There are 8 ways to get from Rotterdam to Hamburg by train, plane, bus or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Train to Amsterdam Schiphol, fly to Bremen, train • 3h 37m
€78 - €440
Cheapest option
Bus • 8h 20m
€28 - €35
6 alternative options
Train to Amsterdam Schiphol, fly to Hamburg • 4h 4m
€48 - €244
Train to Amsterdam Schiphol, fly to Hannover, train • 4h 28m
€149 - €515
Train to Brussels, fly to Hamburg • 5h 12m
€96 - €273
Train, train to Dusseldorf, fly to Hamburg • 6h 19m
€100 - €357
Train • 6h 24m
€45 - €177
Drive • 4h 41m
€60 - €95
Rotterdam to Hamburg by train
The train journey time between Rotterdam and Hamburg is around 7h 8m and covers a distance of around 517 km. The fastest train normally takes 6h 8m. Operated by Dutch Railways (NS), Eurobahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity and others, the Rotterdam to Hamburg train service departs from Rotterdam Centraal and arrives in Hamburg Hbf. Typically 102 trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
Train route overview
First and last trains
The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.
Rotterdam to Hamburg train schedules
Trains departing Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Trains departing Thursday, June 24, 2021
Dutch Railways (NS)
Dutch Railways (NS)
Dutch Railways (NS)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity
Deutsche Bahn Intercity
Deutsche Bahn Intercity
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into Germany from Netherlands
- Entry is restricted for citizens and permanent residents of Netherlands
Restricted for: Foreign nationals from outside Germany with the above exceptions
Show less
Conditions of entry into Germany from Netherlands
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival for all travellers by air
- A negative result for COVID-19 is a condition to end the quarantine obligation earlier. It is tested in quarantine on day 5
- The exact quarantine requirements depend on the regulations in each federal state
- Pre-arrival health declaration
- Passenger Locator Form (PLF) required
- Travellers with a certificate of vaccination are exempted from providing a negative COVID-19 test
- Arrivals vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine
- Quarantine is not required if the traveller has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months (certificate needed)
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival and 10 day mandatory self quarantine
Show more details
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival for all travellers by air
- A negative result for COVID-19 is a condition to end the quarantine obligation earlier. It is tested in quarantine on day 5
- The exact quarantine requirements depend on the regulations in each federal state
- Pre-arrival health declaration
- Passenger Locator Form (PLF) required
- Travellers with a certificate of vaccination are exempted from providing a negative COVID-19 test
- Arrivals vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine
- Quarantine is not required if the traveller has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months (certificate needed)
France: Mayotte, French Guiana, Guadeloupe
Finland: Satakunta, Uusimaa, Varsinais-Suomi
Norway: Innlandet
Portugal: Azores, Madeira
This applies to arrivals from all countries, with no exceptions
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 2 days before arrival and 10 day mandatory self quarantine
Show less
Rules to follow in Germany
1.5m
Mandatory
Considerations leaving from Netherlands
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
No, entry into Germany from Netherlands is currently restricted.
Explore options for future travelDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are mandatory
- There is a social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
- Domestic border crossings may be subject to approval, testing and quarantine
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Hamburg is 116 117.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Hamburg is mandatory.
The social distance requirement in Hamburg is 1.5 metres.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 116 117.
No, returning to Netherlands from Germany is currently allowed.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 21 Jun 2021
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Robert Koch Institute.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Rotterdam to Hamburg is to bus which costs €28 - €35 and takes 8h 20m.
The quickest way to get from Rotterdam to Hamburg is to train and fly which costs €75 - €440 and takes 3h 37m.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Rotterdam Central Station station and arriving at Hamburg central bus station station. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 8h 20m.
No, there is no direct train from Rotterdam to Hamburg. However, there are services departing from Rotterdam Centraal and arriving at Hamburg Hbf via Amersfoort Centraal, Hengelo and Osnabrueck Hbf. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6h 24m.
The distance between Rotterdam and Hamburg is 413 km. The road distance is 500 km.
The best way to get from Rotterdam to Hamburg without a car is to train which takes 6h 24m and costs €45 - €180.
It takes approximately 3h 37m to get from Rotterdam to Hamburg, including transfers.
Rotterdam to Hamburg bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Rotterdam Central Station.
Rotterdam to Hamburg train services, operated by Dutch Railways (NS), depart from Rotterdam Centraal station.
The best way to get from Rotterdam to Hamburg is to train which takes 6h 24m and costs €45 - €180. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €28 - €35 and takes 8h 20m.
- Distance: 412.9 km
- Duration: 3h 37m
What companies run services between Rotterdam, Netherlands and Hamburg, Germany?
