxembourg 00:35 (23:29 at weekends)
The line from Koblenz to Luxembourg is very scenic, much of it 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 24.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 35.90
Option 1, Hamburg to Switzerland by sleeper train - the time-effective overnight option
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An excellent Nightjet sleeper train leaves Hamburg Hbf at 22:07 every night, arriving Basel SBB at 08:10 & Zurich HB at 10:05.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars (1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin), couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats. The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, see the Nightjet information page.
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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 $, overseas 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 70% 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.
Option 2, Hamburg to Switzerland by high-speed ICE train - the fast daytime option
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High-speed ICE trains with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi link Hamburg with Basel & Zurich.
Departures from Hamburg Hbf are usually at 06:18, 08:24, 10:24, 12:24, 14:34 and there's also a 16:24 as far as Basel.
Hamburg to Basel SBB normally takes 6h31, to Zurich HB 7h36, a little longer 16 July until December 2024 due to trackwork - it's a chill-out trip, treat yourself to an Erdinger Weissbier or two.
Times may vary, check times for your date online.
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Fares start at 35.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Option 3, Hamburg to Switzerland by classic train along the Rhine Valley - the slower scenic option
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EuroCity train EC9 leaves Hamburg Hbf at 06:45 and arrives Basel SBB 15:36 & Zurich HB 17:00.
This comfortable EuroCity train (EC9) has spacious & comfortable Swiss Federal Railways cars and an elegant Swiss restaurant car, and a superb Swiss 1st class panorama car, see the photos below.
Instead of taking the high-speed line between Mainz & Cologne (as in option 2), 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 for more information, photos & video. This is one of my favourite trains on one of my favourite routes, I think it's well worth the extra time!
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Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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 almost any station in Switzerland. To get this scenic route, click Stopovers and enter Koblenz Hbf as a stopover, leaving length of stay as 00:00.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
You can buy a through ticket at int.bahn.de from Hamburg to Swiss destinations such as Zermatt, Wengen or St Moritz, this includes the onward Swiss domestic train and it's a lot cheaper than buying a separate full-price Swiss domestic ticket from Basel.
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Tip: Panorama car on train EC9. You will thank me for this! Train EC9 conveys a wonderful Swiss 1st class panorama car, see photos here. Speeding along the Rhine in this is a real treat, yet all you need to sit in it is a 1st class ticket. To make sure you get a seat in it, add a free seat reservation when you book, using the select seat link to pick a seat in car 263, see the advice on the Rails Down the Rhine page.
Hamburg to Venice from 60
Option 1, 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 high-speed ICE train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 13:24 and 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.
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 17.90 in 2nd class or 31.90 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. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia 08:34.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet 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, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
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 $, overseas 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 2, 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 sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 & arriving Innsbruck Hbf at 09:14.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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 EuroCity train, leaving Innsbruck Hbf at 13:24 arriving Venice Santa Lucia 18:25.
There's lovely scenery through the Brenner Pass. see the Brenner Pass scenery video.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train as a second transaction at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas 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 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 at 23:43, 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 EuroCity train, leaving Munich Hbf at 11:33 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 18:25.
Or you can take the 09:34 from Munich Hbf arriving Venice 16:40, although this involves a change at Verona Porta Nuova. There's also an earlier 07:34 to Verona which goes direct to Venice at weekends. Your call! See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.
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Fares from Hamburg to Venice start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Hamburg to Florence, Rome, Milan, Verona or anywhere else Italy from 39.90
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 and arriving Munich Hbf at 17:44.
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. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Italy by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Munich Hbf 20:10, one portion for Verona P. Nuova 05:51, Milan Rogoredo 07:42, Genoa Piazza Principe 09:38, La Spezia 11:10, another portion for Bologna Centrale 05:15, Florence 06:52 & Rome Termini 09:10.
In 2024, arrival in Florence & Rome varies: Monday-Thursday mornings it arrives Florence Campo di Marte 06:52 & Rome Termini 09:10. Friday & Sunday mornings it arrives Florence SMN 06:57, Rome Termini 10:30. Saturday mornings it arrives Florence SMN 06:18, Rome Termini 09:10.
Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet 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, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
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 $, overseas 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 - a scenic ride!
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Travel from Hamburg to Basel or Zurich by ICE train, then from Basel or Zurich to Milan by EuroCity train. Then take an onward high-speed Frecciarossa from Milan to Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples. It's possible to travel from Hamburg to Milan in a day, and even an overnight stop in Basel, Zurich or Milan is usually necessary for longer journeys. I'd allow at least 45 minutes in Basel or Zurich between trains. For example:
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 06:18 by ICE train, change at Zurich HB, arrive Milan Centrale 19:50.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:45 by ICE train, change at Basel SBB, arrive Milan Centrale 21:40.
The ICE & EuroCity train both have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Frecciarossas have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
If you take the 06:18, a same-day connection is possible to Verona, Venice, Florence & Rome, Hamburg to Rome in a day.
If you take a later departure you'll need to stop 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.
Important update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures. Until this is resolved, possibly September, the times below apply:
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 07:28 by ICE train, change at Zurich HB, arrive Milan Centrale 20:50.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 09:28 by ICE train, change at Zurich HB, arrive Milan Centrale 22:50.
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Zurich starts at 35.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 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.
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
First check times from Hamburg to Milan at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Look for journeys with just 1 change. Note down each train you want, then split the booking to buy tickets like this:
Step 1, book from Hamburg to Basel or Zurich using int.bahn.de. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or 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 Basel or Zurich to Milan (or, if using the early train from Hamburg, Zurich to Verona, Venice, 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.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, read this advice on using it).
Alternatively, if you want to book all your tickets together in one place, you can make both bookings at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee), but I'd still book as two transactions, you can add each to your basket then check out.
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I'd allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Basel or Zurich. Hamburg to Milan via Basel or Zurich is an all-day train ride. If you'd prefer to split it over 2 days with an overnight stop in Basel or Zurich or even Lucerne or Lugano, no problem. Indeed, that's a good option!
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 sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf 20:10 & arriving Innsbruck Hbf 09:14 next morning.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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, take a comfortable Austrian EuroCity train through the scenic Brenner Pass to Verona & Italy, leaving Innsbruck Hbf at 11:24 and arriving Verona Porta Nuova at 14:58 & Bologna Centrale at 16:20.
Don't risk a tight connection with the earlier 09:24 EuroCity to Verona, I'd play safe and stick with the 11:24.
There's a restaurant car for lunch, treat yourself to a beer or two as the mountains roll past, see the Brenner Pass scenery video here.
Change at Verona Porta Nuova for Milan Centrale. Change at Bologna Centrale for a high-speed Frecciarossa train 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.
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 at 23:43, 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 Austrian EuroCity train thorough the wonderful Brenner Pass, see the Brenner Pass scenery video.
Trains leave Munich Hbf every 2 hours or so taking a leisurely 5h25. The 09:34 departure runs beyond Verona to Bologna Centrale.
Change in Verona (or, if taking the 09:34, in Bologna), for an onward Italian train to anywhere you like in Italy. Verona to Florence takes just 2h35, Verona to Rome as little as 2h50.
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How much does it cost?
Hamburg to Verona starts at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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
First book from Hamburg to Verona Porta Nuova, or (if you plan to take the 09:34 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.
Then buy onward tickets from Verona Porta Nuova or Bologna Centrale 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, changing at Karlsruhe onto an impressive 320 km/h TGV Duplex arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 22:13. 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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 high-speed TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants 16:31.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) 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 >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information 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 select a mobile ticket to show 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 and so on by high-speed train.
A high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:25, arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:15 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 21:07 & Alicante 23:40.
For Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, stay in Barcelona overnight, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants inside the station. Next morning direct high-speed AVE trains leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 for Granada and 08:35 for Cordoba, Seville Santa Justa & Malaga Maria Zambrano.
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 only opens 60 days ahead, but this varies significantly.
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, changing at Karlsruhe, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:13.
