The Berlin-Hamburg options
| Option | Duration | Price seen | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct ICE | about 1h47 | Sparpreis from about €18 (indicative); flexible dearer | Every 30 minutes since June 2026 |
| Sparpreis ticket | 1h47 | cheapest | Tied to a specific train, not freely exchangeable |
| Flexpreis ticket | 1h47 | dearer | Valid on any train that day, can be bought at the station |
What happened with the closure
The line was closed for a full renovation for about ten and a half months, until 14 June 2026; the work ran about six weeks late. After reopening, long-distance trains had to run more slowly on some sections until the end of June while systems were tested. The normal timetable is now back. The next works on this corridor: the Berlin-Hanover line, from 2 October 2026 (see Berlin to Amsterdam by train).
Booking at the best price
- Book several weeks ahead and avoid Friday and Sunday evenings.
- A DB promotion at €8.99 took place in January 2026 for travel until 31 March; it is over, but other offers may return: watch for deals.
- The Deutschlandticket does not cover ICE trains.
Arriving in Berlin
ICE trains arrive at Berlin Hbf, in the heart of the government quarter: see our guide to Berlin's main station. To continue to other cities see Berlin to Amsterdam, Berlin to Munich, Paris to Berlin, and for a day out from Berlin excursions from Berlin.