You can take a train from Rotterdam to Hamburg via Amersfoort Centraal, Hengelo, and Osnabrueck Hbf in around 6h 24m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Rotterdam Central Station to Hamburg central bus station twice daily. Tickets cost €28 - €35 and the journey takes 8h 20m.
- Website
- eurowings.com
Flights from Amsterdam Schiphol to Hamburg
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 10m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €30 - €120
Flights from Dusseldorf to Hamburg
- Ave. Duration
- 1h
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €70 - €550
- Website
- klm.com
Flights from Amsterdam Schiphol to Bremen
- Ave. Duration
- 53 min
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €110 - €410
Flights from Amsterdam Schiphol to Hamburg
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 5m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €65 - €490
Flights from Amsterdam Schiphol to Hannover
- Ave. Duration
- 56 min
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €170 - €430
Flights from Brussels to Hamburg via Amsterdam Schiphol
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 30m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €130 - €240
- Website
- lufthansa.com
Flights from Amsterdam Schiphol to Hamburg via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 3h
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €170 - €380
Flights from Brussels to Hamburg
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €70 - €230
Flights from Brussels to Hamburg via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 6m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €100 - €330
Flights from Dusseldorf to Hamburg via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 3h
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €160 - €550
- Website
- brusselsairlines.com
Flights from Brussels to Hamburg
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €70 - €230
Dutch Railways (NS) is the main passenger railway operator in the Netherlands. Founded in 1938, NS connects all major cities in the Netherlands, and offers night trains, international trains, Intercity direct, and trains to and from the airport. NS International is the international subsidiary of NS; their services include high-speed trains such as Thalys, ICE International, Eurostar and TGV, to major European hubs including Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt and Lille.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +31 30 751 5155
- Website
- ns.nl
Train from Rotterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport
- Ave. Duration
- 25 min
- Frequency
- Every 20 minutes
- Estimated price
- €9 - €21
- Website
- Dutch Railways (NS)
- Book at
- Netherlands Rail Pass
- 2nd Class
- €9 - €13
- 1st Class
- €16 - €21
Train from Rotterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal
- Ave. Duration
- 37 min
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- €10 - €24
- Website
- Dutch Railways (NS)
- Book at
- Netherlands Rail Pass
- 2nd Class
- €10 - €15
- 1st Class
- €17 - €24
Train from Utrecht Centraal to Duesseldorf Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 43m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- €19 - €45
- Website
- Dutch Railways (NS)
- Book at
- Netherlands Rail Pass
- 2nd Class
- €19 - €27
- 1st Class
- €30 - €45
Train from Rotterdam Centraal to Amersfoort Centraal
- Ave. Duration
- 56 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €12 - €28
- Website
- Dutch Railways (NS)
- Book at
- Netherlands Rail Pass
- 2nd Class
- €12 - €17
- 1st Class
- €19 - €28
Train from Amersfoort Centraal to Hengelo
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 14m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- €14 - €35
- Website
- Dutch Railways (NS)
- Book at
- Netherlands Rail Pass
- 2nd Class
- €14 - €20
- 1st Class
- €23 - €35
Train from Hengelo to Osnabrueck Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 7m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- €13 - €30
- Website
- Dutch Railways (NS)
- Book at
- Netherlands Rail Pass
- 2nd Class
- €13 - €19
- 1st Class
- €22 - €30
Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed InterCity (IC) trains connect cities within Germany. They’re a popular way to travel as they’re faster than Deutsche Bahn’s regional trains and offer a frequent, fast service. All IC trains have first and second class carriages, power sockets and toilets, and most have a bistro cafe or restaurant. Tickets can be booked up to 180 days in advance of travel.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 2970
- Website
- bahn.com
Train from Bremen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 55 min
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- €40 - €65
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
Train from Hannover Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 30m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €50 - €70
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
Train from Osnabrueck Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 48m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- €55 - €85
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
German rail company Deutsche Bahn is known for its efficient and comfortable service. It offers many different types of rail transportation, including ICE or Intercity-Express for high-speed services between major cities and regions, IC (InterCity) for long-distance trains, RE (Regional Express) trains that connect regions and cities, and the S-Bahn rapid transit service. There are two main tickets on offer: the Flexpreis that has full flexibility, and the Sparpreis which is the cheaper, advanced fare (bookings usually open 6 months in advance for domestic tickets).
