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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Cologne and Hanover. The average train journey from Cologne to Hanover takes 3 hours and 29 minutes, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 3 hours and 27 minutes.
| Distance | 155 mi (249 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 27m |
| Lowest price | $5.30 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cologne to Hanover?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Hanover. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 3h 30m | $15.57 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 2 daily trips to Hanover from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Hannover Train Station in Hanover after about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cologne and Hanover is approximately 155 miles, or 249 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 27 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cologne to Hanover. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Cologne twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Hanover with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Hanover to Cologne.
City Information
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Hanover
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Situated on the River Leine, Hanover is the largest city in the German state of Lower Saxony. This historic city is now an important commercial center and home to a large university, the Leibniz University Hanover.
Aside from industry, Hanover is known for being a hub for festivals in Germany. The city is always celebrating something, but two of the biggest events are the hugely popular Oktoberfest Hanover and the Hanover Schutzenfest, a target shooting competition.
Even if you skip the revelry at these festivals, Hanover offers a rich cultural experience in its world-class museums, theaters, and galleries. One of Hanover's cultural centerpieces is the Hanover Opera House. Built in 1852, this impressive building hosts opera performances during opera season, from September to June.
Like most of Germany, Hanover is extremely accessible thanks to robust transport options. Hanover Airport is served by many major airlines, while the train station has many connections from various destinations across the country. Plus, intercity bus service on BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, FlixBus, and more connects Hanover to other German cities, including Dresden, Cologne, Hamburg, and more.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne Central Station
Where is the train station in Hanover?
Main arrival station: Hannover Train Station
Hanover receives travelers from Cologne at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Hanover:
Hannover Train Station
Central Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Hanover to Cologne?
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