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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 heart of the Pyrenees or to Cerbθre on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz around 21:00. Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbθre to Barcelona Sants arriving around 14:00.
See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & 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-S112 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 Joaquin Sorolla 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 $, overseas 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 train to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf then the direct high-speed TGV Duplex to Marseille St Charles arriving 21:48. On some dates you'll need an earlier train leaving Hamburg Hbf 08:28, check online.
Both the ICE & TGV Duplex have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The ICE has a restaurant car, the TGV Duplex a cafe-bar.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Important: You don't want to miss the one train per day from Frankfurt to Marseille because of a 10 minute delay so I recommend changing Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes so you get the trains I suggest above.
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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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Day 2, travel from Marseille to Spain by AVE S100, leaving Marseille St Charles at 08:04, arriving Barcelona Sants 12:38 & Madrid Atocha 15:45.
This comfortable Spanish 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 in southern France, the Fort de Salses on the right approaching Perpignan and great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees. More about AVE S100 & 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 a mobile ticket 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 Joaquin Sorolla 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 normally opens 60 days ahead, but it varies. 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, changing at Karlsruhe and arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 22:13.
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 above for other departures. Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi.
Fares start from 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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 $, overseas 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 and arriving Hendaye 14:47.
An earlier 07:11 departure is available on Mondays to Saturdays, arriving Hendaye at 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 $, overseas 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 select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.
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Day 2, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes.
Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt. Buy a ticket for 2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes.
See the Paris to San Sebastian page for more information, photos & tips.
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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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 laptop or phone.
Change stations from Paris Est to the Gare de Lyon by metro or taxi.
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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 320 km/h TGV Duplex leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.
This double-deck TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a comfortable & scenic journey, see an account of the sights to see from the train on the way.
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 high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:25 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 20:55.
The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about trains from Barcelona to Madrid.
Fares start at 38 in Standard class or 45 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 normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
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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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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Paris, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 10:24, changing at Karlsruhe and arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:13.
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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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 $, overseas 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. I'd allow at least 90 minutes between trains in Paris when catching a sleeper you don't want to miss. 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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Step 2, travel from Paris to either Toulouse or Andorre-l'Hospitalet by Intercitι de Nuit, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 21:40 arriving Toulouse Matabiau at 06:30 or Andorre-l'Hospitalet at 09:42. Exact times may vary.
The 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 60 in a 1st class couchette. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
The Paris-L'Hospitalet night train should run daily all year, but there are occasional dates or periods when it doesn't run due to track work, so check for your date of travel. It also has an annoying habit of opening late for booking, less than the expected 4 months ahead, so don't be too impatient. If it's not running to l'Hospitalet on your date of travel, the Paris to Toulouse one might still be running.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas 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. You print your own ticket or can choose a mobile ticket.
Tip: If going via Toulouse, I can recommend the breakfast buffet at the Pullman Hotel, a few minutes walk from the station.
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Step 3 if you go via Toulouse (slower, longer road journey, but cheaper): Travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus.
A bus run by Andbus (www.andorrabybus.com) typically leaves Toulouse at 09:45, arriving Andorra la Vella bus station at 14:00. Check current times at www.andorrabybus.com, I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse in case of delay.
The bus leaves from bus stand 15 inside the Gare Routiθre (bus station) immediately outside Toulouse Matabiau station. Simply 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 upper section, see the photos below.
Book the bus at www.andorrabybus.com. The fare is around 36 one-way.
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Step 3 if you go via l'Hospitalet (fastest, more rail & less road, but with expense of a taxi): Enjoy the scenic train ride into the Pyrenees to l'Hospitalet, then travel from l'Hospitalet to Andorra la Vella by road, see the London to Andorra page for taxi details.
Hamburg to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from 37.90
Option 1, Hamburg to Vienna by daytime train
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As the timetable change on 10 December 2023 there are now 3 direct ICE trains from Hamburg to Vienna every day:
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:01, arriving Vienna Hbf at 16:47.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:04, arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:47.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 12:04, arriving Vienna Hbf at 21:47.
There are other journeys to Vienna with 1 easy change of train at Wurzburg or Nuremberg, up to 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 - or passengers in 1st class can order and be served at their seat.
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Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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 laptop or 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 Wurzburg. Consider changing Transfer time from normal to 25 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 (served by the Hamburg-Vienna portion) for a railjet train to Salzburg Hbf, arriving 08:49.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 both portions of this train are due to be operated by new generation Nightjet trains 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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 or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Hamburg to Copenhagen & Denmark from 27.90
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Comfortable EuroCity trains link Hamburg with Copenhagen, departures from Hamburg Hbf at 08:50, 10:53, 12:53, 14:53 & 16:53 every day with additional departures at 06:31 & 18:50 from mid-June to late August, journey time 4h41. They also call at Kolding (for Legoland) and Odense. See the Hamburg to Copenhagen page for details.
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Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 2024. 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.
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 27.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Hamburg to Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmφ & Sweden from 59.90
Option 1, Hamburg to Stockholm by sleeper train, daily all year round
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A direct sleeper train leaves Hamburg Hbf at 22:03 every day and arrives Stockholm Central 09:57 next morning.
Procured by the Swedish government and run by SJ (Swedish Railways), the train has sleeping-cars with compact 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin, several 1 or 2 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. The sleeping-cars are former Austrian Railways AB32s, refurbished. More about the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train.
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Fares start at 44.90 with a couchette in 6-berth, 69.90 with a couchette in 4-berth, 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 Malmφ, Gothenburg & Stockholm by year-round daytime trains
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You can travel from Hamburg to Stockholm by train in a single day with one easy change in Copenhagen. For example:
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 by EuroCity train, change at Copenhagen onto an X2000 and arrive Stockholm Central at 19:37.
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Fares start at 56.90 in 2nd 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. Book from Hamburg to Stockholm as one transaction and look for an option with just 1 change. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Tip: If you have any problems finding tickets using int.bahn.de, book Hamburg to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de then book from Copenhagen to Stockholm separately at either SJ's own website www.sj.se (which has been known to reject some overseas credit cards) or Omio.com. You will then find affordable fares in both classes for both trains.
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Stopover in Copenhagen?
You can arrange a stopover in Copenhagen for up to 48 hours at the same price, simply by clicking Stopovers and entering Copenhagen with a suitable length of stay in hours.
Hotels in Copenhagen near the station with good reviews: 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).
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 2024. 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 Malmo & 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 Berlin to Malmo & Stockholm.
The sleeper train runs daily except Saturdays from 1 April to 3 November 2024. It also runs over Christmas & New Year.
It leaves Berlin Hbf at 20:57, Hamburg Hbf at 23:59 and arrives Malmφ Central 07:35 & Stockholm Central 14:10.
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The train has 6-berth couchette compartments & ordinary seats. There's a restaurant car between Malmo & 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 normally consists of 5 cars from Berlin: 2 cars only going as far as Malmo, and 2 couchette cars & 1 seats car going all the way to Stockholm. The Berlin-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 4, 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.
You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. 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 Goteborg 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 train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 and arriving Copenhagen at 13:34.
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 and arriving Gφteborg Central at 18:20.
The Φresund train has power sockets & free WiFi, but bring your own food & drink. 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 and arriving Oslo Sentral at 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 56.90 in 2nd class or 75.90 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 08:55 departure using 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 laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Step 2, book the 20:10 from Goteborg 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.
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 Gothenburg, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 16:53, arriving Copenhagen at 21:34.
By all means book the earlier 12:53 or 14:53 for more of an evening in Copenhagen, see the Hamburg-Copenhagen 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 at 15:47.
Or there are earlier and later trains, see the Copenhagen-Oslo timetable here.
Alternatively, spend the day in Copenhagen and take the overnight DFDS 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 56.90 in 2nd class or 75.90 in 1st class.
Gothenburg to Oslo starts at 24.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Hamburg to Goteborg 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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 Gothenburg Central at 22:20.