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 0180 6 99 66 33
- Website
- bahn.com
Train from Bremen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 56 min
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- €27 - €40
- Website
- Deutsche Bahn
Train from Hannover Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 18m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- €35 - €50
- Website
- Deutsche Bahn
Train from Osnabrueck Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 52m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- €45 - €65
- Website
- Deutsche Bahn
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- Phone
- +49 581 97164164
- presse@der-metronom.de
- Website
- der-metronom.de
Train from Bremen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 28m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Website
- metronom
Train from Hannover Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 45m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Website
- metronom
The national railway company of Switzerland, Swiss Railways operates trains throughout the country and adjacent European nations including Germany, France, Italy and Austria. Tickets are sold in two classes - First and Second - with most long-distance trains offering a bistro car serving beverages and snacks. Individual tickets can be bought easily at stands, while a variety of travel passes are on offer to suit different travel needs.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +41 51 220 11 11
- Website
- sbb.ch
Train from Bremen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 55 min
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €35 - €65
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train from Osnabrueck Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 53m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €65 - €120
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
- Phone
- +49 1807 123 99 123
- info@flixbus.de
- Website
- flixtrain.com
Train from Bremen central station to Hamburg central station
- Ave. Duration
- 58 min
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €8 - €10
- Website
- Flixtrain
Train from Osnabrück central station to Hamburg central station
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 53m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €13 - €17
- Website
- Flixtrain
Deutsche Bahn’s EuroCity (EC) trains connect German cities to major cities in neighbouring European countries, and are operated in conjunction with their national train company. All EC trains offer First and Standard class; cars are air-conditioned and food and drinks are available onboard. Tickets can be booked up to 180 days in advance of travel. Seat reservations are not compulsory but are recommended for popular routes.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 2970
- Website
- bahn.com
Train from Bremen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 56 min
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Estimated price
- €16 - €23
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
Train from Osnabrueck Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 51m
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Estimated price
- €26 - €40
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
- Phone
- +49 (0) 221 800 20 820
- info@urlaubs-express.de
- Website
- urlaubs-express.de
Train from Bremen Hauptbahnhof to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 20m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- €90 - €110
- Book at
- Urlaubs-Express
Train from Hannover Hauptbahnhof to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 31m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- €90 - €110
- Book at
- Urlaubs-Express
Deutsche Bahn’s regional network is made up of IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional-Express), RB (Regionalbahn) and S-Bahn trains. Ticket prices are fixed and there’s no seat reservations – just turn up, buy a ticket and jump on the next train. All regional trains depart regularly and connect to local and long-distance services.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 2970
- Website
- bahn.com
Train from Hannover Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 32m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €26 - €40
- Website
- reiseauskunft.bahn.de
Austria's national railway system is not only punctual, reliable and efficient, but offers free wifi to boot. Choose from high-speed intercity Railjet trains, overnight Nightjet trains and regional services such as Cityjet. ÖBB also operates international routes that connect cities in Austria with adjacent European countries including Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Slovenia. If you're planning to be in Austria for a while, consider the ÖBB Vorteilscard, an annual railcard that offers discounts on routes within Austria and in neighbouring countries.
Contact Details
Train from Hannover Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 18m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €28 - €40
- Website
- Austrian Railways
- Book at
- Austria Rail Pass
- Phone
- 040/ 19 449
- Website
- hvv.de
Train from Hannover Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 45m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €29 - €45
- Website
- HVV
- Phone
- +49 (0) 911 / 240 388 – 22
- info@bahntouristikexpress.de
- Website
- bahntouristikexpress.de
Train from Hannover Hbf to Hamburg Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 57m
- Frequency
- Twice a week
- Website
- BahnTouristikExpress GmbH
- Phone
- +32 70 66 77 88
- Website
- thalys.com
Train from Rotterdam Centraal to Anvers-Central
- Ave. Duration
- 32 min
- Frequency
- Every 2 hours
- Estimated price
- €45 - €90
- Website
- Thalys
- Standard
- €45 - €65
- Comfort
- €55 - €75
- Premium
- €60 - €90
- Phone
- 0180 6 9 27 37 27
- info@eurobahn.de
- Website
- eurobahn.de
Train from Hengelo to Osnabrueck Hbf
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 11m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €6 - €9
- Website
- Eurobahn
One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 1807 123 99 123
- info@flixbus.de
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from Rotterdam Central Station to Hamburg central bus station
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 20m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €28 - €35
- Website
- flixbus.co.uk
Want to know more about travelling around Germany
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More Questions & Answers
The quickest flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Bremen Airport is the direct flight which takes 50 min.
Rotterdam to Hamburg bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Hamburg central bus station.
Rotterdam to Hamburg train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity, arrive at Hamburg Hbf station.
Yes, the driving distance between Rotterdam to Hamburg is 500 km. It takes approximately 4h 41m to drive from Rotterdam to Hamburg.
KLM offers flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Bremen Airport.
Book your Rotterdam to Hamburg bus tickets online with Omio and FlixBus.
There are 402+ hotels available in Hamburg. Prices start at €75 per night.