Still a bit mesmerized by Copenhagen’s iconic sites and cool vibes, your car trip to Hamburg sees you waving goodbye to the capital of Denmark for a journey of passing through the heart of the country towards a bright harbor city. This exhibition of marvelous Scandinavian and northern German towns takes around four hours and 40 minutes, covering a distance of 208.7 miles (336 km).
Riding in a comfortable car with Daytrip, you’ll cross Denmark via its islands, offering you amazing views as well as stops. Stop at Roskilde to admire the first ever “Brick Gothic” cathedral, where you'll find the tomb of Harold Bluetooth, and the Baroque Roskilde Palace next to it, is the perfect send-off to Denmark. On the German side, visiting Kiel serves as a little preview of Hamburg, with its waterfront to the Baltic Sea and chilly winds. Stop by the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research to observe seals in their outdoor seal aquarium.
As your car trip comes to a close, your driver will deliver you to your final destination in Hamburg and offload your luggage for you. Sound like a perfect adventure through northern Europe? Read on to plan your trip from Copenhagen to Hamburg!
About Hamburg
Hamburg is nicknamed the “Germany's Gateway to the World" for its lively port, which is the largest in the country and the third-largest in Europe. Located on the River Elbe, the Port of Hamburg and has been the center of trade for more than a century. Naturally, some of the city’s favorite attractions are scattered around the port, including the historic Speicherstadt (warehouse district) and the modern HafenCity.
Another outstanding thing about Hamburg is its dedication to the arts, which can be seen in its diverse range of cultural offerings. From the high art at the Kunsthalle, full of masterpieces from medieval to contemporary art (including Caspar David Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog”), to the Reeperbahn Festival, Germany’s largest club festival. And then there is Elbphilharmonie, which is renowned for both its innovative and striking architecture and for being one of the most acoustically advanced halls in the world.
From Copenhagen to Hamburg: travel tips
Getting from Copenhagen to Hamburg is nothing short of complicated if you’re traveling with Daytrip. Regardlessly, here are a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
Keep travel documents with you
Even though Denmark and Germany are both in the Schengen Area, occasional temporary border checks can occur. Have all necessary identification and travel documents readily available to avoid any issues during these checks. In general, you should keep your passport with you at all times, as random ID checks do happen.
### Manage your timing
To avoid heavy traffic, especially during rush hours near major cities, try to plan your departure early in the morning or later in the evening. It’ll definitely save you some energy and time. Plus, if you leave early, you’ll get to explore more on the way.
### Prepare for changing weather
The weather in northern Europe can change on a dime, especially when crossing over the open waters of the Baltic Sea. When packing your day bag, include a light jacket for possible rainy or windy conditions, and a few insulating layers as well!
How to get from Copenhagen to Hamburg
There are several different ways you can choose to travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg, take a look and choose the one that suits you the most.
Copenhagen to Hamburg by bus
If you're on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Copenhagen to Hamburg. Flixbus is the main bus service on this route with a bus departing every three hours daily. Tickets start at around $28 (26 euros). The bus ride takes from five and a half hours to almost seven hours, which makes it not the most convenient option. It’s always better to book your tickets beforehand since each Flixbus gets quite crowded.
### Copenhagen to Hamburg by train
There are direct trains operated by Deutsche Bahn running between Copenhagen and Hamburg. The train tickets can cost nearly twice as much as the bus, with prices starting at $48 (45 euros). There are usually five direct trains a day, which get you to Hamburg in just under 5 hours. There are several more that require you to make two transfers; one in Fredericia and the other in Flensburg. These indirect trains can take up to seven and a half hours.
### Copenhagen to Hamburg by plane
It is possible to fly from Copenhagen to Hamburg, but it is definitely not the best option. Scandinavian Airlines operates a handful of direct flights daily, with tickets costing 120 euros and up. While the flight time is just over an hour, after you factor in getting to and from the airport, plus 2 hours for check-in and security, flying doesn't save you any time and will often be the most expensive option.
### Copenhagen to Hamburg by private car service
While there are direct trains and buses, if you value comfort, privacy, and most importantly, an unforgettable experience, Daytrip's private car service is the best way to get from Copenhagen to Hamburg.
Your private driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Copenhagen, load your luggage, and set off to your final destination in Hamburg. No worrying about getting to bus or train stations with heavy bags!
You’ll enjoy a stress-free and comfortable drive with your English-speaking Daytrip driver who will be happy to enlighten you about the surroundings. And even better, you can stop for sightseeing at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Roskilde, with the world's largest brick Gothic cathedral, or the medieval port town of Lubeck.
You won’t have to worry about parking, driving, navigating, catching trains, buses, or flights. All you need to do will be to enjoy the trip full-on.
### Copenhagen to Hamburg by rental car
If you prefer to drive yourself from Copenhagen to Hamburg, you can rent a car, though the island hopping experience can be a bit frustrating. Drive south through Denmark, crossing over to Germany via the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link (currently a ferry crossing from Rødby, Denmark to Puttgarden, Germany), and then continue on to Hamburg.
The trip takes around 5 hours in ideal conditions, but it depends on traffic and the ferry crossing. Costs include fuel, vehicle rental, and the ferry ticket. If you're not driving back to Copenhagen, also make sure you get a rental that you can return in a different city. Ferry prices can vary, and booking in advance might save some money.
