Best option from Hamburg to Berlin: Train — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 45min, from €8. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 10, 2026): FlixBus, FlixTrain; main departure point: Hamburg Central Bus.
There are 2 ways to get from Hamburg to Berlin
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 | Hamburg Central | €8 | 9 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Hamburg Central Bus | €10 | 17 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
On this route the train and bus prices are close, so the faster train is usually the better value. Only pick the bus if the train fare on your date is clearly higher or sold out.
A train station and a bus stop can be in different parts of the city. Read your e-ticket carefully and note the departure and arrival points before you leave your accommodation.
Fares change with the date and the time of day. Booking early gives you more choice and lower prices, especially on Fridays, Sundays and around holidays when many people travel.
If you have a connection in Berlin, such as a night bus or a train to Prague or Warsaw, choose an earlier departure so a delay doesn't make you miss the onward trip.
Save your confirmation on your phone or take a screenshot. Mobile signal can be weak in stations and at bus stops, and you want to show your ticket without delay.
The journey experience
Hamburg to Berlin is one of the easiest big-city hops in Germany, and the choice is simpler than it looks: the train is the fast option, and the bus is the slower one. Here the two cost about the same, so you are not trading money for time. The comparison table on this page shows duration and price ranges side by side, so you can check at a glance.
The train runs between the city centres and suits you if you want to arrive fresh, with room to move around, a table for your laptop and a café on board. It is also the least stressful option if you have a tight schedule on the day. The long-distance bus is a good fallback if your dates are fixed and the train fares on your day are higher than usual, or if you want a seat on a specific departure. Both options are straightforward, and you do not need a car.
Your best option is the train in most cases, because it is quicker for a similar price. Book early, since fares move with the date and the time of day. Before you leave, check the departure point on your e-ticket: a main station and a bus stop are not the same place. You will get instant confirmation online and a clear pick-up point, so there is nothing to worry about.
Frequently asked questions — Hamburg → Berlin
For most travellers the train is the better choice: it takes about 1 h 45 to 2 h, against about 3 h 15 to 3 h 30 by bus, and prices are similar. The bus is only worth it if the train fare on your date is higher or sold out. A flight is rarely worth the airport transfers on a trip this short.
By train, the journey takes about 1 h 45 to 2 h. By bus, expect about 3 h 15 to 3 h 30. The exact time depends on the departure you choose and on traffic for the bus, so check the schedule on the booking page and allow a little extra if you have a connection afterwards.
Train tickets start from €8, and typically go up to €9. Bus tickets start from €10, and typically go up to €11. Prices depend on the date and how early you book, so the cheapest fares usually go first. Compare both on the booking page for your day.
Trains normally connect Hamburg Hauptbahnhof with a main station in Berlin. Buses use their own stops, which can be at a different place from the train station. The exact departure and arrival points are always shown on your booking and e-ticket, so check them before you set off.
Yes, Berlin is a good base for onward trips to Prague, Warsaw and other European cities. Book each leg separately and leave a comfortable margin between arrival and the next departure, especially if the stations or bus stops are in different parts of the city.
Why visit Berlin?
- ✓ Walk through the Brandenburg Gate and see the Reichstag dome with its panoramic views of the city
- ✓ Explore the East Side Gallery, a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals
- ✓ Spend a day on Museum Island, home to the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum
- ✓ Dance the night away in legendary techno clubs of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg
- ✓ Taste a currywurst or a döner kebab in Kreuzberg and browse the Markthalle Neun street food nights
When to visit Berlin?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC-CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
May to September — mild, sunny days and long evenings ideal for parks, beer gardens and terraces
What to do in Berlin?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Berlin?
Plan 3 to 4 days to cover Berlin properly: day one for Mitte (Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Museum Island), day two for the Wall history (East Side Gallery, Bernauer Strasse, Checkpoint Charlie), day three for neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Prenzlauer Berg. With a fourth day, add Potsdam (Sanssouci) by S-Bahn. Book the Reichstag dome slot online several days ahead and get a multi-day transit pass.
Related searches