Escape to the snowy-side in style. Book a Swiss adventure today! Tell me more

Business

No tickets in your basket.

Why not plan a trip?

My Bookings
Loading...
Loading...
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF

Compare prices from over 270 rail and coach companies in Europe

Icon of trainline-phone-tickets.svg

Buy your tickets with us and easily find them on your phone

Icon of trainline-safe-payments.svg

Safely pay with PayPal, Visa and all international payment cards

What customers say about Trainline

Read real reviews from real users

Take the train from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf in 3 hours 8 minutes

If you want to travel from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train to take around 3 hours 46 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 3 hours 8 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 28 trains per day running on this route, which spans 185 miles (298 km). There’s no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ICE, DB or FlixTrain are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

You can save money on train tickets from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train

First train

04:21

Last train

22:29

Departure station

Hamburg-Altona

Arrival station

Gelsenkirchen Hbf

Journey time

From 3h 8m

Distance

185 miles (298 km)

Frequency

28 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus

FAQs about the train journey from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

Want to know more about your journey from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Hamburg-Altona?

To travel to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Hamburg-Altona, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 3 hours and 46 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 8 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the bus from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

Trains from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf take an average of 3 hours and 46 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 8 minutes. You'll usually find 28 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf in as little as 3 hours and 8 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from ICE (Intercity Express) offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Hamburg-Altona and Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train?

The quickest journey time between Hamburg-Altona and Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train is 3 hours and 8 minutes.

Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf train times

Check out the next trains departing from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf for Tuesday 31st December 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:2713:033h 36m, 1 change
09:4213:544h 12m, 3 changes
10:3914:033h 24m, 1 change
11:2914:473h 18m, 1 change
11:4215:413h 59m, 3 changes
12:2316:033h 40m, 2 changes
12:4216:534h 11m, 3 changes
13:2317:033h 40m, 2 changes
13:4217:544h 12m, 3 changes
14:5518:033h 8m, 1 change

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and FlixTrain trains from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

You can travel from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and FlixTrain trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.

Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.

ICE and FlixTrain classes from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE and FlixTrain when travelling from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf.

Onboard services on ICE and FlixTrain

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetPets

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

When travelling with Flixtrain, you can take the following luggage for free: 1x carry-on bag (max dimensions 42 x 30 x 18 cm and 7kg) and 1x checked bag (max dimensions 80 x 50 x 30 cm and 20kg).

For safety reasons, you must stow your carry-on bag beneath your seat, or in the overhead compartment above your seat.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Currently, FlixTrain does not offer a food and drink service. However, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

On FlixTrain services, you can connect to the free WiFi to surf the internet, chat with friends, check your emails and more.

If you’re worried about your battery life, you can charge your devices by connecting to the power sockets or USB outlets at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children up to 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children between 6 and 14 years old can travel alone with a declaration of consent from their parent or guardian. Keep an eye out for special discounts, as FlixTrain offer cheap tickets for children less than 15 years old.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

All FlixTrains are equipped with reservable bicycle storage. Bikes must be standard size and not exceed 20kg (45 lbs). To bring your bicycle on board, you must reserve a space with FlixTrain.

PetPetPets

In Germany, passengers may take pets that are up to the size of a house cat carried in a secure container at no cost. If you want to take a dog with you on the train which is larger than a house cat, provided it is on a leash and wearing a muzzle, you can purchase an extra ticket at the child's price. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.

In Sweden, pets may not be transported on trains. The only exception is for guide and assistance dogs.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Passengers with limited mobility who require assistance with boarding and embarking should contact FlixTrain to book one of the designated seats provided. FlixTrain transport foldable wheelchairs, walking aids and other mobility devices for free.

Cheap train tickets from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Hamburg-Altona to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.