Things to do when you get to Hamburg
After you finally arrive from Copenhagen to Hamburg, you’ll most probably walk around Speicherstadt and the port, catch a concert at the Elbphilharmonie, and admire the artworks in Kunsthalle. But there are a few other things to do when you get to Hamburg:
### Lose yourself in Speicherstadt
Without a doubt, Hamburg's biggest attraction is the Speicherstadt. Built between 1883 and the late 1920s, this warehouse complex is the largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step inside and you'll find that they're no longer warehouses but fun attractions and museums. There's the Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg with thousands of model ships, and The Deutsches Zollmuseum (lit. “German Customs Museum”) where you can learn about the port's customs and smuggling.
But not everything is sea-related. Check out rare auto prototypes at the Automuseum Prototyp, enjoy a locally roasted cup of coffee at Kaffeerösterei, or learn about Hamburg's history at the spooky Hamburg Dungeon. The city's single most popular attraction is here as well: the enormous model railway system at Miniatur Wunderland.
### Start your day with a Franzbrötchen
Dive into the local cuisine by trying Franzbrötchen, a unique pastry native to Hamburg. This cinnamon-flavored treat is similar to a croissant but sweeter! Head to any local bakery in the morning to get them fresh and warm—a perfect start to your day in Hamburg.
### Tour the Reeperbahn
Experience Hamburg’s famous Reeperbahn, also known as the "Sinful Mile", the center of the city’s nightlife. This vibrant street in St. Pauli has an array of clubs, bars, and theaters. For an authentic taste of Hamburg's music scene, catch a live band at one of the many venues or enjoy the energetic atmosphere as you walk along the area.
### Visit the Hamburg Fish Market
No trip to Hamburg is complete without a visit to its legendary Fish Market. It’s been operating since 1703! The market is not only about fish; you can find fresh fruits, flowers, clothing, and more. It opens early on Sunday mornings and is a great place to join in everyday Hamburger life, enjoy live music, and snack on various local foods.
When is the best time to visit Hamburg
In Hamburg, each season is filled with unique experiences, but spring is the best time to visit. The city awakens as people gather in downtown areas like Jungfernstieg for shopping or drinks by the Alster Lake. The trendy Schanzenviertel fills with hip crowds enjoying craft beers and fruity cocktails, while HafenCity’s terraces and the Dom funfair draw travelers outdoors. The season peaks with the Port Anniversary, Hamburg's largest public festival.
Summer sees locals and travelers at beaches like Oevelgönne and Blankenese, enjoying frequent public festivals, or relaxing in open-air cinemas at night.
Autumn is perfect for scenic bike tours and exploring the foliage in local parks, while cultural events pick up as the weather cools.
Winter offers the charm of Christmas markets, museum visits, and ice-skating on Alster Lake, with indoor skiing available at the Snow Dome in Bispingen, compensating for the region's flat terrain. But be careful, during the winter season the winds can be quite strong.
The train ride from Copenhagen to Hamburg can be between around five hours to seven and a half. The duration depends on how many transfers you need to make and the waiting time at the transfer stations.
Try to spend at least a weekend in Hamburg. You want to give yourself enough time to explore the port and Speicherstadt, catch a show at the Elbphilharmonie, visit some bars or museums depending on your preferences, and shop at the Sunday Fish Market.
Yes, the train route from Copenhagen to Hamburg is quite scenic. As you cross through Denmark and northern Germany you’re treated to picturesque views of both the coast and countryside.
Without a doubt! Speicherstadt is filled with attractions for all ages, and younger kids especially love the Miniatur Wunderland. If your kids are a bit older, their memories of a concert at the Elbphilharmonie will last a lifetime (even if they sulk about it now).
A private car service is the fastest way to get from Copenhagen to Hamburg, getting you door-to-door in under 5 hours. A direct train is the next best, getting you station-to-station in about 5 hours. Flying takes the same amount of time after you factor in all the extra waiting time, so it isn't recommended.
While it doesn’t rank at the top of traveler’s lists, Hamburg is absolutely worth visiting. The historic port, built around the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, is one of those alternative destinations that will have your friends asking “Where is that?” when they see your travel photos
沿途参观这些景点
罗斯基勒
This viking city’s UNESCO-listed cathedral has been the burial place of the Danish monarchy for centuries, but it’s best known for its massive music festival. Rock the Boat
奥登塞
The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen is an enchanting mix of history and culture. The Fairytale Capital
弗伦斯堡
Many of this medieval port town’s most beautiful monument are thanks to the fortune it made trading rum. Flensburg
基尔
Kiel is an integral part of the world’s maritime culture, hosting the largest regatta and 2 separate Olympics. Gateway to the Baltic
吕贝克
The city of Lubeck is a picture book twelfth-century German port boasting over 1000 historical buildings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Queen of the Hanseatic cities
阿伦斯堡城堡
Special slippers have visitors sliding through one of Germany’s finest Renaissance estates. Waltz through Time
"Yes we enjoyed the trips with Sergey and Marian. They helped us with our luggages and made sure we were comfortable. They are very friendly and accomodating and we arrived to our destinations on time. Will recommend their services highly. Thank you for the pleasant trip!
"
Grace V.
Philippines
2019年9月30日
"Hi Marketa,
Roman was very polite, punctual and courteous. We felt safe driving in the car as he drove conservatively and stoped every two hours for a break.
Roman was also our driver from Hamburg to Hanover.
We would certainly be happy to have Roman as our driver again.
"