Fares start at 56.90 in 2nd class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Gothenburg is listed as Gφteborg Central.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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 ca 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 at the German Railways site int.bahn.de.
In Kiel it's just a 6 minute walk from Kiel Hbf to the Color Line ferry terminal, but 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 en suite 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 Chrome translation 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.
Option 5, Hamburg to Oslo using the DFDS 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 and arriving Copenhagen at 13:34.
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 DFDS ferry terminal, this takes just 10 minutes. Check-in closes at 14:45.
From 14 June to 25 August there's an earlier train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 06:31 and arriving Copenhagen 11:34, 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 06:31 train from Hamburg, you can walk from Copenhagen station to the DFDS 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 28.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Step 2, sail from Copenhagen to Oslo by DFDS Seaways overnight ferry.
The luxurious DFDS Seaways ferry sails from Copenhagen DFDS 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).
Check times & book tickets at www.dfds.com or using the Direct Ferries website.
At the DFDS ferry terminal, you check yourself 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. To travel in luxury, treat yourself to DFDS's famous Commodore Class, some suites with 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 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 seamans' 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 above.
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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 27.90
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Direct EuroCity trains leave Hamburg Hbf are at 06:48, 08:51, 10:51, 12:51 every day, taking 6h33 to Prague Hlavni.
South of Dresden, these trains run along the scenic Elbe River valley, make sure you 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 27.90 in 2nd class or 36.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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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 46.90
Option 1, Hamburg to Bratislava by EuroCity train - the direct daytime option
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A direct EuroCity train called the Hungaria leaves Hamburg Hbf at 06:48, arriving Bratislava Hlavna at 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 39.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 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. You print your own ticket, but in this case it cannot be shown on a mobile device. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 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 17:17 and arriving Bratislava Hlavna at 19:26.
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Fares from Hamburg to Bratislava start at 46.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Option 3, Hamburg to Bratislava using the Hamburg-Vienna sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by Austrian Nightjet sleeper train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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 a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna on the hourly regional express train taking 1h09.
You can buy a ticket for the Vienna-Bratislava train at the station in Vienna for 11.00, as no reservation is necessary or possible, just buy a ticket and hop on the next train. You can check times at www.thetrainline.com.
Option 4, Hamburg to Bratislava using the Berlin-Bratislava sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Berlin Hbf by ICE train, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 15:36 arriving Berlin Hbf at 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 18.90 in 2nd class or 27.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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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 next morning.
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.
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 $, overseas 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 46.90
Option 1, Hamburg to Budapest by EuroCity train - the direct daytime option
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A direct EuroCity train called the Hungaria leaves Hamburg Hbf at 06:48 every day, arriving Budapest Nyugati at 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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket, although in this case it cannot be shown on a mobile device. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 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 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 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 from Hamburg to Budapest start at 46.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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 sleeper train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 & arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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 or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 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 train, for example leaving Hamburg Hbf at 15:36 arriving Berlin Hbf at 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 18.90 in 2nd class or 27.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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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.
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 $, overseas 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 12:51 & arriving Prague Hlavni at 19:24.
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 the line between Dresden and Prague is very scenic, all along the Elbe river valley, see the photos here. Have dinner in Prague, see suggested restaurant.
Fares start at 18.90 in 2nd class or 27.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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Step 2, travel from Prague to Budapest by sleeper train Metropol, leaving Prague Hlavni at 22:03 arriving Budapest Nyugati at 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. See more photos & information here.
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 Brasov & Bucharest 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 08:01 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 16:47.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Romania by Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 every day and arriving next day in Simeria 07:10, Sighisoara 09:13, Braşov 12:36, Ploeşti Vest 14:28 & Bucharest Nord at 15:06.
The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, plus several deluxe compartments with en suite 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 and arriving Cluj Napoca at 10:47. This portion has a Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed 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 collect tickets from an ΦBB ticket machine in Vienna.
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 laptop or 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 sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 and arriving in Vienna Hbf 09:17.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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 at 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. 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 and arriving Brasov at 08:50 & Bucharest Nord at 11:30 next day.
