Best option from Berlin to Hanover: Train — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 2h 50min, from €6. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 10, 2026): FlixBus, Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain; main departure point: Berlin Sudkreuz Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Berlin to Hanover
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 | €6 | 2 |
| Deutsche Bahn | Train | Berlin Main | €13 | 6 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Berlin Sudkreuz Bus Station | €11 | 12 |
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Practical tips
Fares for both modes change with the date. Check train and bus for your exact day before booking: when the gap is small, the train usually wins; when it is large, the bus saves real money.
The cheapest tickets go first on both train and bus, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking ahead protects you from overpaying and gives you an instant e-ticket on your phone.
Berlin has several stations and a separate central bus station. Read the departure point on your booking confirmation and note it before you leave, so you do not end up at the wrong place.
Large stations and bus terminals can be busy and confusing. Allow extra margin to find your platform or bay, especially with luggage, so a small delay does not turn into a missed departure.
If you continue from Hanover to Hamburg, Cologne or Amsterdam, leave a comfortable gap between arrival and your next departure. Delays happen, and a buffer keeps your connection safe.
The journey experience
Berlin to Hanover is one of the easiest routes in Germany to plan: two solid options, both running straight across the north of the country, and the choice comes down to how you value your time versus your budget. The comparison table on this page puts duration and price ranges side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The train is the faster option and the more comfortable one: wide seats, luggage racks, a café or snack service on many services, and a ride that takes you from city centre to city centre without any transfer to worry about. The long-distance bus is the budget pick. It follows the motorway, offers reclining seats and often onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets, and suits you if you are happy to trade a little time for a lower fare. Both are bookable online with an instant e-ticket.
Our advice: book early either way, since fares move with the date and how far ahead you buy. If the price gap is small on your day, take the train for speed and a central arrival. If it is wide, the bus is a sound choice. Always check the exact departure stop or station on your ticket, as the central bus station and the main station are not the same place. Hanover is also a handy hub for onward trips to Hamburg, Cologne or Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions — Berlin → Hanover
The train is the better choice if time and comfort matter most, as it is the faster option and arrives in the city centre. The bus is better if budget is your priority, since it is usually cheaper and only a little slower. Compare both on your travel date before booking.
By train, the journey takes about 2 h 50 to 2 h 55. By bus, count about 3 h 10 to 3 h 30, depending on traffic. The difference is small, so the price on your date often decides which option makes more sense for you.
Train tickets start from €6, with typical fares up to €27 depending on the date and how early you book. Bus tickets start from €11, with typical fares up to €13. Booking early gives you the best chance of the lowest price on either mode.
It depends on the mode you book. Trains leave from a Berlin railway station, while buses leave from a bus stop or terminal. The exact location is shown on your e-ticket, so check it before you travel, as the two are not in the same place.
Yes. You can book both train and bus tickets online through the booking button on this page and receive your e-ticket instantly. Keep it on your phone, check the departure point and time, and you are ready to go without printing anything.
Why visit Hanover?
- ✓ Stroll through the Herrenhausen Gardens, a baroque masterpiece with the famous Grand Cascade and Great Fountain
- ✓ Climb the dome of the New Town Hall by inclined elevator for a panoramic view over the city and the Maschsee
- ✓ Follow the Red Thread, a 4.2 km painted line guiding you to 36 sights in the old town
- ✓ Explore the Sprengel Museum and its Niki de Saint Phalle collection, then browse the Leibniz-related sites
- ✓ Rent a boat or walk around the Maschsee lake, then enjoy its beer gardens in summer
When to visit Hanover?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild, sunny weather ideal for gardens, lake and open-air terraces
What to do in Hanover?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Hanover?
Hanover is best done in 2 days. In one day, focus on the New Town Hall (take the dome lift for the view), the Herrenhausen Gardens and the Red Thread walking route through the old town. With a second day, add the Sprengel Museum, the Maschsee lake and the Lower Saxony State Museum. Hanover is also a trade fair city, so book your hotel well ahead during major fairs when prices spike.
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