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Travelling by train from Munich to Hamburg
Almost 400 miles separate the iconic German cities of Munich and Hamburg, but one of the best ways to get between them in comfort and style is by taking the train. Over 20 trains operated by Deutsche Bahn run each and every day from Munich Hbf to Hamburg, and the fastest journey times are under six hours.
After making a magical journey from one big city to another, you'll step out in the heart of Hamburg, ready to walk along the Elbe River, visit the city's Aldstadt historic buildings, explore the trendy Speicherstadt neighborhood, or feel like a giant at the Miniatur Wunderland, home of the world's largest model railway.
Read on for more details about the train journey from Munich to Hamburg, including train times, ticket prices and FAQs.
Munich Hbf to Hamburg by train
It takes an average of 6h 31m to travel from Munich Hbf to Hamburg by train, over a distance of around 381 miles (613 km). There are normally 19 trains per day travelling from Munich Hbf to Hamburg and tickets for this journey start from £15.68 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:00 | |
| Departure station | Munich Hbf | |
| Arrival station | Hamburg | |
| Journey time | From 5h 20m | |
| Distance | 381 miles (613 km) | |
| Frequency | 19 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £15.68 | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Munich Hbf to Hamburg
Want to know more about your journey from Munich Hbf to Hamburg? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the quickest journey time between Munich Hbf and Hamburg by train?
Are there direct trains from Munich Hbf to Hamburg?
What's the distance between Munich Hbf and Hamburg by train?
Who runs the trains from Munich Hbf to Hamburg?
Can you travel from Munich Hbf to Hamburg without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Hamburg from Munich Hbf?
What time is the first train from Munich Hbf to Hamburg?
What time is the last train from Munich Hbf to Hamburg?
How often do trains go from Munich Hbf to Hamburg?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Munich Hbf to Hamburg?
Is there a return trip from Munich Hbf to Hamburg?
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and ÖBB trains from Munich Hbf to Hamburg
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
ÖBB
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.
More information
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.
More information
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
More information
- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
ICE classes from Munich Hbf to Hamburg
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE when travelling from Munich Hbf to Hamburg.
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Onboard services on ICE
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Munich Hbf to Hamburg.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cheap train tickets from Munich Hbf to Hamburg
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 Munich Hbf to Hamburg 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.