Copenhagen to Hamburg train with Deutsche Bahn (EC,IC,RE)

Copenhagen to Hamburg By Train: Crossing Three Amazing Bridges

Introduction

Connecting Copenhagen to continental Europe is the vital EuroCity service, linking the railway networks of Scandinavia to the rest of Europe. Trains from Copenhagen to Hamburg run roughly every two hours and take a scenic route, crossing over three spectacular bridges. In this guide, I’ll show you what to expect from the journey and how to make the most of it.

Route Overview

Danish State Railways (DSB) and Deutsche Bahn (DB) operate 5–7 daily trains between the two cities. The journey takes just under 5 hours.

You’ll also find night trains operated by SJ and Snälltåget, coming from Sweden, but given the short travel time, I’d stick with the DSB/DB daytime trains.

If you're planning to travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg, there are also buses and flights, but most buses take the Rødby–Puttgarden ferry, skipping the iconic bridges. You can compare the different transport options on Omio, but I recommend you take the train for the scenery!

Transportation Experience

The train from Copenhagen to Hamburg is by far the most convenient way to go from city center to city center. Both Københavns Hovedbanegård and Hamburg Hauptbahnhof are centrally located, with great public transport connections.

While the train used on the Copenhagen to Hamburg route is a bit dated and lacks some amenities, it offers comfortable seats and spectacular views. Starting in late 2025, brand-new Talgo trains are expected to enter service, improving the experience even more.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

All EuroCity trains depart from Københavns Hovedbanegård (Copenhagen Main Station), right by Tivoli Gardens and the historic city center.

Trains arrive at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg Main Station), which is just as central and within walking distance to the city’s famous canals and shopping streets.

Schedule & Frequency

There are at least 5 daily departures, with up to 7 in the summer, taking about 5 hours to complete the trip. Trains from Copenhagen to Hamburg depart roughly every 2 hours, but double-check the schedule before you travel.

SJ and Snälltåget night trains also pass through this corridor on routes from Sweden to Germany and Austria. However, I do not recommend this option, as the journey is simply too short to get good sleep going overnight to Hamburg.

Onboard Experience & Services

The DSB/DB EuroCity trains currently use older German Intercity carriages as a stop-gap solution until the Talgo fleet arrives.

The train features:

• Second Class: Mostly open seating, with some six-seat compartments.
• First Class: All six-seat compartments, slightly more space, quiet, and guaranteed to have power outlets.

Comfort is decent in both classes, with good padding and reclining seats. However, be aware that some carriages in Second Class only have a few or no power outlets at all. It’s a similar situation when it comes to Wi-Fi, too. Some carriages are equipped, but there are often a few without. The connection is generally good on the Danish segment, with fast speeds, but it drops considerably once the train enters Germany. If you need internet access, be prepared to move to a different carriage or ensure you have mobile data coverage.

There’s no dining car onboard, but you might see the quirky 7-Eleven Jetpack pass through the train. It's a crew member equipped with a tray of snacks on the front and a hot drink tank on the back, which looks slightly like they are wearing a jetpack. Very limited selection, however, so I recommend grabbing food at Copenhagen Station before departure!

As with most European trains, there are no luggage weight or size restrictions. You can bring as much as you can reasonably carry. However, larger bags may need to be stored in the luggage racks at the ends of the carriage if they don’t fit between or above the seats.

Scenery Highlights

1. Great Belt Fixed Link: About an hour from Copenhagen, the train enters an impressive 8-kilometer tunnel followed by a 6.6-kilometer bridge. It's Denmark’s longest fixed water crossing!

2. Little Belt Bridge: A classic bridge from 1935, offering beautiful views of Lillebælt and the surrounding nature park.

3. Rendsburger Hochbrücke: To gain enough height to clear ship traffic, the train makes an almost complete loop on itself while gaining altitude before crossing over the Kiel Canal. It looks very impressive!

These engineering marvels and the changing Danish-German landscape make the journey fly by!

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

• Second Class: From €28.99
• First Class: From €59.99 (free hot drink, water, and snack while the train is in Denmark)

Prices vary by demand and timing, so book early for the best deal! I find the comfort upgrade in First Class to be minor on this train. Stick to Second Class unless you want guaranteed power outlets or prefer to sit in a compartment.

My Trip Cost

• First Class Ticket: €79.99 (booked a week ahead)
• Seat Reservation: €6.50

Total: €86.49

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• First Class travel is the only way to guarantee a power outlet at your seat.
• Seat reservations on this route are mandatory during the summer. That said, these trains can get packed on weekends and busy travel days, so I recommend reserving one regardless.
• There are only small snacks on offer, so pack your own lunch or grab to-go from the station in Copenhagen.

Conclusion

The DSB/DB EuroCity train from Copenhagen to Hamburg may not be the newest on the tracks, but it more than makes up for it with unforgettable views and a smooth, scenic ride. This route showcases some of the most impressive railway engineering in Northern Europe.

Taking the Copenhagen to Hamburg train is easy, affordable, and far more memorable than flying or taking the bus, and booking your ticket is just a few clicks away on Omio. Just don’t forget to reserve a seat and grab snacks before departure!

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Rail Content Creator

• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.