Hamburg is Germany’s Gateway to the World, home to the country’s biggest port. The city offers plenty of things to do and places to visit.
Berlin is Germany’s capital, a city well known for its history and nightlife. It also offers plenty of interesting places to visit and things to do.
Summary
The short distance (288 km) between Hamburg and Berlin doesn’t require a flight (although indirect flights via Dusseldorf are available and start at €98 one way in mid-June 2012). The cheapest way to get between the two cities is the bus (whether you can score a ticket in advance for €9 or pay the standard fee of €22 or €27). Trains aren’t very expensive (from €29) either if you book in advance.
Trains from Hamburg to Berlin
Bahn.de operates fast trains (ICE , IC) between Hamburg and Berlin. The travel time is between 1h 40 min and 1h 50 min. The single savings fare starts at €34 and the standard fare is €73. On the slower trains (EC), the single fare is €29 and the standard fare is €59. The travel time is 2h. There are trains departing hourly from Hamburg between 3:46 a.m. and midnight.
>>read more about Train Travel in Germany
Buses from Hamburg to Berlin
Berlin Linen Bus operates direct buses between Hamburg and Berlin. If booked in advance the single fare starts at €9. Otherwise the fare is €22. Buses depart hourly from Berlin, starting at 7 a.m and ending at 9 p.m.
On the way back, from Hamburg to Berlin, expect fares of €9 (if seats are available and if booked in advance) or €27. Buses depart Hamburg hourly between 6:10 a.m. and 9 p.m.
>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany
Driving from Hamburg to Berlin
You can certainly rent a car in Hamburg and enjoy the 288 km drive to Berlin in A28. The travel time is about 3 h 10 min.