Fastest way from Hamburg to Copenhagen (Denmark): Flight, about 0h 50min (from €160). Cheapest: Train, from €30 (about 5h 4min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 10, 2026): Snalltaget, FlixBus; main departure point: Hamburg Central.
There are 3 ways to get from Hamburg to Copenhagen (Denmark)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snalltaget | Train | Hamburg Central | €30 | 2 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Hamburg Central Bus | €34 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Check the table for bus and train side by side before booking. The gap between them can be small, so the cheaper option is not always the slower one and the faster one is not always worth extra.
Hamburg has a main station, a central bus station and an airport, all in different places. Read your e-ticket carefully and confirm the exact departure point the evening before to avoid going to the wrong one.
Fares for both train and bus tend to rise as the travel date approaches. Booking ahead, especially for weekends and summer, helps you secure the best fare and a seat on your preferred departure.
A flight looks fastest on paper, but add the trip to the airport, check-in, security and the transfer into Copenhagen. Door to door, the train or bus can feel much closer than expected.
Keep your passport or national ID card in your hand luggage, not in your main bag. Checks can happen on board when you cross into Denmark, and having it ready avoids stress and delays.
The journey experience
Hamburg to Copenhagen is one of the classic northbound hops for independent travellers, and the good news is that you have three clear options: train, bus or plane. The right choice depends on whether you care most about your budget, your time or your comfort. The comparison table on this page puts all three side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The train is the comfortable, scenic choice: you get a seat with space to move around, a power socket and a city-centre-to-city-centre trip without airport checks. The long-distance bus is the budget-friendly pick, with reclining seats, luggage included and a relaxed pace if you are not in a hurry. The plane is by far the quickest in the air, but remember that airport transfers, security and baggage rules take a real bite out of the time you save.
My advice: compare the three on the table, then check exactly where your service leaves from, because the main station, the central bus station and the airport are in different parts of the city. Book early for the best fares, keep your passport or ID card handy for the border crossing into Denmark, and you can then continue from Copenhagen to Malmö, Aarhus or onward across Scandinavia with confidence.
Frequently asked questions — Hamburg → Copenhagen (Denmark)
It depends on your priority. The train takes about 5 to 6 hours from €30 and is the most comfortable city-centre option. The bus is about 7 to 8 hours from €34. The plane takes about 1 hour from €160, but airport time adds up. For most budget travellers, the train is the best balance.
By train, expect about 5 to 6 hours. The bus takes about 7 to 8 hours. A flight lasts around 50 minutes to 1 hour in the air, but you should add time for getting to the airport, check-in and security, so the real door-to-door gap is smaller.
Train tickets start from €30 and typically go up to €31. Bus tickets start from €34 and typically reach €35. Flights start from €160 and typically go up to €208. Prices vary by date and how early you book, so compare in the table.
Departure points differ by mode: trains usually leave from a main station, buses from a bus station or designated stop, and flights from the airport. Your e-ticket states the exact departure and arrival point, so always check it before you head out.
Services vary by date and operator, so some departures may be direct while others include a change. The booking page shows the exact itinerary for each option, including any connection, so you can choose a departure that suits you before paying.
Why visit Copenhagen (Denmark)?
- ✓ Stroll along the colorful Nyhavn waterfront and hop on a canal boat tour past the Little Mermaid
- ✓ Ride the rides and enjoy evening lights at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks
- ✓ Explore the royal apartments and treasury at Rosenborg Castle and its Crown Jewels
- ✓ Eat your way through Torvehallerne market and try a classic smørrebrød lunch
- ✓ Cycle through Christiania and Nørrebro, then relax at the Islands Brygge harbour baths
When to visit Copenhagen (Denmark)?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
June to August — long daylight hours, mild temperatures around 20°C and outdoor terraces and harbour swimming in full swing
What to do in Copenhagen (Denmark)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Copenhagen (Denmark)?
Three days is ideal for Copenhagen: day one for Nyhavn, Strøget and the Rosenborg area, day two for Christiansborg, the National Museum and Christianshavn (Freetown Christiania, canal boat tour), day three for Tivoli or a day trip to Louisiana Museum or Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. With only 24 hours, stick to the compact centre on foot and by bike. Buy a Copenhagen Card if you plan to visit many paid sights, and rent a bike to move around like a local.
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