Best option from Berlin to Hamburg: Train — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 52min, from €7. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 10, 2026): FlixBus, FlixTrain; main departure point: Berlin Alexanderplatz.
There are 2 ways to get from Berlin to Hamburg
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 10, 2026 for a departure on December 1, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | Train | Berlin Sudkreuz | €7 | 9 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Berlin Alexanderplatz | €10 | 15 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Train and bus prices on this route can be very close. Check both for your travel date before booking, so you never pay extra for a train when the bus is nearly as fast, or the other way round.
Berlin has more than one place where long-distance buses and trains leave from. Read the departure point on your e-ticket the day before and look it up on a map, so you do not head to the wrong station.
Cheap fares on both bus and train tend to sell out first. Booking ahead gives you the best choice of times and the lowest prices, especially on Fridays, Sundays and around public holidays.
Get to the stop or platform ahead of departure, and avoid booking the last service of the day. If something goes wrong, you will still have a later option to reach Hamburg the same evening.
Save your e-ticket as a screenshot or PDF on your phone. Mobile data can be patchy at stations and bus stops, and having the ticket ready makes boarding quick and stress-free.
The journey experience
Berlin to Hamburg is one of Germany's busiest corridors, and the choice is simpler than it looks: it comes down to whether you value your time or your budget more. Both the train and the long-distance bus run this route every day, so you can decide in a minute using the comparison table on this page.
The train is the fast, comfortable option. It leaves from a central station, has plenty of legroom, a bistro or snack service on many services, power sockets and room to walk around. Deutsche Bahn runs this corridor with frequent intercity services. The long-distance bus is the slower choice but works well on a tight budget, with reclining seats, luggage storage underneath and often Wi-Fi on board. FlixBus is the best-known operator on German routes. A domestic flight is rarely worth the hassle here, because airport transfers and check-in cancel out any time saved.
Our advice: if the fares are close on your date, take the train. If you are travelling on a tight budget or can book early, the bus is a solid saving. Always check the exact departure stop or station on your ticket, since Berlin has several, then book online and keep the e-ticket on your phone. From Hamburg you can easily continue to Copenhagen or Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions — Berlin → Hamburg
The train is the better choice if time matters: it takes about 2 hours against roughly 3 h 15 to 3 h 35 by bus. The bus is the better choice if you want to spend as little as possible. Check both fares for your date, as the gap can be small.
By train, the journey takes between 1 h 50 and 2 h 05. By bus, expect between 3 h 15 and 3 h 35. The bus takes noticeably longer, so allow for it in your plans, especially if you have a connection onward from Hamburg.
Train tickets start from €7, and typical fares go up to about €8. Bus tickets start from €10, with typical fares up to about €12. Prices depend on the date and how early you book, so check your exact day.
Your e-ticket shows the exact departure and arrival points, and they can differ between operators. Trains normally use a main station, while buses use a central bus station or another designated stop. Always check the address on your booking before you set off.
The booking page shows for each departure whether it is a direct service or involves a change. Compare the options listed for your date and pick a direct one if you want a simpler trip with no connection to worry about.
Why visit Hamburg?
- ✓ Stroll through the Speicherstadt, the world's largest timber-piled warehouse district, and visit Miniatur Wunderland
- ✓ Attend a concert at the Elbphilharmonie and enjoy the free Plaza viewing platform over the harbour
- ✓ Take a harbour cruise or ride the HVV ferry line 62 along the Elbe past the Landungsbrücken and container terminals
- ✓ Experience the nightlife of St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn, then eat a fish roll at the Fischmarkt on Sunday morning
- ✓ Walk the Elbstrand beach in Övelgönne and admire the villas and museum ships of the Elbchaussee
When to visit Hamburg?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild, longest days and outdoor terraces, though showers are frequent year-round, so bring a light rain jacket
What to do in Hamburg?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Hamburg?
Allow 3 days to cover Hamburg properly. In 2 days, focus on the Speicherstadt, HafenCity with the Elbphilharmonie plaza, the harbour and a evening on the Reeperbahn. With a third day, add the Alster lake, the Fischmarkt (Sunday morning) and a museum such as the Miniatur Wunderland. Buy a day ticket for public transport and book Miniatur Wunderland online to skip the queues.
Related searches