Cologne to Hamburg: Road Trip Guide & Distance

221.5 miles 356.5 km · straight line
264 miles actual route 424.8 km · driving distance
4h 9min estimated drive time
€46 - €56 estimated fuel cost
~57min flight time
34° NE bearing direction

How far is Cologne from Hamburg?

The distance from Cologne to Hamburg is 221.5 miles (356.5 km) as the crow flies. Hamburg is located NE of Cologne. By car, the driving distance is approximately 264 miles, taking about 4h 9min. A direct flight would take roughly 57min. Both are located in Germany.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cologne and Hamburg. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Cologne to Hamburg

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 4h 9min €46 - €56 Flexible stops
Fly ~57min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~4h 59min $21–$40* Budget
Train ~3h 57min $32–$92* Comfort

Quick Facts

Cologne
50.94°N, 6.96°E
Europe/Berlin
37m elevation
Hamburg
53.55°N, 9.99°E
Europe/Berlin
6m elevation
Explore more routes from Hamburg

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 74 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 18 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 112.4 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM