Hamburg to Berlin train

With only 288 km (180 miles) separating Berlin from Hamburg, both cities are just a day trip away from each other. So what’s the best way to get from Berlin to Hamburg (or vice versa)? Here are your options, from plane and train, to car, and bus.

Berlin to Hamburg by Plane

Getting from Berlin to Hamburg by plane is one of the most expensive options – and not the fastest either. Most flights from Berlin to Hamburg have layovers in other German cities, such as Düsseldorf or Frankfurt - compared to a train or car ride, flights to Hamburg will often take twice as long. Plane tickets usually start at $250 (round trip).

• Compare Flight Prices from Berlin to Hamburg

Berlin to Hamburg by Train

A better (meaning faster and cheaper) option is taking the train to Hamburg. Train tickets start at $75, and the Intercity Express train (ICE), which reaches speeds up to 300 kilometer per hour, takes you to Hamburg in only 1, 5 hours. You can book your ticket, look for special online sales, and reserve your seat on the website of the German Railway (in English).

Berlin to Hamburg by Car

Another great way to get to Hamburg? The Autobahn. If you go by car from Berlin to Hamburg, you will need between 2, 5 and 3 hours, depending on traffic. Getting to Hamburg is easy: From Berlin, take the B 114, then the A 10, which merges into the A 24. Follow the Autobahn A 24 all the way to Hamburg (there are also plenty of signs along the way).

Berlin to Hamburg By Bus

The cheapest option to get from Berlin to Hamburg (and vice versa) is by bus. Tickets start at 30 Dollar, and it takes a bit more than 3 hours to reach Hamburg.

A recommended German bus company is Berlin Linien Bus – reliable, modern, and clean.