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. Take a picnic and bottle of wine as there may not be a bar car until the train gets to Romania. It's a really scenic journey 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 laptop or 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 laptop or phone.
Hamburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb from 39.90
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 high-speed ICE train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 13:24 and 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.
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 19:30. By all means leave Hamburg an hour or two earlier to have more time for dinner.
Fares start at 17.90 in 2nd class or 31.90 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. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Ljubljana & Zagreb 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.
From 31 March to 2 September 2023, there's also a direct Croatian sleeping-car to Rijeka, arriving Rijeka 11:25.
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 $, overseas 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 at 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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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If you'd like to break up the journey with an overnight stop in Munich, simply 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 sleeper train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 and arriving Munich Hbf at 07:06.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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 quick & simple cross-platform change at Villach onto the waiting Slovenian & Croatian EuroCity train Sava, arriving Lesce-Bled on Lake Bled at 13:50, Ljubljana 14:31 & Zagreb 17:10.
This is a really 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 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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 sleeper, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:10 every evening, arriving Vienna Hbf 09:17.
Until 9 December 2023, 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, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by 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 on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. 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 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 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 $, overseas 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 by EuroCity train Croatia, leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:58 and arriving Zagreb at 22:20.
For Ljubljana, change at Maribor onto a Slovenian InterCity train, arriving Ljubljana at 22:00.
The EuroCity train has comfortable air-conditioned Austrian coaches and an Austrian restaurant car. In summer when it's light, enjoy the wonderful scenery over dinner in the restaurant car, including a ride over the famous UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway south of Vienna, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semmering_railway.
Important update: From September 2023 until further notice, you will have to make a quick cross-platform change in Graz. The restaurant car only runs in the Austrian portion.
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 $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Bookings usually open up to 90 days ahead and you print your own ticket.
Hamburg to Belgrade, Sofia & Montenegro
Option 1, Hamburg to Belgrade & beyond via Zagreb
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Step 1, travel from Hamburg to Stuttgart by high-speed ICE train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 13:24 and 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.
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 17.90 in 2nd class or 31.90 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. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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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 $, overseas 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 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 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 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
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Step 4 for Sofia, see the Belgrade to Sofia page for schedule, fares & how to buy tickets.
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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.
Option 2, Hamburg to Sofia via Bucharest - currently the best option for Sofia
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, as shown above.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas 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 and you print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.
The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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 (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas 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 and you print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Bucharest on the sleeper train Muntenia, leaving Budapest Keleti at 15:10 and arriving Bucharest Nord at 08:42.
The Muntenia has 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats. A Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments is attached from Arad (depart 21:04) to Bucharest. There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.
Fares start at 40 with a couchette in 6-berth or 47 with a couchette in 4-berth. These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares
Book this at the Romanian Railways international website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket.
If you want the comfort & privacy of a proper sleeper from Arad to Bucharest, (1) book a 2nd class seat from Budapest to Arad from 17 using bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket. (2) Now book berths in a 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper from Arad to Bucharest Nord at the Romanian domestic website bilete.cfrcalatori.ro and print your own ticket.
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Day 3, travel from Bucharest to Sofia by daytime train as shown on the train from Bucharest page. You leave Bucharest Nord at 10:55 and arrive Sofia Central at 20:10 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.
Hamburg to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland from 37.90
Hamburg to Warsaw or Krakow by train from 37.90
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You can travel from Hamburg to Warsaw in a single day:
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 06:48, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 15:09.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:51, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 17:09.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 10:51, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 19:09.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 12:51, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 21:08.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 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 at 08:04, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Wroclaw 14:57 & Krakow Glowny 18:06.
Leave Hamburg Hbf at 14:04, change at Berlin Hbf, arriving Wroclaw 20:53 & Krakow Glowny 23:54.
Hamburg to Berlin is by EuroCity train or ICE, with restaurant car. Berlin to Poland is by comfortable Polish EuroCity train with restaurant car, treat yourself to a meal with a beer or two.
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Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 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 to Poland normally opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
If you live in the USA try
